For me to chat ‘casually’ about Dyslexia and Eczema on live TV involved multiple stages of planning. What you see on TV and what I saw makes it look so straightforward! I now have a far greater appreciation of what goes on for a short 6 minute segment.
Firstly, my story was submitted to my PR manager, he pitched the idea to Sky News, they agreed, then I was on stand by waiting for a time slot. In the next couple of weeks, I emailed the Sky News Producer images, a running sheet of Q&A’s and also shared my story with Tim Gilbert, the Weekend Journalist and host who would be interviewing me. Human interest stories, that are not time specific such as mine, are often slotted in to fill last minute segments. So I was loosely booked in for a date in 3 weeks, of which changed to “Are you available this Saturday morning?’ ‘Woah, yes, okay!’ Having never been on a LIVE cross situation on TV before I was nervous about the logistics of it all. ‘Would I be able to hear everyone? Would I hear myself speaking? Would I see myself speaking? ‘What happens if I don’t receive the zoom link in time?’ Will I know what to do if something technical doesn’t work?
Simon, my tech savvy husband, hooked everything up. So many devices. So many settings. So grateful for his skills! We did a couple of test sessions and I felt more confident, buuuuuuuuuutttt it’s live TV. Eeeek!
Then as the morning approached I became extra nervous. All I could think about was the email that would be sent through 20-30mins before my time slot. Time came closer, the 30 minute mark came and went, so did the 20 minute mark, then 15. Still no email. This was when I was most nervous. There was nothing I could do except wait. Then finally 8 minutes before I was live, I received the email. I was in. Breathe.
As I sat watching my screen I could see the current segment being played in live time. I thought to myself, I’m going to be next. Right then, a voice was in my ear, Daniel, one of the production crew was speaking to me. I couldn’t see him, but could hear him clearly. Phew. He had me adjust my camera and come closer to the camera. It was strange feeling hearing instructions but not seeing anyone. He could see me, but I couldn’t see him. I’ll never forget how calm he was. Then he casually says, ‘You’re on next’. I paused, then about a minute later, I see Tim Gilbert on my laptop in front of me introducing my story. Then I saw myself! Weird!! After some initial nerves, once I began talking I was ok. Tim was warm and friendly which made me relax. Before I knew it my 6 mins was done and I signed out. Oh. my. gosh. What just happened??
I didn’t know what to do, I sat there a bit stunned and then saw Levi, Kyla and Simon waving excitedly to me from the house. I had done it. Phew. They were jumping up and down shouting out, ‘We saw you on TV Mummy!’
Later I checked my email and 16 mins after my story was aired, a lady from New Zealand purchased my book after seeing me! Crazy cool. Writing this article a couple of months later feels surreal. It did happen and here are some photos to prove it wasn’t a dream. ha ha.
Watch the full interview here.
Behind the scenes
