#licensingact2003

The morning had arrived for my media interview, and the nerves were kicking in. I felt as if I had done a sufficient amount of research into each topic, but I did have two which I felt more confident talking about (timing or crisis management), which is strange as they were not the initial two I wanted to be questioned on (timing or food festival).

Going to the library to carry out some research on the timing scenario, I found myself reading it over and over and finding several different artist’s who had arrived late to a show. Madonna, Justin Bieber and Rihanna were the ones popping up everywhere, but I thought, this is not answering the questions I have been given? They were just explaining the reasons and arrogance they showed about them coming on late, nothing about how they apologised or compensated the fans. So I wrote down an answer for the question as if it was my own opinion and what I would do in the situation. Once I had seen the second question, I knew I needed to research more as it asked for legislations.The Agent of Change was an interesting principle that relates to the fact that the neighbourhood faced disruptions. Their aim is ‘the person or business responsible for the change is responsible for managing the impact of the change’.

I learnt many new things when researching about the food festival scenario. The answer to these questions were going to be more factual rather than an opinion, so I think this was the easiest to research. I noticed that the festival was based in High Wycombe, so I went to the Wycombe District Council website to see the type of license needed for this kind of event. I also had a printed out checklist ready, if I were to be questioned on this scenario and a brief knowledge on the HACCP system (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point). There were several different websites that explored food safety at events as it is important to know about when running a food festival.

Drug dealing at venues was difficult to find information about as venue owners dislike talking about it. Drugs are an increasing issue for many night time venues and it is almost impossible to tackle it. However, from the research I carried out, cooperation with drug users is beginning to happen. The Loop, is a drug testing/consultation service where people are able to get their drugs tested to make sure it is not cut with something deadly. Some view it as a brilliant idea whereas some view it as encouragement. If this was the scenario I was questioned on, I would be in two minds about The Loop being positive or negative. Eradicating drug dealing at venues is something I am quite passionate about, so I think if this was the scenario I had, more genuine passion would have been shown.

Crisis management was the interview I had to carry out, and I was very pleased. Even though, whilst I was completing my research on this, it was the one I hoped not to get. The questions given for this situation needed more of an opinionated answer, like the timing scenario. I realised when I was rehearsing that this was much easier to talk about instead of reeling off several facts. Lily Allen was a prime example of someone who posts political views on social media and the backlash linked to it (I will post the interview with her on here). She had so many negative comments thrown at her, and for all people in the public eye, this is going to happen.

Thinking back to the interview now, I can not remember the other two questions Alan asked me… all I remember is they were all quite similar. I felt nervous when walking in, but before the camera started filming I took a deep breath so I was not completely flustered throughout. I felt as if I kept professional by maintaining eye contact and trying not to fidget, and tying my hair back into a low bun was a great idea. Dressing up smart for the occasion enabled me to feel more businesslike, despite getting a blister from the heels I was wearing. I noticed that I did ramble on slightly, and I think Alan noticed this as well, but he still seemed pleased with my effort.

I had practised articulating my words and not using ‘umm’, ‘ahh’ or ‘like’ but the nerves got the better of me and ‘like’ came out way too much. I tried making the interview as conversational as possible instead of it sounding like I was reading from a script, I allowed my smiley personality to come through and hid the nerves as best as I could. I knew that Alan was going to ask if I had anymore to say at the end, so I used this opportunity to apologise once again as I think this was a simple but important thing to remember. Once the interview was over, I remember walking out feeling pleased that it was over but very happy about my performance.