Changes

Due to the new job I've made a few changes to this blog. "Be Careful What You Wish For", which started as a writing exercise and an insight into the life of a TV reporter is now more aimed at people who might want to get in touch with me to talk about work opportunities, so the blog title has become "Nick Wallis". Also, "Be Careful What You Wish For", as a phrase, has ended its useful life. I've spent the 14 years of my career hoping/wishing/trying to get a decent regular radio show. Now I've got one, and I'm happy about it. So we're into phase 2. So, above the fold on the front page is now an information panel which will remain more or less static. Alongside is my twitter feed, which I update regularly. I've put in an odd selection of contact details in the information panel, including my mobile phone number. Not necessarily a good idea, but we'll give it a go. I didn't want to put my home email address up in order to avoid the spambots, nor did I think it was appropriate to put my bbc email address, so there are options of reaching me via twitter, facebook and the blog itself. And there's the mobile phone number. Almost all work offers I have ever had have come over the phone, so it seems silly not to put it up. I've removed the ads and removed the recommended blogs, just to de-clutter the page, and there isn't really much point in leaving the email subscription box, but I didn't want to chuck it out just yet. As the day to day work stuff I do is now on the BBC Surrey Breakfast Blog, and my life is now almost wholly geared around the demands of the show and my family, it's unlikely I'll get much of a chance to write regular posts here. However I did enjoy putting together this blog, partly as therapy after a hard day running round trying to make television news, but also as a surprisingly good way of staying in touch with people and making new friends. There are a couple ideas I've got knocking around which lend themselves to longer form writing which have nothing to do with the radio show. Unfortunately they contrast so much with the corporate front that the information panel at the top of this blog presents, it might be best to start another, separate, personal blog and accommodate them there. One thing I have learned is that if I make a blog private (ie use it like a diary, or to write fiction, god help us), I don't use it. Even if no one is reading what I write in my public blogs, the only motivation that works is the knowledge that someone might read and respond to it. I know that's a bit silly, as it could certainly be a lot more lucrative and rewarding in the long term to keep a detailed diary, or write a blockbuster thriller, but that doesn't seem to be the way my brain works. Your comments, as ever, most welcome.

Testimonials

Hosting Radio at the Edge 2008. "Nick was an entertaining and effective host who spent time mastering the brief and understanding the topics under discussion. I would have no hesitation in recommending him as an MC and facilitator for any corporate event." -- Trevor Dann. Director, The Radio Academy. ________________________________________________________ Roving reporter for the Sony Radio Academy Awards 2004 - 2009 "Nick is a joy to work with and can self produce with just the shortest of briefings. We always know that he'll deliver just what we need - concise, witty, relevant reports and insightful interviews with just the right people. Nick is a real asset to the team and we're always glad to work with him." -- Georgina Hall | Sony Radio Academy Awards Secretariat ________________________________________________________ Hosting Open Democracy Day - Reigate Town Hall, Oct 2009 "It was with some trepidation I viewed our Democracy Day. Traditionally six schools send a group of 15-16 year olds for a Q&A session in the style of Question Time. The host must empathise with the pupils and be authoritative and focused with the panel. My fears were groundless as Nick Wallis took charge instantly. The mention of his work on Radio 1 had the students’ attention which he kept for whole session. The panel were given just enough time to make their points but allowed no deviation. We would certainly use him again if he is available – and I have learned a great way to warm up an audience!" Cllr Richard Mantle, Mayor of Reigate and Banstead