In the Hot Seat
Age? (very optional!!!) "27" (just!)
Earliest memory?
"Getting abandoned by my parents on the Isle of Wight when I was about
four - I wandered off and got lost, and they nearly got the
ferry home without me!"
Favourite place?
"In the garden at mum and dad's back in lovely Suffolk"
Favourite music?
"Lots really - Coldplay, Keane, U2, The Verve, Radiohead, The Strokes...
but I'm always up for bit of 80's throwback stuff too!"
Any special qualifications/achievements that you're proud of?
"I'm very close to getting the elite qualifying time for the marathon -
I'm just nine minutes adrift at the moment - 3.24 hrs is my best... and
I became the first female football commentator in the history of the
BBC in my first year as a broadcaster."
First job? "Waitress in a local pub while at school."
Best job? "The one I have now!!"
Dream job? "Sue Barker's - Grandstand presenter!"
How did you get started in doing what you do?
"I did the usual, begged for work experience all over the place,
and was lucky to get a break at Radio Kent."
How long ago?
"I've been in Kent for nearly three years, but started doing
bits and bobs in radio at uni."
Where would you have been seen or heard since you
started broadcasting?
"BBC Radio Kent, BBC South East Today, BBC Radio Five Live"
Best on-air moment?
"Commentating on Gillingham's win over Charlton in the FA Cup."
Worst on-air moment (embarrassing or otherwise)?
"Oh there've been several... probably admitting that Orlando Bloom
wasn't my type, when, unbeknown to me, his mum was sitting next to my
co-presenter in a different studio when he asked me if I fancied him!"
(To be honest I didn't know who he was even)
Describe a typical working day (if there is such a thing!)
"Quite dull really... if I'm on an early shift I'm up at 4.30am, reading
first bulletin at 6.30am, then more bulletins up to lunch. Then I'll be
chasing stories, possibly nipping out to get some interviews, coming
back and writing them up, and usually leave at about 3pm. Saturdays are
best, that's when I'm out at the footy which is much more fun!"
Any ambitions left?
"Plenty! I've only just started really. I'd like to become the first
female commentator on network radio, and would love to commentate on
the athletics at an Olympic Games. I'd also love to start a marathon
alongside Paula Radcliffe, although I wouldn't be able to stick with
her for long..."
Biggest influence in your life?
"My family - I've always had lots of support from mum,
dad and my sister Lauren."
Best advice that you've been given and why?
"Keep a thick skin, even when people are trying to bring you down, and
believe in yourself. Sadly there are still some people who find it hard
to accept women working in sport."
Any hobbies or special interests?
"I love running, and singing too, I used to be in a band at uni. I can't
cook, but I can clean for England."
Any advice for those who want to get started in radio?
"Prostitute yourself everywhere until you get a lucky break!"
Thanks to Jodie for answering our questions, listen to BBC Radio Kent for Jodie's excellent commentary of The Gills!
Copyright: Jodie Fielder/Martin Phillp 2004
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