Wednesday 1 December 2010

When I say Tinie, you say Tempah!

The 40 minute wait in the freezing cold last night was totally worth it. Tinie Tempah owned the stage in a wicked show in front of a sold out crowd at Camden’s Koko.



MTV launched its annual Brand New campaign. There are ten nominated acts this year; most of them will be huge in 2011. Watching the previews you can tell who’s favorite. People went crazy for Far East Movement, Wretch 32, Ruff Diamondz, Willow Smith, and of course Labrinth. Five strong contenders, though I would include Jamie Moon as well.

Thinking of Miami and Ibiza

40 minutes waiting in temperatures below 0 was quite challenging for me. I survived and at around 7.30pm I was in; found a good spot on the balcony on the second floor and waited. Around 8 some MTV employees started moving around. The show was about to begin.

Show time

Labrinth kicked off the event and proved to be the strongest nominee. Not only Let the Sun Shine, but ever y song he performed kept people cheering and dancing.
The grime MC Wretch 32 appeared later and prepared the atmosphere for Tinie Tempah.

Disturbing London is the company

Around 10 Tinie Tempah himself took the stage opening with Simply Unstoppable from the Disc-Overy album. I knew it pretty well because just like 90 % of the people there I had the album.
Hit after hit Tinie entertained the under 18 and over 35 jumping across the stage, smiling, and basically enjoying himself. His casual look and attitude is what got the fans.

Of course, his microphone was covered with expensive precious stones, and the cost of his watch probably was the same as my tuition, but that was not what mattered. The only thing I remember from his outfit is the Disturbing London T-Shirt. This is what I want for Christmas.

He was not allowed to swear on TV, but I forgive him. His album just became platinum. And there is a reason for that. Every song could easily be a TOP 40 hit. Five out of 13 have already entered the charts, including the new one Invincible with Kelly Rowland.

Personal

Tinie got personal performing Let Go (with the vocals of Emeli Sande). This is the last song on the album and his favorite. There was a surprising Coldplay song during his set. He and his band were enjoying singing every word from Viva La Vida.

Where’s my clap, where's my encore?

Everybody was waiting for Pass Out and we got it at end. Tinie and Labrinth joined forces and people were jumping up and down so hard that for a minute I thought that the balcony might fall out. That was the moment when Tempah reminded who is his favorite for the MTV Brand New for 2011.

Five star show

Overall the show was success and for me the main reason was Tinie Tempah’s personality. You can tell that he was there to have fun with his fans.

Sunday 28 November 2010

Some American girls just love European boys

The end of the week, outside is freezing cold and inside I’m having fun watching some comedy.



It is fair to say that American girls are obsessed with European men. Why is that?

When I was in the U.S. I’ve been told that the accent turns them on. One of the girls said: “If someone with British accent tells me that 2 + 2 = 5, I would (imagine Valley girl accent here) like totally believe him. That’s awesome!”

I guess it's the accent
Accent is part of the charm I guess. The other thing may be the way we spend our money. In Europe we love to spend on clothes and products. We also love to flirt and generally tend to be players. It’s just my narrow-minded assumption.

I saw this crazy, outrageously funny video on Salon.com about Katherine ChloĆ© Cahoon who wrote a book on the subject. It’s definitely something you need to see. She acts like a character from Legally Blond and you just can’t stop laughing. It’s obviously a joke, but some people take it seriously.

Now it’s time for a European girl to write book about the American guys. They tend to be manlier than the Eurodudes and probably more faithful, again, a narrow-minded assumption.

Tuesday 23 November 2010

“Some colleges are not selling education, they are selling immigration”, Sir Andrew Green, of Migration Watch talking to the BBC

What a great debate topic. I haven’t been debating for a long time. This issue is a perfect opportunity to test my debate skills.



I came to study journalism in London at the University of Westminster mainly to learn how to make documentaries that impact peoples’ lives. At this stage I’m not thinking of staying after my graduation, but even if I decide I’ll have something in mind: some people here want me to go home.

Sir Andrew Green, of Migration Watch was guest on the Today program on the BBC Radio 4. “Not many people realize that now we’re admitting to this country about a thousand students every day of the year. There are no interviews before they’re granted their visa and there’s no check on their departure. We’re totally in favor of having foreign students at our universities if they go home again. If their purpose is actually to come and stay, they add to population and we don’t need that.”

The debate

In times of recession is almost necessary to put immigration cap. There are fewer jobs for home workers to take up. Cheap foreign labor impacts the domestic low-skill workers and they pay the heaviest price. The welfare of the needy citizens should be a top priority for the government.

On the other hand, the free movement of labor is not only an individual right. It is also beneficial to the host country. Many Western countries grew faster in the past as a result of hiring non-citizen workers. When there is more competition for a position, companies would employ more people including citizens. Economy expands and the unskilled citizens are protected socially.

True, this might help the local economy, but that deprives another country of skilled work force. The lack of such workers in any country is detrimental to its economy. Especially if we talk about the European Union its integrity depends on the strength of each member.

Yes, the European Union’s integrity is important, but does it to make compromises with the right to free travel and labor?

In conclusion

Once again, missing the point of the European Union. As for the British education, I'm satisfied at the moment and confident that it will be helpful. The front page message on the Education UK web site verifies : “UK education is all about you. No matter what level, you’ll have the flexibility to shape your study to suit your needs. This freedom; combined with a centuries-old tradition of excellence and an innovative approach to teaching makes UK education recognized and respected all over the world.”

Saturday 20 November 2010

How come nine out of ten Britons listen to the radio?

There is a legitimate reason for newspapers in the UK to publish radio listings. People here love their radio. Why? Because it listens and talks to them. 

I have always been a fan of radio. At the same time, I have been involved professionally as a broadcaster since 1996. I love conversations about radio especially with people who share the same passion. Gillian Reynolds is a critic for the Daily Telegraph. Her article "Radio critic? It's the best job in the world" inspired me for this post.

I've been trying to figure out why radio is so big in Britain. Now I think I know the answer. The managers don't make any compromises with the content of their programs. The listener is what matters.

Back in Bulgaria

In a way this is what the government or public owned (in Bulgaria is really hard to define the state media) radio is trying to do. The only bad thing is that ghost of communism and government influence is still present there. For the listeners it is not a problem. Horizont is on the top of the ratings. (The link is in Bulgarian)

The private radio will turn twenty next year. However, it still misses a very important point. People can switch off radio at any time. You need to work harder to get their attention. First, try to please them, not the advertisers. Second, don't be on the stage under the spotlight, be with the listener. Third, try to leave the comfort zone of the market research data, be a pioneer.

My favorite radio moments

It is difficult to point out my top radio moments from the Bulgarian radio history. There are definitely dating back to before I started work for radio after high school.  These are the moments that inspired me to become a broadcaster:

A weekend afternoon show on the local branch of the National Radio

I don't remember the name, but I do remember how listeners could call in and talk on the radio. I was impressed by the opportunity to share ideas and talk about things many can relate to.

The VOA Europe

It was the first non-government radio in Bulgaria. I enjoyed the music service of the Voice of America with friendly DJs, good music, and perfect quality of the signal.

The BBC/VOA radio features

This is what I'm trying to learn now at the University of Westminster - how to create programs that tell compelling stories challenging attitudes and making people think.

Still searching

It is strange that I don't have a contemporary favorite Bulgarian radio moment. Probably I see everyone else as competition and just need to distance myself and become a consumer for a bit. On the other hand, owners in Bulgaria should think about why 90.6 % of the population in Britain tune in to radio each week.

Monday 8 November 2010

Oh, what a day

It was like in one of those movies you see many traders working on Wall Street. You enjoy the adrenalin that comes from the screen and you never ask yourself what do these people feel. Today I was part of such movie, but instead of selling and buying I was dealing with deadlines for a profile piece.

1000: Class starts. We discuss interview and profile piece techniques.From all the points I remember the human chemistry tip.

1100: More details how structure is important in any piece. Let's not forget that beauty can be defined by a math formula as well. Information and decorative pictures.

1300: Lunch break. The professors announce that after lunch we'll have an assignment that will be graded. I will need a camera, forgot it. Stress level increases. Fortunately my partner has a camera.

No need for an energy drink

1400: Assignment brief. Interview someone for 20 minutes and write a profile piece. 400 words.Not bad. I can handle that.

1500: Doing the interview with Anjali. Ten minutes left for the interview, still don't have the quote, the hook I need. Asking details, changing the focus of the interview. Keeping in mind all the time the five W questions: who, what , when, where, why.

1510: Start writing the piece. From a twenty minute interview focus only on the last six. Don't have a lead, not sure if I have right pictures. One hour to finish the whole thing, 15 minutes for reading it aloud, five minutes for printing.

Leave me alone with my thoughts

1550: More stress. Turns out I have to change the lead and the whole focus on the profile. Need more quotes, don't have the time for that. I have to work with what I have. The constant warning how much time is left annoys me. Listen to some old R'N'B music (writing about India). Time flies.

1615: We were suppose to do a checklist if we have all the requirements for a good story. Forgot all about that. Hope that my subconsciousness is dealing with that while scamming the whole profile. My only thought is to finish on time. The deadline is 1630.

1625: Cant't crop my picture. Missing the deadline.So stressed out that don't pay attention to the professor who explains how to add the picture. On the point to give up.

1630: Additional 10 minutes for those who had problems with the pictures.

Finally

1635: The profile: submitted.

1635: Someone is calling my name. In the next 30 minutes helping other to finish. That actually was the best part. Anjali influenced my behavior. I'm helping others without expecting anything in return. That feels good!

Mr. Potter’s Indian helper

When the 12-year-old M.S. from Mumbai was expelled from school because his mother was a commercial sex worker he didn’t expect to meet Anjali.

She was going to a field trip with her classmates from another course. It was in the area where the prostitutes lived outcast from the society. Almost any house or tent on the street had kids who didn’t know the names of their fathers.

Anjali was 16 and had just finished reading the first Harry Potter book. Like the famous character she likes to do magic without expecting anything in return.

“I’d love to have a magic wand and flying broom stick. I will use it to clean the air in Mumbai and make it less crowded”, says Anjali now 23 and a student at the University of Westminster.

The magic wand

Not sure about getting the flying broom she was unaware that she had already possessed the magic wand. Few people were willing to go to the shady streets of the Kamathipusa neighbourhood. You had to be a magician to make the difference in those people’s lives. That didn’t stop her.

“When after school while my friends went to movies I went to the Red District to teach M.S. math lessons. He later passed his exam.”

Looking at her expression while she’s talking about this experience you can tell that she didn’t need any reward. It was about self-satisfaction from helping others.

The chocolate story 

I did try to challenge her to find any other motivation. But then Anjali tells me a story when she was only three.

“My mom gave me chocolate and you know it’s the most precious thing for any kid. I saw a beggar on the street and gave it to him.”

There should be a reason for people to be like that. For the student it is her moral obligation to help others. Anjali was raised in a Catholic family, but goes to church on Sundays only to please her mother.

She is helping the society and doesn’t care if the government is doing its job. Like a heroic character from a book Anjali wants to be sure that she had done anything possible to change lives for the better.

Definition of happiness 

I tried one last time to challenge her asking her how she would define ‘happiness’. Without even thinking for a minute she replies, “I want to adopt children and help those in need.”

That was today's exercise for our class. It was a very hectic day.We had to do a profile on a classmate. It was pretty stressful to finish on time, but we managed. The post is on my news group Bravo News 10. Here's the profile that Anjali did on Mladen.

Friday 5 November 2010

It’s like a reality show that boosts ratings


It is always interesting when journalists go on strike

During the transition period in Bulgaria in the mid to late 90s the journalists from the government owned National Television went on strike because they were not happy with the appointed director.

It was something political and not related to pension funds or salaries. They fought for the freedom of speech.

It was fun to watch the National Television. Every hour they played Let It Be by the Beatles. Instead of regular programming they would broadcast movies and music shows.

Broadcasting from a bunker 

When a similar industrial action was taken at the National radio, which is also owned by the government, the protesters occupied the main building. The presenters who wanted to work had to broadcast from studios underground used for broadcasting during a war time.

Here in the UK journalists don’t have to worry about the freedom of speech. It’s the pension funds that matters.

The BBC star presenters join 48-hour strike and some of the main radio and TV programs will have to deal with the situation.


The possible outcome


According to The Guardian, the BBC director general, Mark Thompson said that the strike would mean "significant loss of earnings" for National Union of Journalists members "without any advantage or benefit in return". 

The newspaper reminds that in 2005 during a similar strike the ratings of the BBC actually went up. 

Wednesday 3 November 2010

The Future of the BBC World Service

The BBC World Service has been praised in a report  by the Media Standards Trust as essential for sustaining international reporting. At the same time speaking to the Guardian the author of the report Martin Moore expressed his concerns about the reform in the funding of the World Service.

I remember the first time I’ve heard the World Service. It was the Bulgarian language service. They were setting the journalistic standards for the local media during the transition period from communism to democratic society. 

Now after it influenced a large number of young journalists in the country the Bulgarian service is part of the past of the BBC. The World Service role of an intercultural communicator that establish link between nations who otherwise cut connections might be in danger.

BBC will have to take on responsibility from the Foreign Office for funding the international broadcaster, which will see a budget reduction of 16% over four years.

On that topic I had the chance to interview the prominent  writer, broadcaster and media consultant Steve Hewlett  for an assignment – a radio package for the M.A. course in International Journalism at the University of Westminster.

During the interview I realized the World Service is going through one of the most dramatic changes in its history. You can hear the package here and the whole interview here.

More References:

BBC World Service. (2010, October 29). Audio clips from various language programs. 

BBC World Service. (2010). BBC World Service Annual Review 2009/10

Tusa, J. (2010, October 20). The Future of the BBC. (BBC World Service, Interviewer)

Monday 18 October 2010

Know London Better


What is the best thing to do in London? 


I went to a very energetic and inspiring performance by Barak Marshal at the Dance Festival; did the Jack the Ripper Tour, and visited most of the tourist places. But for me the most exciting experience had nothing to do with a particular site or event. It’s a feeling. 


The feeling comes about leaving the Oxford circus tube station on a Saturday. It is a true London experience . If you’ve never been in a big cosmopolitan city you might find it difficult to realize what is happening around you. People carrying big bags trying to find their way out, but end up in another store spending even more money. 

They don’t care about the traffic lights, and keep walking as if the red light is a sign indicating that the store from the other side on the street is running out supply. 

If the people in Green Park will give you directions, here it will be tricky to stop someone and expect help. 

Being spellbound by the feeling of Oxford Street their only aim is satisfy the desire for something new. That feeling is the moving force of the city of London. Where does it go? Eventually to the closest McDonalds. People spend almost all of their weekly allowances, feel exhausted and start living on a budget again…until the next Saturday. 

Monday 4 October 2010

Due to the ongoing industrial action some lines might be affected...

In countries like France, Germany and Greece calling a strike “inappropriate" may foster a negative reaction towards the government, but in a country with almost no tradition of strikes the general attitude might be different.

It is the second Tube strike in one month for London and the commuters are not happy or supportive.

“I don’t see why they’re striking really. I think it’s just causing trouble stopping everyone to go where they want to going.”, says Samuel who’s living in Uxbridge and uses the unaffected part Metropolitan line.

The strike was organized by the RMT and TSSA unions. Yesterday at 1830 their members walked out over plans to cut 800 ticket office jobs.

Today the Transport for London said about 75% of stations on the network were open. At the same time the RMT described the disruptions as "massive and widespread".

Dimok who was running late for an unexpected business meeting didn’t have the time to find information online and he was trying to figure out on the spot which was the best way to travel. At Northwick Park Tube there was nobody that could help and the automated screen was not clear enough for him. Dimok said, “I support the workers, but there are other ways to negotiate.” Thinking of alternative ways to get to the city he concluded, ”The London Underground should be privatised. “

Ghelani is a seller at a news stand at the same station. Though the Metropolitan line is not completely closed she can feel the difference.

“It’s almost noon and the papers are still around, even the Metro (the free paper) is still there. Usually at 7 o’clock they’re all gone, but today there are still here.”

She feels sorry for the workers, but thinks that the job cuts are part of the development of the technologies.

“They don’t need cashiers any more at the ticket offices.”

It seems most of the commuters were irritated by the disruptions in the city. It is a common attitude that resonates with the words of the Transport Secretary Philip Hammond who described the strike as “completely unnecessary and inappropriate.”


On a personal note I expected disruption, but I didn't have any troubles using the Metropolitan Line and was one hour early for class.

Friday 1 October 2010

Dieu et mon droit*

It is a popular misconception from abroad that the Queen is the most important person in the United Kingdom. The glitzy ceremonies surrounding her every move might present the State head as the sole leader of one of the most influential Western powers.


Taking a closer look at the heart of the British government, however, shows that it is a well functioning democratic mechanism powered by each member of society.


The Royal Palace of Westminster has been home to Parliament for centuries. Once a year the Queen comes to the House of Lords and invites the members of parliament, representing the House of Common to listen to her speech. 
During the legislative process she should give her Royal Assent to the final text of every bill, but this is largely symbolic. Members of both houses get the chance to introduce a bill and only once there is agreement in both Houses can become law.
It is all happening in one building and everyone can participate. Members of the public meet their representatives and question them. The legislative members can walk through the historic corridors a continual reminder of their predecessors looking ahead to serving the nation, making it better for the future.
*The motto of the British Monarch. From French "God and my right shall me defend".

Take a Break When You Feel Like an Idiot


Adapting to the life in another country can be stressful. Kyle Burton, a 22 year old exchange student from the United States has found a way to be cool with it.
Kyle moved to London two weeks ago and though the United States and the Britain share the same language he needed time to adjust.
“You can’t be too eager to try to jump into the culture. You have to be patient with your own comfort giving yourself a break when you feel like an idiot.”
One of the ways to take a break is to visit the nearest park. It can be very relaxing and helps to organize life in the big city. “Don’t throw yourself to the wolves which can happen if you’re constantly moving in the city.”
As an exchange student the 22 year old American needs to spend a plenty of time to study, but he also tries to devote a couple of hours every day exploring London. Walking down to a small unexplored side path can be “incredibly fulfilling”.                                                                                                                                                                           
Kyle is not afraid by the culture shock because for him “meeting new cultures you can grow your personality and your own character because people from different walks of life can teach you something about yourself and about their life.”

Click here for the whole interview.