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)