Meet Talk Show Host : TIM ELLIOTT of The Drive Live Fame!
- Ruchika Airon
- Sep 21, 2017
- 4 min read
Ever considered a career in Broadcast Journalism? Wanted to, but looked too far-fetched? Wonder no more, hear it from the horse's mouth, Mr. Tim Elliott himself, offering advise to students interested in this field.
Tim Elliott is a journalist and broadcaster and has worked as a music and news radio presenter in his native London, the south of England and the UAE – since 1989. Having spent the noughties working in financial media, based in Dubai, he made the switch back to radio in 2010 and now presents Dubai Eye’s ‘Drive Live’ show. Tim adds international relevance to events taking place in UAE in his very popular show. His easy on-air banter means it is serious when it’s called for, in-depth when necessary and fun where appropriate.
We must also make a special mention here, on how humble a man Tim is. Despite his very busy schedule, he readily agreed to an interview with us and not just that he also responded very patiently to each and every question being asked! We have become fans.
Questions & Answers
Your Career Journey
Q1. Where did you start and where have you reached today?
Ans. I started off part-time at a small radio station, moved into covering holiday and night-time shifts, got a little voice training, listened to what I was told, criticised for and tried to learn.
I also coached myself by listening carefully to other people I respect. I tried to take some of their way of working into account, not to copy of course but to learn from them
Q2. How did you choose this profession?
Ans. I'm not sure I did. It's just what I've always done.
Q3. What do you love about your job and what do you dislike?
Ans. There's really no dislike. None. I really like that I still enjoy it.
Some days are better than others, of course. But I'm lucky. I don't get up in the morning and think, "Oh no, another work day!" That's got to be good, right?
Q4. What does it take to achieve success and fame, the way you have today?
Ans. Hard work. Real effort. A little luck, perhaps. But hard work and effort come first. Not sure about the fame question, though. :)
ABOUT THE PROFESSION:
Q5. What are the day to day responsibilities of a professional in this field?
Ans. To prepare for the programme, to read, to think about what you want to say and to communicate!
Q6. What does it really mean to be working in this profession and do you enjoy being famous?( What about work-life balance, travel etc?)
Ans. Work-life balance is something I just don't really worry about much. If I need to get work done, I do it. If I need a break, I take a break. I'm lucky to have a wife who understands and who works really hard herself.
I don't travel a great deal for work, but the opportunity to meet lots of interesting people is a definite bonus.
As to being famous, that's a question for Shah Rukh Khan or Angeline Jolie, surely? :)
Q7. What are the perks of being in this kind of a role?
Ans. The perks are - a more relaxed approach to work, a creative environment and that every day is unique in it's own way.
There's always a challenge of some sort, something new to talk about, someone new to talk to, something new to learn. It's not dull.
ACADEMICS AND SKILLS:
Q8. What did you study to get into this line of work? Were/are there other ways of qualifying for this profession?
Ans. I didn't. I applied for media studies at University but didn't get the grades first time around. So I retook my 'A' levels.
During that time, I started working as a DJ and simply fell into that and so a career began! There's more to it but in essence that's what happened.
I always liked radio and music (and still do), so to try to combine those two into a career seemed like a good move.
Q9. Academically, which subjects during school, could help in doing well in this profession?
Ans. It's more about doing your best at school and enjoying your time learning. I didn't first time around and it made life much tougher.
Theoretically, a love of language, a love of literature, or at least reading, would really help.
Also, students must remember that questions have to be asked, that they require answers and to cultivate an enquiring mind. Don't blindly accept what you are told. Ask questions even when you think you're not going to like the answers.
Q10. What habits, skills or personality traits should students try to develop in order to be good at this kind of a job or in any other profession?
Ans. Number one is Hard Work, capital H, capital W. The ability to listen is really important. Very often people give you the answers when you or they don't realise they actually have.
Also, self awareness, at least a smidgin of empathy and a thick skin (the ability to take criticism is a part of the job).
Q11. Any generic word of advise for students in middle or high school reading this interview?
Ans. All I want to advise students on this is - studying in an academic setting is so brief that you've got to get the most you can from it.
MYTH Vs REALITY
Q12. Is there any myth you’d like to break about your profession that over-glamourises or de-glamourises it?
Ans. The myth is that it's easy but in a lot of ways it's just like any other job. Writing and broadcasting takes time, preparation and thought.
There is some glamour but the best feeling is not a free meal or an all-expenses-paid press trip, it’s a great interview or a thoughtfully written, well-received piece.
Did you find this article useful? Are there other aspects on Broadcast Journalism that you would like to know about? Please let us know by writing to us in the comments section at the end of the page.
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