alastair gossip

* Heading up the three-strong news team at the North East's local radio station. Responsible for overseeing staff, organising the department, and contributing to the leadership of the station on top of continuing to source and produce news to lead the North East news agenda. Since taking up the role, we've covered the awful floods in Aberdeenshire at the turn of 2016 * a Holyrood, council, and Westminster election * an EU referendum * two cup finals for the mighty Dons * and oodles more.

My first job in journalism - secured after a month's freelance work. Sourcing and writing news stories, gathering interviews and producing content to go out on air. I took on on-air news reading responsibilities very quickly, making my debut within a week. Role also saw me contribute to the news pages of Original's website and online presence - in both writing and photography. With a keen interest in local sport, I also took on additional responsibilities in the production of our then-weekly sports show, Up Front Sport. Also, providing news bulletins for Original 106's sister station Wave 102 as required. During this time I organised the coverage following the fatal helicopter crash off the coast of Sumburgh in August 2013 and it's aftermath, in the absence of the Head of News.

The role allowed me to take on more editorial responsibilities in the news team, in deputising for the Head of News in his absence. This meant making the calls on what goes in the bulletin, what stories we cover, and how best to allocate work throughout the team - on top of the continuing workload of the previous role. During my time in this role, the Scottish Independence Referendum was held - which allowed me the opportunity to aid in the planning of an all-night broadcast from the counting stations in Aberdeen. The stations also took on the role of "broker" between several independent radio stations across Scotland, to allow a more national coverage from reporters across the land on the night. Particular attention had to be paid to balance and impartiality of coverage during the build-up to the vote. I also aided in the planning of how a similar all-night coverage of the 2015 General Election would be achieved.