Brexit has been “total hell” to cover as a journalist, BBC Breakfast TV presenter Steph McGovern confessed. “There’s a lack of accountability, people can just lie.”
News
BBC TV presenter Steph McGovern gives frank talk at Safety Expo
By on 19 June 2019
Appearing in a cherry red suit on the Keynote Stage at the Safety Expo, the former winner of Britain’s young engineer, McGovern was a breath of fresh air and frank views. Her talk was a whistle-stop tour through her career starting out with no live TV experience, awkward in block heels and peroxide hair, to the passionate advocate for business and equal opportunities that she is today.
In between anecdotes she dispensed friendly advice. Recalling how, after the boss of Blackberry persistently dodged basic questions in order to plug his product on BBC TV, he lost his job and saw his firm’s share price tank. “Talk in plain English,” she said. “We’re all terrified about giving the right message.”
She added: “It’s important to be yourself, I didn’t change how I am, how I speak.”
A child of a business-sponsored education – her Middlesbrough school was funded by British American Tobacco, which introduced pupils to local businesses – she has a different view on ways into work and success. “We assess children aged five for their academic skills, but vocational training is not valued.”
She wants companies to work on attracting people into their sector to address skills shortages. “Get youngsters where you work to film what’s going on. YouTube is great for appealing to the young,” she said.
The change she’s brought to the BBC, is, she hopes, broad coverage that reflects the different experiences and contributions of working people all over the UK. “I wanted to make a difference to the BBC, to reflect life outside of the political bubble. It’s why I’ve made it my mission to visit as many factories and businesses as possible.”
Safety & Health Expo 2019 took place over 18-20 June at ExCel in London
NEWS
Number of schools with at-risk concrete continues to grow
By Belinda Liversedge on 26 September 2023
The number of schools in England where at-risk concrete has been identified has risen to 174, according to the Department for Education (DfE).
'Register high rise buildings by 1 October, or face penalties,' says BSR
By Belinda Liversedge on 25 September 2023
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has warned owners that “time is running out” to avoid criminal charges if they have not yet registered their high-rise buildings.
People of all ages no longer see mental health as ‘taboo’ finds report
By on 22 September 2023
Eight in ten Britons say they would be comfortable discussing mental health with a friend if they were experiencing problems, according to a new report, which claims there has been a ‘sea change’ in attitudes towards mental health.