Information and links to my stories and work
I am the digital producer for the following:
- BBC’s Make a Difference campaign
- BBC Radio – Crossing Divides
- BBC Radio – England Unwrapped
- BBC Radio – City Beats
- BBC+ App/iPlayer – In England
- BBC New Voices
- BBC News: England’s Big Picture
- Creator and Producer of the BBC’s Knock Knock Podcast: Helen Lederer is joined by some of the UK’s funniest comedy talent.
- Download via BBC Podcasts
- Here’s Episode 1
- #BBCKnockKnock
-
The latest from trainee reporters working alongside BBC radio and online teams.[A new work experience placement for 16-18 year olds. Launched in 2017 and will run between Jan-March 2018]
-
BBC – Summer of Music
Pictures, audio and video from 40 UK festivals happening during Summer of Music 2017.
-
-
-
-
Digital Nation – BBC
A weekly round-up of the best local independent television from around the UK. [Online producer]
-
Oscar’s footsteps, Local Radio and TV – BBC Local Radio
That’s Oxfordshire: Meet 12-year-old Oscar who is defying the odds and learning to walk.
-
Susanne Courtney leads a song with BBC Radio Berkshire listeners.
-
March hairdresser Lucy Bishop is collecting donations for a local food bank.
-
Children in Need: ‘Jailbreak’ task to raise cash
-
Digital Nation – Local Radio and TV – BBC Local RadioA weekly round-up of the best local independent television from around the UK.
BBC Kick Off Reporter take over
-
When Rachael Smith dreamt aged 14 of being a journalist, it seemed unreachable. Now she is a BBC School Report mentor encouraging the next generation. ‘I knew instantly that I had to be a mentor’ Nine years ago I walked into my first school not knowing what to expect.
-
Sharing images sent to us by people around England – use #englandsbigpicture if you’ve got an image you want to share: Instagram
-
Do you have what it takes to be on the BBC’s flagship journalism entry and training scheme? Applications open Jan 2016Above: I led the Journalism Trainee Scheme digital portfolio – 2015-16
-
BBC Academy – Work in Broadcast – Get In: Trainees and apprenticesThe BBC is looking for the next generation of talent to keep it one of the biggest names internationally for radio, television, online and digital content. We want people with great ideas who have a passion for media. Is this you? Follow us @BBCTrainees #BBCGetIn
Miss Nguyen from @WhitleyAcademy shares her thoughts on #BBCSchoolReport #proudmentor http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/entries/6b4ddd76-4fd4-40bf-8b41-82fa88f7a563 …
-
Congratulations BBC Local Apprenticeship – highly commended @diversityaward Most Inclusive Employer #BBCLAS #EDA2015 pic.twitter.com/VKarvx2I8n -
Congratulations to the #BBCLAS team who were highly commended at the Excellence in Diversity Awards 2015 #EiDA pic.twitter.com/9sv0QhfchX -
It’s the BBC’s biggest ever apprenticeship scheme with over 40 placements in BBC Radio teams across the UK, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands.
-
The BBC Kick Off Reporter scheme is an eight-week work placement with BBC Sport teams across the UK, both in radio and online. I have helped re-build BBC Kick Off from its original form as the BBC Blast Reporter scheme and I have worked to make sure that the schemes run and are successful.
-
BBC Academy – Work in Broadcast – Blog: BBC Local Apprentices are in the buildingThe 46 passionate new apprentices who will be working at BBC Local Radio stations across the UK have started their training – and they’re already learning something new, writes programme coordinator Rachael Smith. After months of preparation and a six-week-long recruitment drive, 46 new BBC Local Apprentices recently walked into BBC Birmingham for their first day at training.
-
Local Apprenticeship: routes into radio The BBC is launching its biggest ever apprenticeship scheme on 14 April, offering 45 placements in BBC Radio teams across the UK, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. The BBC Local Apprenticeship scheme is a 15 month paid apprenticeship which is part of BBC Director General Tony Hall’s pledge to open the BBC to people from a wide range of backgrounds.
-
Overview of the BBC Kick Off 2014 work experience scheme.Above: I helped film and coordinate filming for this video, produced and edited by Summer Rain Films.
-
Hear more about the #BBCLAS from @huwstephens, @DJNoreenKhan, @TwinB and @YasminEvans #BigUpLocal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BiXMeuO1ac&feature=youtu.be …
-
BBC Local Apprenticeship SchemeAbove: The official BBC Local Apprenticeship You Tube videos for the launch of the scheme on April 14 2014.
-
BBC Radio teams are celebrating all things local today asking you to say in 3 words what you love about where you live #BigUpLocal #BBCLASAbove: I launched #BBCLAS and #BigUpLocal and led the BBC Local Apprenticeship digital portfolio from 2014-2016.
-
Reactions and special programmes from across BBC Local Radio following the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela. BBC Local Radio coverage of the death of Nelson Mandela – link-up with BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 4, BBC News and BBC Local Radio teams in England.
-
The Doctor Who Team Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary has been marked at international level right around the world. BBC Local Radio and Doctor Who iPlayer Radio link-up for the show’s 50th anniversary.
-
Discover some of the fundraising events that have been held across England by BBC Local Radio for BBC Children in Need. BBC Local Radio and Children in Need iPlayer Radio link-up for 2013.
-
Shropshire breakfast featuring special coverage from under the Somme.
-
Special programming featuring interviews, clips and broadcasts which celebrate and debate culture in Leicester as the city applies to be City of Culture 2017. Made in Leicester – an iPlayer Radio project linking up BBC Radio Leicester and BBC East Midlands Today.
-
Rachael Smith Project Producer, BBC Kick Off Trainee Sport Reporter Scheme The BBC Kick Off Trainee Sports Reporter Scheme rewards showcase
-
The latest from trainee reporters working alongside BBC radio and online teams across England, Scotland and Wales during the summer. iPlayer Radio support for online coverage of the BBC Kick Off Trainee Sports Reporter scheme. – For more information on what went on in 2013 see the scheme’s Storify page logs.
-
“Today’s event proves this city loves me and I love it too” – Malala Yousafzai opens the @LibraryofBham – via @BBCWM bbc.in/18zBqY3
-
http://bbc.in/1c12bqm / Listen again via @BBBCTeesh http://bbc.in/17rtJIy htpic.twitter.com/dU4G32mShyU4G32mShy
-
A best man who bricked up a groom’s front door as a prank does it again for the couple’s anniversary http://bbc.in/195vM5K via @BBBCTees
-
http://bbc.in/11rbdvt / Listen again via @BBBCWiltshireh http://bbc.in/12IBqTS tpic.twitter.com/VaadqFDSWoaadqFDSWo
-
A man calls @SolihullPolice to complain under the “Sale of Goods Act” about a prostitute’s looks http://bbc.in/150kkAx
-
BBC School Reporters from Whitley Academy interview Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King.
-
Last updated at 16:18 GMT Dagenham and Redbridge avoided relegation from League Two despite losing at home to York City. Chris Smith head…
-
Last updated at 18:01 GMT Patrick Bamford and Ryan Lowe sealed a top-10 finish in League One for MK Dons as Stevenage lost for the fifth …
-
Last updated at 17:52 GMT Carlisle’s third meeting of the season with rivals Preston ended in another closely-contested draw at Brunton P…
-
Nuneaton 3-1 Hyde
Last updated at 17:03 GMT Andy Brown scored one and made the other two as Nuneaton eased their relegation worries with a victory against …
-
School Reporter lives the American Dream
At the beginning of May 2013 I was asked by Mrs Nguyen, our head of student reporters, if I wanted to apply for the US Embassy Journalism Exchange Programme scholarship. Without hesitation I said Yes!
-
Mentoring ‘is truly uplifting’
Volunteering for me is a very important part of my work ethic. So when I joined the BBC in 2007, I jumped at the chance to become a Schoo…
-
BBC – BBC Outreach – Our BusinessBBC Kick Off is a training scheme for would-be sports reporters from diverse backgrounds and with no previous media education or experien…
-
I helped film and coordinate filming for this video, produced and edited by Summer Rain Films.
-
Murder inquiry into canal death
A man found critically injured on a canal path in Shropshire has died. A murder inquiry has been launched and a 40-year-old man has been … -
A group of volunteers have reconstructed a derelict Grade II listed building in Staffordshire. The oldest building at Middleton Hall in T…
-
A man died of undiagnosed heart condition at a dance music festival in Warwickshire, an inquest heard. Craig William Dearie, 24, from Che…
-
…and here it is, a story on @therootlessforest as it tours in the West Midlands waterways http://bbc.in/OCFBck via @BBCNews
I was out today taking pictures of @rootless_forest in Birmingham by the canal – beautiful day for it. -
Cathedral celebrates art origins
Artists who designed parts of Coventry Cathedral are being celebrated in an exhibition to mark 50 years since its consecration.
-
Two 19-year-old men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing in Shropshire. A man in his mid-20s was found wi…
-
Work to restore listed building
Restoration work has begun on a Grade ll-listed building in Shropshire. The former Ridley Seed Merchants building on Mill Street, Bridgno…
-
Optimism after Russia beef talks
A Worcestershire MP who joined cattle experts on a visit to Russia to discuss possible exports of British beef has said the trip was “ver…
-
Youth centre protest over closure
More than 40 teenagers have protested about the planned closure of a Worcestershire youth centre. Redditch Youth Centre in Ipsley Street.
-
-
Wolverhampton Olympic gymnast Kristian Thomas is to be honoured with a civic reception at his home club. The 23-year-old Team GB gymnast …
-
Godiva Awakes coat maker ‘proud’
A textile artist who designed a coat for a 6m-high puppet of Lady Godiva said it was “so scary but so good” having people look at her work.
-
Godiva completes London journey
A six-metre-high puppet has finished a seven-day journey from Coventry to London as part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Lady Godiva, powe… -
A six-metre high Lady Godiva puppet completes a seven-day journey from Coventry to London as part of thy Cultural Olympiad.
-
Beef exports to Russia discussed
Cattle experts and MPs are to go to Russia to discuss exports of British beef following a 16-year ban. British farmers have been prevente…
-
Cat lover leaves home to charity=
A 91-year-old woman from Coventry has bequeathed her home to a volunteer cat rescue group. Diana Williams, who fostered cats for Coventry…
-
-
BBC News – New Jaguar Land Rover Castle Bromwich jobs ‘fantastic’
New Jaguar Land Rover Castle Bromwich jobs ‘fantastic’. By Rachael Smith BBC News. Jim Sergeant in Castle Vale…
-
BBC News – Diamond Jubilee: Queen officially names Birmingham …
Jul 12, 2012 … bbc.co.uk navigation. News … At the scene. Rachael Smith BBC News … The BBC is not responsible for the content of … -
Jul 12, 2012
-
Jul 21, 2012 … By Rachael Smith BBC News. Babs Mitchenson in Millcroft Road Bodenham in 2007 (left) and in in 2012 Villagers hopes th…
BBC News – The Road Ahead
The Road Ahead: I sourced/researched the data for this pan-England BBC News project.
-
School Reporters from Holyhead School watched the Jamaican Olympic team train in Birmingham sunshine ahead of London 2012. The student re…
-
US Olympic team talk to reporters
Pupils from Holyhead School interviewed US Athletes as they were training in Alexandra Stadium in Birmingham. The BBC School Report pupil…
-
Coventry Cathedral marked 50 years since its consecration on 25 May 2012. To celebrate the occasion, BBC Coventry & Warwickshire recorded…I managed the social media/digital story, making this collection of clips on Audioboom for BBC Coventry and Warwickshire’s 50 stories for 50 years campaign, along with taking photographs of the cathedral for the project.
-
Coventry pupils watch the Olympic torch being made
On April 23, Whitley Academy students visited Premier Sheet Metal in Coventry to see how the Olympic torch is being made… -
Jamie and Georgina deep in thought during interviewing With less than 200 days until the Olympics, pupils from Whitley Academy in Coventry…
-
Whitley Academy pupils with Seb Coe: Thumbs up for a good day’s work Pupils from Whitley Academy interviewed London 2012 chief Lord Coe a…
-
Joan smiles through Georgia’s questions in her live interview School Reporters at Whitley Academy caught up with fellow pupil Joan before…
-
School reporters from Whitley Abbey Business and Enterprise College attended the FA Cup women’s final which saw Arsenal beat Bristol Acad…
-
With the Olympics less than a year away, organisers are ramping up their preparations with a series of test events in some of the venues …
-
Pupils from Barrs Hill School in Coventry have produced an animation that looks at the dangers of knife crime. The makers of the animation were interviewed as part of BBC News’ School Report.
-
The school is working on a BBC School Report First Click project that looks into 25 years of history in a set area.
-
Whitley Abbey marked their involvement with School Report Sports Day 2010 on 1 July by staging a special one off A Question of Sport style debate.
-
Whitley Abbey Business and Enterprise College in Coventry host a BBC Question Time style panel debate with topics of interest to the pupils.
-
Working with information from the BBC’s First Click and Domesday projects, schools will run inter-generational workshops. The workshops a…
-
BBC message board for Points Of View
-
Aug 31, 2011 … Rachael Smith is a broadcast journalist for BBC English Regions New Media in Birmingham.
-
How to avoid Britain’s net police
Panorama asks a cyber expert for his top tips on how broadband customers can avoid running foul of the internet police. [I self-shot and edited the video titled “How to avoid Britain’s net police” as online support for the BBC Panorama programme “Are the Net Police Coming for You?”]
-
It’s looking like a busy summer for local BBC Introducing teams around the UK, as once again they’ll be opening their doors for the BBC B…
-
Blast 2010 sees 70 young people reporting on Music and Sport across the UK. They produced this short film to tell us why this opportunity…
-
The Big Picture was a record breaking art project from Arts Council England West Midlands supported by the BBC, developed and delivered by Audiences Central. The Big Picture was kindly sponsored by Jessops and Linford. The record-breaking work of art included 112,896 photos, and measured 857.3m2, the size of three tennis courts.
-
Between January and June 2008 people from all over the West Midlands picked up their cameras and mobile phones to take and submit an incredible 112,896 photos to The Big Picture. They were then turned into the World’s Largest Photo Mosaic. The largest photo mosaic was achieved by The Big Picture at Thinktank, Millennium Point,…[I produced this project for the BBC]
-
Traffic webcams from the BBC. Check the traffic conditions before you set off on a journey, with our network of webcams across the UK. [I launched the Webcams on the BBC].
Some Writing Space 