91Èȱ¬

If you don't fancy a large bank account in the red then your first steps in the profession may well be as a runner. You may be making the tea but you learn a lot too. It used to be the main route into the business, and although academic qualifications and other media experience are important, they are not the vital ingredient that everyone looks for.

"Academic qualifications are never mentioned in an ad as a requirement," says Roger. "Passion, practical evidence of commitment, a love of the media and strong communication skills are equally important. If, for example, we are looking for a researcher for Top Gear, we want someone with good research skills who is mad and knowledgeable about cars. It is the same with music."

Dedication and a willingness to work behind the scenes are all worthwhile qualities that can help you, and there are many more jobs for the technically minded such as camera operation, lighting, staging, sound and other studio operations. All of these are as essential as presenting.

"There are many reasons a career in broadcasting represents an exciting and enticing proposition and these do not immediately include high earnings potential and job security. Instead, the key factors are prestige, good training and career development, variety, unpredictability and, above all, fun," says Roger.

It is this last point that underlines the reason why so many people want to work in television. Part of the appeal of any media-related job is that you are working in an industry that most people are fascinated about, and this is just as true in music television.

"I really enjoy studio days," says Gemma. "They are very hectic, but it's quite rewarding when you see it all happening and coming together. We've had some brilliant bands up here while I've been about, and you meet some great people."

The illusion of glamour and rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous is enduring even if really you're more used to duct tape and colour slides, and although it's a tough career option, the allure is worth the hard work.

"Most people at the 91Èȱ¬ exude an obvious 'feel good' sense about where they work and what they do," says Roger. "Whenever I'm stuck on the train and the person sitting next to me asks where I work, my answer usually generates a reaction of, 'Wow, really?'. That makes you feel pretty good!"