CLF Communications Manager Dean Blake was recently invited to the BBC newsroom on Whiteladies Road for a networking visit hosted by Matthew Pick, BBC West senior journalist team manager.
Having worked with the BBC for more than 25 years on a wide range of proactive and reactive stories, Dean met with BBC colleagues who have become trusted professional contacts and, in some cases, long-standing friends.
The visit also provided an opportunity to finally meet in person journalists and editors with whom Dean has previously only communicated by phone or email.
The visit began with a meeting with the BBC West online team, where discussions focused on regional news coverage and how it differs from working with national reporters.
Dean then met with the BBC Points West team, including reporters he has previously collaborated with, as well as sub-editors he had exchanged emails with but never met face-to-face.
This part of the visit proved particularly productive, with early discussions around potential collaboration on two news stories with the Points West team. Watch this space.
Further meetings followed with the BBC Local Politics team before the visit concluded with time spent with colleagues from BBC Radio Bristol, reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new contacts.
Dean Blake said: “Building and maintaining close professional relationships with the media is incredibly important.
“Visits like these help strengthen trust, improve understanding, and ensure positive and effective working relationships.
“It was great to reconnect with familiar contacts, meet new colleagues, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.”
