Capital news

Apparently, I've got the easiest job at Capital. Why? Because, according to my colleagues, I only work for 4 minutes an hour.

I read 2 minutes of news on the hour and another 2 minutes on the half hour. Then, allegedly, I take it easy for the other 56 minutes.
 
Well here's some news for them - the news doesn't write itself!
 
So, in the interests of putting the record straight, and of eradicating any thoughts my boss may have had about paying me by the minute, I'll give you a bit of a behind-the-scenes insight into the life of our newsroom!
 
People are often surprised when they find out we're really quite a small team here at Capital News. Many people think there are dozens, or even hundreds of us beavering away 24/7, scurrying all over London chasing stories. In fact there's just a handful of us writing and reading the bulletins, interviewing people in the news and updating this website. Often all at the same time.
 
For instance, I get in just after 5am in time to skim through the papers, check the news wires and write, from scratch, the 6 o'clock bulletin. Then, up until 9am, it's pretty full-on, writing and reading a fresh bulletin every half hour, while keeping across what's going on and updating the website in between.
 
Don't worry - this isn't a whinge or a plea for sympathy! But hopefully it'll explain why we're so grateful when you, our listeners and website users, let us know what's happening where you are. You're our eyes and ears across London. Whether it's a text in to Hugh to report a travel problem, or an email about a news story in your area, please tell us so we can pass it on to the rest of London.
 
Even if we had hundreds of journalists scattered across London, we still wouldn't see everything - so your input's always appreciated.
 
You can text us on 83958, or email me using the form below.
 
All of us here are really going to miss the lovely Emma Gordon, who you've probably heard reading the news on Margherita and Chris's shows.
 
After more than 6 years at Capital, she and her husband and little boy are leaving the rat race and moving to Scotland. I told her she'd miss being packed in like a sardine on the Thameslink every morning, but she muttered something about fresh air, open space and being able to buy a small castle for the price of a bedsit in London.
 
We'll miss you Emma!