In Episode 23 of Apolitical we speak with John MacKay, the STV anchorman and author whose new book, Notes of a Newsman, tracks the changes in Scotland over his career. We chat about his work; memorable moments from a long news career; and about the inspiration behind his new book.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Amongst the topics we discuss with John on the podcast are:
• His interest in politics and how it led to a career in journalism;
• Starting his professional life at the Sunday Post and his dreams of working at the Evening Times;
• How he made the leap into broadcast journalism;
• Life at the BBC as a young newsman;
• The fascinating story behind his switch to STV;
• Highlights of his broadcasting career;
• The inspiration behind Notes of a Newsman;
• Covering Scotland’s independence referendum and his favourite moment of the campaign;
• A remarkable close-quarters encounter with a shirtless Alex Salmond;
•The uncertain future for political journalism in Scotland;
and
• The events he expects to make headlines in the year ahead.
Please join us in discussing these issues or any other raised in the podcast below, or find us on Twitter at @apoliticalpod.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher or on your usual podcast app.
View our house rules for commenting here.
Show Links:
STV News
Scotland Tonight
John MacKay on Twitter
Buy Notes of a Newsman
Buy John’s novels
Really enjoyed this interview Iain. I’m curious, what were your own impressions being in the Scotland Tonight Studio / Set? Was it as you had expected? Will be listening to more of these, really like your style, your tone and respectful manner, works well.
Thanks Ian. It was an interesting set – different layout to the way I imagined it, more compact but very much enjoyed my visit.
Appreciate that Ian, hope you enjoy the others!