Welcome to Culture Footprint, featuring one of the people of God making a difference in the world today, aiming to be an inspiring presence and telling the story of Christ in the culture.
Tim Pemberton is the Managing Editor at BBC Radio Bristol. Prior to that he did the same job at BBC Radio Shropshire. Tim studied Philosophy and Religious Studies at Lancaster University. He joined the BBC in 1989 as a Production Trainee, and has worked on a range of programmes as director, producer and senior producer. He specializes in religious programmes. Tim is a big sports fan - with the injuries to prove it. His biggest claim to fame is being described as "the best Englishman I have ever met" by the Godfather of Soul, James Brown.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
Rich and famous! No, really. That's what I told my Art teacher at school. "Stick to something you know about like religion and God"... was his reply. I realised early that I wasn't going to make the Spurs first team so initially settled on being a clerk instead.
How did you get involved in media
I was trying to get a group of trainees' placements at Central TV and BBC Pebble Mill, when a college lecturer said that in reality they'd be more interested in me. (I was a sad soul DJ on my university radio station in a previous incarnation.)
Who has been the biggest influence in your work?/P>
Personally: My dad and my brother. Professionally: Rev. Roy Jenkins, Ernie Rea, Elonka Soros, Lesley Douglas, David Holdsworth.
What is the big issue you are facing in media?
Getting the balance right. Between.... Quality and quantity (24hr multi-channel TV, radio, web). Entertainment and enlightenment (fun versus programmes that promote good.)
Who would you least be likely to share a taxi with?
I'm not allowed to really say in my position... but anyone who thinks human life is cheap simply because others do not look like you, think like you, share the same faith as you.
What Christian story or biblical text motivates you in your work?
"The thief comes but to steal, kill and destroy. But I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
What one piece of advice would you give someone starting out in media?
Don't be overawed by it all. You have an important contribution to make so speak up and don't worry if you make mistakes - we all do. Just don't make them too often.
Tell us one of your most hilarious faux pas.
Submitting a brilliant proposal asking Denzil Washington to do some readings for me for broadcast. His agent was in touch to say that Denzel couldn't possibly work with anyone who couldn't spell his name.
Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream for society. What is yours?
That everyone has the opportunity to travel and thereby discover just how wonderful their brothers and sisters across the world are. Still kind, still loving, still fearful of the future... And surrounded by just as many bad people in their location as I am in mine.
What is the main hindrance to living that dream?
Money and the environment. But maybe we could start the journey of discovery down our own street or in our own town.
What do you do to relax?
Play chess badly. Watch Spurs. (Sorry... you said what do I do to relax.)
Which movie character do you most relate to?
Rick in Casablanca. Or Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
What makes you most angry?
People looking down on others who are not like them.
What is the best thing about working in media?
Meeting such a wide range of people really is fun.
Who would you put in a celebrity Big Brother house?
Richard Dawkins.
What's the worst rejection you've ever had?
Joanne Mohammed didn't want to be my girlfriend... aged 7. British Rail didn't want me... aged 17.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Hotel Du Vin spa treatment in Birmingham twice a year.
What would you like to be remembered for?
I am desperate to invent something, but someone always gets there before me.
What is your least "green" credential?
My 2.5 litre Jaguar. I know I shouldn't have it, but it can look very stylish.
Who would you invite to your desert island?
My wife Verna (obviously!). For serious wholesome but fun discussion – John Cleese. To make an old man very happy – Halle Berry.
What's the one thing you couldn't live without?
Holidays abroad.
I didn't get where I am today without...
Perseverance. As a wise person once said, "It's what you learn after you know it all that counts!"
What living person do you most admire, and why?
Easy. Barack Obama. He doesn't tend to talk about his race. He just lets his intelligence, excellence and integrity do the talking.
What is your most treasured possession?
A picture of my mum and late father. I think they are so awesome.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Would have liked to have done something great in the church rather than glory seeking in the media, but was put off by seeing close up how hard it is.
When are you the happiest?
On holiday in America.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
You think you have huge problems, but across the world there are people who do not know where their next drink of water or their next piece of food is coming from. Sort of puts things in perspective really.
What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?
I've helped a fair few young people. Seeing them do well in life is thrilling.
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Culture Footprint: Phil Schluter Phil Schluter runs a family coffee business founded in 1858, which specialises in African coffees. The enterprise trades in a socially responsible and ethical manner. Phil grew up in Kenya, did most of his education in the UK, lived in Switzerland for 16 years, and has been in Liverpool since 2009. He is married to Helen, and they have four kids under the age of seven – Luc, Jasmine, Gabriel and Josselin.
Culture Footprint: Bridget Adams Bridget Adams started her working life as a physicist in university and government laboratories before moving into the high-tech business sector where she worked in sales, marketing, management, and consultancy. Bridget now works to help start, develop and network Christian-run businesses, and runs WorkPlace Inspired. Business as Mission is one of her passions.
Culture Footprint: Theresa Stone Theresa studied English Literature at Goldsmiths University in London, before doing a multi-media journalism masters at Bournemouth University. She has worked freelance at Premier Christian Radio, Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Micah Challenge International. She is now the prayer & communications coordinator for 24-7 Prayer UK. Theresa has a passion for prayer, church unity, mission, justice, and telling God stories.
Culture Footprint: Steve Legg Steve is an evangelist from Littlehampton in West Sussex who has travelled the length and breadth of the UK and internationally for the last 25 years using a daft mix of comedy, trickery, mystery and escapology to communicate the gospel. He has also written 13 books and these days devotes a lot of time to running Sorted Magazine. Originally from Bournemouth, he became a Christian as a teenager at a Boys’ Brigade camp. Steve loves a good curry, never misses Eggheads on BBC2 and plays badminton every day.
Culture Footprint: Andy Silver Andy Silver is director of Pop Connection. A Welshman, born in Cardiff, he studied music at Cardiff University and then taught for a number of years. Andy gave up teaching to do a theology course which led him to work in a church as music director and youth/children's worker in Southampton. Next, he became director of training at Capernwray in the Lake District and then joined the staff at Elmwood Church Salford in 2000, where he started working in primary schools using music to create a long-term relationship between school and church. Pop Connection is a charity aiming to unite schools, churches and communities through the power of music.
Date Created: 03 February 2009
Last Modified: 25 March 2009
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