The Millbank Studios'

Whilst I do agree with some of what Skygeek is saying, I don't necessarily think that contacting someone online to ask some questions is a terrible idea. I don't work in broadcasting - nor do I have any interest in doing so - I'm an academic librarian in a completely media-unrelated field - but my own experience is a little different to what Skygeek is saying.

About 10 years ago as a late teenager I was interested in broadcasting (hence why I joined TV Forum) and contacted some people working in the field (not necessarily on-air presenters) merely to ask some questions. As it turned out these were lovely, helpful people and in the end one of them has become a very good friend of mine and we regularly meet up and have a look around where he works. I didn't set out with the intention for this to happen - I was merely curious about TV News and asked some questions. These people have been very generous with their time over the years and I've learned a lot about TV as a result. So I don't necessarily think that you have to get into hospital radio in order to have the legitimacy to ask some questions. As a professional, there's nothing wrong with sharing knowledge and experience - if anyone contacts me about librarianship I'm more than happy to give some insight and advice. But I do agree with Skygeek that the tone of approach is key. You need to be genuine and polite and then someone might be kind enough to answer your questions.

Social Media has made it so easy to contact those in the industry who in the past you'd have to make an effort to contact. Most are happy to reply to a tweet if you show the enthusiasm (though not too much as it can be off putting!)

I think having some industry experience helps. Being in community or hospital radio gives you some practical understanding, but it isn't key to asking some questions.

Exactly - to clarify... my concern is very much that potential up-and-comers not appear too obsessed with pres-related stuff or things that, quite frankly, are none of their business (i.e. maps) until or unless they become part of that operation.

So yes, hospital radio etc isn't necessarily a prerequisite, but it'll certainly attract a lot more willing and enthusiastic help than (as Stephen suggested he might do in another thread) e-mailing I-don't-even-know-who to ask when the next rebrand is going to be - after all, why would or should anyone disclose that information to a complete stranger?

I beg of you - take what both Robert and I have said to heart. There WILL be people out there willing to help you - and I'm one of them - provided you're able to grasp when it is or isn't appropriate to ask certain questions and what you do and don't have a right to know as (at this point) purely an interested viewer. The more you acknowledge that, the more stuff you'll get to find out!

Can you clarify is the purpose of this area of the forum? Is it to gather pictures or facts people know about the Millbank studios? I'm terribly confused.

Absolutely agree - there are definitely topics you shouldn't ask about. Asking people to share maps is not a good idea. If it's a public building then that would be fine, as maps would probably be available already. But TV stations are not public buildings; they are private offices. Employees would be in breach of their contract of employment if they share things like that. I would say it's better to stick to general questions on topics of interest if you want to get the best response.

Above all, though, you need to earn trust and respect. If you do find out some interesting facts you need to avoid posting them online for all to see. Whenever I have shared anything I've found out about over the years, I've always asked for permission and/or kept things very general. Sharing things like maps and relaunch specifics with everyone will do you no favours. After all, the BBC, ITV, Sky etc are all competing businesses. The last thing you want to do in business is reveal your hand too early as your competitor might beat you to it.

What he said.