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Rajini Vaidyanathan

PoliticsÌýreporter

Where are you from?
That wonderful new city Milton Keynes! Lots of roundabouts and concrete cows… what more do you need?

What were you doing before Radio 1?
Working as a political producer for Radio 4 and Five Live - on things like the general election and the US election. Before that I was a local telly reporter in Nottingham, but my best job ever has to be on an ice cream stall. Got me where I am today.

Best part of the job/thing you are most proud of?
Being paid to be nosy. But more seriously it's great to work for Radio 1 and reach such a wide audience - it's such a privilege to work on big international and national stories and a massive responsbility too.

Worst on air moment?
Doing a live interview about a roundabout in Derby (breaking news!) but not being able to hear the interviewee. I just had to answer questions guessing what he'd just said!

Three words that describe you:
A bit weird.

Advice to anyone who wants to get started in journalism:
Find out what you really want to do by trying out lots of work placements . The more idea you've got about where you want to be - the more seriously you're going to be taken. And if you want to be on air spend time in local radio or local TV first. It's the best way to get experienceÌýand you learn loads.

Where would you like to be in 10 years' time?
I don't know about where but one of my goals in life is to own an Aga cooker. Sad I know.

Who would you most like to interview?
George Bush. I'd like to meet him at his Texas ranch! Or if we're talking celebs then Michael Jackson.

My top three albums ever are:
Travis - Good Feeling
The Beatles - Abbey Road
Bad - Michael Jackson

Who's your favourite news reporter?
The bloke who reads the news on the Simpsons. Or Ron Burgundy from the film Anchorman.

How do you spend your time off?
Trying to avoid reading or watching the news.

If wasn't a news reporter I'd be…
A cruise ship singer!