Today I had the opportunity to visit BBC Cardiff’s Central Square, and it was one of those experiences that reminds you just how much goes on behind the scenes before anything ever reaches our screens or radios.
From live newsrooms to radio studios — and even a brush with Doctor Who history — it was a day packed with insight, inspiration and a healthy dose of awe.
Inside the BBC Newsroom
One of the highlights was stepping into the BBC newsroom and seeing it in action. There’s an energy in that space that’s hard to describe — focused, fast-paced and quietly intense. Every screen, conversation and movement had purpose.
We learned how the newsroom operates in real time, how stories are tracked, updated and prioritised, and how teams work together under constant time pressure to keep the public informed.
It was a powerful reminder that news doesn’t just happen — it’s carefully constructed, checked and delivered by people working in perfect sync.
Learning the Autocue (and Giving It a Go)
One of the most exciting moments was learning how the autocue works — and even getting the chance to try it myself.
It’s far more technical than it looks from the outside. Timing, pacing, tone and confidence all matter, especially when you’re delivering information live. Reading from the autocue while staying natural and composed is a skill in itself, and giving it a go really highlighted just how much training and practice presenters put in.
It gave me a whole new appreciation for anyone delivering live news.
Behind the Radio Studios
We also toured the radio rooms, where we got an insight into how the different BBC radio channels operate from the same building.
Each studio had its own setup, sound, and rhythm — yet all were equally precise. Seeing presenters at work, surrounded by producers, engineers and live systems, really showed how radio is just as technically demanding as television, even if it’s less visually visible.
It’s a world where timing is everything and silence is just as important as sound.
Doctor Who Magic
As if the broadcast side of things wasn’t exciting enough, there was a moment that felt straight out of childhood — seeing Doctor Who costumes and props up close.
We saw:
- A Dalek from David Tennant’s era
- Matt Smith’s TARDIS
- Various costumes and production props
It was surreal seeing these iconic pieces in real life — reminders that BBC Cardiff isn’t just about news, but about storytelling on a global scale.
Hearing the Voices Behind the Voices
One of the most fascinating insights came from seeing — and hearing — how presenters are guided live on air.
We got a behind-the-scenes look at the production team communicating through earpieces worn by presenters. Hearing instructions, timing cues and updates being fed in real time while a broadcast is happening was eye-opening.
It showed just how much trust and coordination is required — presenters aren’t working alone, they’re supported every second by an entire production team.
A New Level of Appreciation
Walking through BBC Cardiff Central Square gave me a whole new respect for broadcast media. From the calm professionalism of the newsroom to the quiet technical mastery of radio and television, it’s clear that every moment on air is the result of teamwork, preparation and precision.
And of course, seeing a Dalek and the TARDIS along the way didn’t hurt either.
Final Thoughts
Today wasn’t just a tour — it was a reminder of how powerful storytelling, communication and collaboration can be. Whether it’s breaking news, live radio, or a sci-fi universe that’s captivated generations, the work happening inside BBC Cardiff reaches far beyond those walls.
An inspiring day, one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.