Radio reporter achieves dream role
Daniel Ragusa went from studying journalism to writing headlines in his professional role as a reporter with BBC Radio Tees.
A passion for sport led Daniel to Teesside University’s BA (Hons) Sport Journalism, gaining work experience during his studies at Middlesbrough Football Club, Sky News, BBC Radio Tees and local television stations.
Since completing his studies in 2020, Daniel has become a permanent fixture at BBC Tees, through his job as reporter.
Daniel, from Middlesbrough, said: “My role involves covering sport, entertainment and news on the radio for an audience of people across Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire.
“However, most often I’m found on the sport team. I read out the sport bulletins, interview players and managers, run our social media pages, make graphics and videos and I’ve even presented shows too. Football wise, I get to cover my club Middlesbrough, which is a dream come true.”
Daniel added: “Teesside University offered me so much. When I walked in on the very first day, I was pretty shy. If you’d have said two years later that I would be on the radio speaking to tens of thousands of people every day I’d have laughed!
“Being at Teesside University developed my confidence and enabled be to gain the correct skillset for my industry.
Being at Teesside University developed my confidence and enabled be to gain the correct skillset for my industry
“I chose to study sports journalism as growing up, sport was my real passion. If I wasn’t playing sport, I was watching it - and if I wasn’t watching it, I was thinking about it! So, when I was searching for courses, this one really stood out for me.
“The work experience offered through my course was life-changing. The lecturers help you to develop a network of contacts within your industry and the work experience I did, led me into full-time work in a job that I love.
“Another thing I really enjoyed was learning how to use specific software and hardware. Everything from how to film a piece, to how to edit it together, which was thoroughly enjoyable and helped me to take pride in my work.”
Daniel added: “The facilities at Teesside University are second to none - and they’re only going to keep getting better with all of the plans in place.
“My time at Teesside was some of the best years of my life. I’m incredibly proud to have graduated with a first-class honours degree and I’ll be forever grateful to the University for helping my dreams come true.”
