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There's Someone in Reception

Adventures in Local Journalism

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There's Someone in Reception

By: Alex Morrison
Narrated by: Richard Godden
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About this listen

“There’s a man in reception with a massive slug. Can you come down and interview him?”

Welcome to the life of a local journalist, and the curious tradition of the “walk-in” – when a member of the public turns up with a tale to tell. The newsworthiness of these stories is... well... mixed, to say the least. But every journalist remembers their weirdest and most wonderful walk-ins.

From stories that made international headlines and exposed major crime networks, to readers who walked in with a hand grenade and a bag of dead bats, There's Someone In Reception explores the good, the bad and the downright bizarre of working in local news.

Based on interviews with generations of journalists – with stories from the 1950s to the 2020s – it covers the glory days, the disastrous decline of local papers and the signs of hope now emerging in many places.

Alex Morrison spent a decade in journalism, as a reporter then editor for several local newspapers, before covering national news for the BBC.

©2024 Alex Morrison (P)2024 Alex Morrison Art & Literature Cultural & Regional Historical Journalists, Editors & Publishers Performing Arts
All stars
Most relevant
Brilliant! I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories. The narration is also excellent. I recommend to anyone who enjoys the eccentricity of the British public.

Funny and insightful look into local Joirnalism

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A really enjoyable listen, sweet, warm hearted and absorbing. Central to this anthology of diverse walk ins to the offices of local newspapers is the premise that hapless editors and nervous young journalists are never more than one minute away from their day dissolving into chaos upon hearing the words ‘ There’s someone in reception ……’ Whether it’s deadly nightshade jam, unexploded wartime ordnance in carrier bags, the revelation that baldness is caused by sugar, the bruise that resembles Jesus or Nazi greyhounds, the indomitable local newspaper is ready to tackle it! Terrific narrator too - Richard Godden’s voice is gentle, humorous and ironic, just perfect for this romp through local journalism as it gets to grips with all the eccentricities of the human condition!

Thought provoking, sweet and funny

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There are so many brilliant stories in here which will be a trip down Memory Lane for anyone who worked in local news. But more than that, this book perfectly taps into why local newspapers matter, the role they play in communities and just what we stand to lose if they disappear.

A fabulous look at why local news matters

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This is truly a captivating book that offers an intriguing glimpse into the bizarre and often humorous world of local newspaper offices. The author compiles an array of quirky, strange, and sometimes touching stories brought in by walk-in visitors. Each anecdote is a testament to the eccentricity and unpredictability of everyday life, revealing the unexpected characters who find their way to the reception desk with tales that range from the unbelievable to the utterly mundane.

Narrated with a blend of wit and warmth, the audiobook keeps listeners engaged with its diverse array of narratives, making it a delightful listen for anyone interested in the oddities of human behavior and the rich tapestry of stories that populate local newsrooms. It really capture the essence of these encounters makes for an entertaining and enlightening experience, shedding light on the often overlooked but endlessly fascinating world of local journalism.

A Wonderful Slice of Oddball British Culture

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Just finished the Audio book. Really enjoyed the blend of amusing, sincere and totally bonkers anecdotes. Well done Alex.

Expertly constructed and delivered

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