Video: Best and worst of 2022 — produced by Media First Ltd (2023).
Embedded from Media First’s official VIMEO channel.

Darren returned to the presenter’s chair. Fronting a live-streamed webinar packed with the best (and worst) interviews of the year for Media First.

Media First is a leading provider of media and communications training, working with clients across industries to prepare spokespeople for press, broadcast, and online scrutiny. To close the year, the team wanted to host a high-impact webinar—part review, part masterclass—that entertained as much as it informed.

The aim was to create a polished, TV-style experience for Media First’s Media Team Academy. It needed to feel more like a broadcast than a webinar. It needed sharp presenting, smooth production, and audience interactivity to keep people hooked from start to finish.

Whilst working at Media First, sometimes, Darren got to step back in front of the camera. For this one, he not only presented but also designed and ran the entire live stream. To raise the standard, he brought in seasoned TV and radio news journalist Susan Bookbinder as co-presenter. Together, they planned a show-style format: TV-quality intros and outros, a custom studio layout, and dynamic use of Menti for audience interaction. Darren also sourced and cut all the clips for play-out, scoped and set up the studio, and ensured the production ran seamlessly—live, as if it was broadcast.

The result was a slick, professional review of the year that felt like a live TV special. With sharp presenting, broadcast-quality graphics, and lively interaction, the session landed brilliantly with Media First’s audience. It not only showcased the highs and lows of media interviews in 2023, but also reinforced Media First’s reputation for making learning memorable, engaging, and fun..