Q&A Andrew Horton: new Media Producer
Andrew also started part time in October, to develop CMF use of audio, video, and social networking media:
Andrew, tell us about your background:
graduated from Falmouth College of Arts in 2004 with a Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism…spent all my working career in the media...worked for the BBC as a local reporter and video journalist…365 Media group producing and presenting web TV sports bulletins…Premier Media Group as a producer and newsreader... freelance specialising in web video and communications strategy... very varied and challenging but great fun!
You recently scooped top prizes at the Jerusalem Awards?
One freelance project was a Passion Play told over Twitter and Facebook, which ran this Easter... I was the Creative Director and wrote the script... based on the 'tweets' of nine eyewitnesses to the events of Easter week...working alongside the Evangelical Alliance and Share Creative, Easter (LIVE) gained over 3,000 followers…featured in the Daily Telegraph on Easter Saturday...won two Jerusalem Awards, recognising excellence in Christian media…team now considering how to take the project forward…also a Christmas version called 'Natwivity'.
Now what do you hope to bring to the role of CMF Media Producer?
...to enable CMF to maximise its already award winning web presence and content...CMF has great ambitions for its media...delighted to be involved steering this forward...beginning to realise how diverse and rich a remit CMF covers…current developments in social media platforms...exciting to be reaching new audiences and sharing great content…already producing audio podcasts and planning for a strong video presence too.
How have you found working at CMF so far? ...welcome terrific…really appreciate the sense of community and togetherness…get a lot out of the Bible studies which start each working day…just back from the Junior Doctors conference...really encouraged to meet and speak to people with such a heart for Jesus and medical practice...want to play a key part in resourcing, networking and inspiring them in their walk...it's a privilege – it really is.
'International' survey
This June we surveyed the graduate membership online to investigate their involvement in medical mission and international work – past, present and future. 1,121 members replied – a remarkable 30% response rate. Half have done some international work, and 230 have previously served overseas long term in 48 countries around the world. A proud heritage! We have almost 200 members currently living and working in resource-poor settings, and a similar number who do regular short term visits, most commonly for teaching but also to provide a specialist service in a wide range of specialties.
Many are involved in other ways: sitting on boards and committees, giving advice, supporting individuals and praying. Thanks to all who offered to support overseas members as buddies, locums and appraisers – we will be in touch as needs arise.
Encouraging that 15% of respondents are actively planning to get involved in the future. Our handbook Working Abroad gives information and guidance on this, and there is more survey detail and many resources at www.cmf.org.uk/internationalministries
Pakistan floods appeal – thank you!
A great response to our membership appeal to support two Christian hospitals caring for flood victims – reached our target of £20,000 in five days. Even after the appeal closed, members continued to send donations and altogether we have raised £28,700 so can help in other places as well. The money sent has provided two months' food, water and drugs for 200 families – almost 2,000 people. It has been a great privilege to stand with our Pakistani colleagues in this way, and through them to help some of those who have suffered from this tragedy. More on p18 in Triple Helix.
Drop a day for CMF?
We hope to develop a bigger team of volunteers for pastoral ministry across the country. Do make contact if you are interested in helping.
Head of Graduate Ministries
No replacement appointed yet to succeed Kevin Vaughan. Could this be you? Do you know someone who could apply? It may be possible for two to job share.
New CMF best seller
The late Andrew Drain's Code Red weaves together expositions of the book of Job with the moving story of the final illness of a young CMF cardiothoracic surgeon. It has sold 2,700 copies within a month of publication. Available online or from the office for £5, with a free copy of Dying: the Greatest Adventure of my Life.
Developing Health Course 2011
Oak Hill, 26 June – 8 July 2011. Bookings are open for CMF's popular course equipping doctors and nurses to work in developing countries. Covering a broad range of topics and practical skills, this is a must for anyone planning to work overseas short or long term. Full course runs for two weeks at Oak Hill College, London, but attending individual special interest days is also possible. Details: www.cmf.org.uk/internationalministries/dh.asp
