Aaron spent a week with us at BBC Look North for a week in early December 2016. He spent his time researching stories and helping to set them up for broadcast. He was determined and thorough throughout, bringing one particular story to air, namely the purchase of Cleethorpes Pier and its renovation to become the biggest fish and chip shop in the world. He has subsequently pitched a couple of stories, even though he's no longer working with us.
Phil SquireAssistant Editor at BBC Aaron was punctual, hardworking and very enthusiastic. He conducted several interviews, suggested treatments and researched stories. A pleasant young man who I'm sure will end up in TV.
Kate HemingwayITV Yorkshire Reporter Aaron was enthusiastic and interested throughout his placement, full of ideas and suggestions. He threw himself into the tasks that were given to him, helping Producers and Correspondents put together content for the TV output. He worked on all elements of TV news production, including pitching stories, research, finding contributors, organising filming, commissioning graphics, producing and editing VTs and spending time in the TV gallery. He should be lauded for being unusually – and encouragingly – engaged.
Chris HowardEditor, News Output at Sky I met Aaron during his work experience placement at Sky News in early 2017. He struck me as a highly personable and enthusiastic young journalist, unafraid to ask questions and learn from everyone in the team. He seemed to have a real thirst for the business and am sure he'll do brilliantly in any broadcast job.
Lewis GoodallPolitical Correspondent, Sky News Aaron did excellently and impressed widely with his enthusiasm, aptitude and ambition.
David MapstoneHead of Planning, Sky News Aaron is a switched-on journalist who works hard to get a story. His skills extend beyond story writing - he can take good photos to accompany items, shoot and produce videos or research any given topic. His skills were a great addition to our team during a busy time including the EU referendum, the Lincolnshire Show, and Guy Martin's record attempt in the city.
Daniel IonescuManaging Director at Stonebow Media - The Lincolnite, Lincolnshire Reporter & Lincolnshire Business + associated events An excellent, highly professional reporter. We worked together on a report for StopSO earlier this year. Aaron did a brilliant job at explaining the legality involved with doing this report when I was interviewed in regards to I Found Hope. He also achieved a groundbreaking level of innovative journalism when we arranged an interview with a convicted sex offender who abused a child. Very professional throughout the interview, Mr Renfree conducted the conversation with ease as if he had been working years.
Last week I worked with Aaron Renfree again on a photoshoot and he was friendly and full of spirit. The main message I got from him that day was that he was an incredibly passionate and thoughtful young man, dedicated to giving others a voice.
If the opportunity came about I would most certainly work with him again. Only a fool would miss out on working with who I believe is the next Sir Trevor McDonald OBE.
Sophie LavenderFreelance Photographer, Film maker, and Designer. Public Speaker for I Found Hope. Aaron was given only an outline of a story and then he worked industriously and independently to follow up potential contacts and avenues with the story. In the case of the piece marking the anniversary of the Sex Pistols gig in Cleethorpes Aaron has researched a complete story which we will now film and TX on Tuesday 20 th December. Aaron has provided clear and helpful briefing notes on all three stories he has worked on. In the case of the story about the future for Cleethorpes Pier, Aaron discovered that the Pier had just been sold to a major fish and chip restaurant chain and so this story immediately became an “on the day” piece which required Aaron to work with the reporter Katy to research and fix the interviews which Katy did on Thursday. Aaron also suggested a story at our morning meeting on Wednesday which was filmed and became an OOV+ACT for Wednesday night’s programme about an historic tree which had been cut down without permission. Aaron has certainly made the most of his opportunity staying until the end of the day past 7 pm to ensure he could see the Look North programme go out from the gallery. On Friday he observed one of the most experienced reporters Caroline Bilton and Cameraman Joe Bilton work on a piece for Friday’s programme about the sailors who worked on the Arctic convoys in the Second World War. Aaron was full of energy and enthusiasm throughout the week and clearly recognised the opportunity he had been given and was making the most of the time at Look North.
Caroline Le BeauAssistant Editor, BBC Look North