What we offer
Interview training
Are you a budding politician facing a local radio interview, or a seasoned MP about to appear on Question Time? Are you terrified of television, unsure of your arguments or simply wanting to sound more authoritative? Maybe you are someone who has “never done this sort of thing before”? Perhaps you are planning your first podcast and need to know what tone to adopt and how to make it a good listen.
Jackie and Marie have produced hundreds of hours of TV and radio, with Jackie as presenter and Marie as producer/editor. Between them they can help you improve your interview technique by discussing likely questions, recording mock interviews and suggesting improvements from the content of your answers to body language to voice coaching.
Media management
With years of experience in the media and at Westminster we can advise on all media issues, from a sudden crisis, how to combat negative publicity, how to raise your profile in the media or how to deal with social media pile-ons.
Presentation skills
Whether it’s preparation for an interview, ways to wow your listeners when making a big speech, or dealing with the new world of holding an audience via Zoom we can help with tried and tested techniques and practice sessions.
Women in public life
We have a particular interest in helping women wishing to enter public life or advance their careers in politics business or charity work.
Who we are
Jackie Ashley
Jackie Ashley has a broadcasting career stretching back over four decades. She has worked as a producer, editor, reporter and newsreader and newsreader for BBC News, Newsnight, BBC Radio 4, Channel 4 News and spent 12 years as Political Correspondent for ITN. She has also been Political Editor and a columnist for the New Statesman and the Guardian. Jackie spent three years running a Cambridge college – Lucy Cavendish – and is now Chair of the National Brain Appeal and a trustee for the Hansard Society, as well as working as a media consultant.
Marie Jessel
Marie Jessel has until recently been a producer at BBC Radio 4 Political Programmes. She was Editor of BBC Radio 4’s “The Week in Westminster” for 16 years, working with a range of politicians and journalists from the national press. Prior to that she worked at TVAM and LWT producing Jonathan Dimbleby, Sir David Frost and Sir Trevor Phillips.
What People Say
Sir Trevor Phillips - Writer and Broadcaster
"As a producer, Marie spent many years coaching me to be better on TV; and Jackie was always a formidable rival as a performer in all media. For anyone who believes that a vibrant democracy requires a diversity of voices to be heard, their partnership is a fresh breeze in public life."
George Parker - Political Editor, Financial Times
"LiveMic Media is the creation of two of the most talented and experienced journalists with whom I have worked during my many years at Westminster. Marie Jessel and Jackie Ashley have decades of broadcasting know-how and an unrivalled understanding of what makes the world of politics tick. And above all, they are a delight to work with."
Cathy Newman - Presenter, Channel 4 News
"Jackie and Marie are wise and wonderful in equal measure. Veterans of the broadcasting world, they've got the first and last word in how to navigate it."
Andrew Pierce - Journalist, Daily Mail
"In Jackie and Marie's stellar broadcast careers, they've asked the questions, or briefed a journalist to ask them. They have decades of experience and will give you the confidence and the techniques to get through even the most stressful interview"
Isabel Hardman - Journalist and Author
"I worked with Marie for a number of years and many episodes of Week in Westminster and loved her ideas, energy and collegiate nature. She’s a fantastic editor and producer and I would trust her and Jackie to give the best possible advice on media performance skills."
Get in touch
Unlike many media training outfits we are a small boutique operation and we pride ourselves on individual, tailored packages. We are very flexible and can work remotely or in person.
We offer one to one or group sessions, with hourly, daily and half-daily rates. Do get in touch to discuss your requirements and we can suggest a way forward.