All about GCap's Ash Elford

Each week we'll be asking people from all parts of the media industry - from channel controllers to catering staff, directors to digital technicians - to tell us about themselves and their job.

This week it's the turn of Ash Elford, the unsung hero of GCap's local DAB multiplexes, who is kept awake at night by failed transmitters and busies his day with ensuring DAB radio is as fabulous as it should be.

Name
Ash Elford

Job Title
Operations executive, GCap Local DAB multiplexes

Age
Just turned 22

Lives
Highbury, London

In the role since
May this year

Responsibilities
I am essentially responsible for the day-to-day operations of the NOW Digital multiplexes, and the DRg London multiplex. I look after existing stations, talk to Ofcom about local DAB issues, help with writing GCap's local DAB applications and speak to radio stations who are interested in broadcasting on local DAB!

Best thing about your job
The best thing about my job is that I get to meet loads of different people. Working in London means that it's easy to see other people, but also easy to travel to meet people elsewhere in the country. The other great thing is that each day is different from the last one.

Worst thing about your job
I suppose getting phone calls at 3am when a transmitter has unexpectedly gone off-air!

First thing you do in the morning when you get in
Normally I switch on my computer, followed by my DAB radio. As my computer takes a few minutes to start-up I often go to the GCap cafe for some toast.

Any downsides to working in radio or the media?
My mum and dad asking if I've met anyone famous since I last spoke to them.

First media job
Back in 2002 I did work experience at Juice 107.2 in Brighton. My first paid radio job was for GCap in January 2006, looking at DAB reception in West London.

Question you have been asked most this week
"Did you have a good birthday?"

What piece of technology would make your job easier?
A device capable of mind-reading. I would use it on Ofcom!

Biggest achievement to date
Without any doubt it would have to be landing my current job at GCap. Since working for GCap I have achieved a number of things, but more often than not they have to remain behind the scenes.

Anything you wish you'd done differently?
Learnt to drive when I was 17. Even if you don't own a car, it's a great asset to have on a CV - not only that but often radio stations are based on out-of-town industrial estates. Not very eco-friendly, but essential if there's no or poor public transport.

Dream job/company/lifestyle
My current job is my dream job! Looking to the future however I would like to be chief executive of my own global DAB multiplex operation. As for lifestyle, as long as I avoid ending up like Al Bundy, I'll be happy.

Best media jolly/work event you've ever attended
Any involving free beer.

Favourite radio/audio moment
Me talking to Mark Fox on Virgin Radio about fish heads when I was 16. Either that or presenting a show on Express FM in Portsmouth last year.

Next big thing in radio
DAB slideshow will be the next big thing. Compatible receivers are just about to be released on the market. Watch this space - literally!