'That's Entertainment!' - Entertainment Reporter, Peter Ford

Peter Ford is one of Australia's pre-eminent entertainment reporters. For over 30 years he has been breaking the news and sharing insight on the people and product that grace an array of stages. Whether they be real stars or reality stars, legitimate legends or legends in their lunchbox, Hollywood royalty or House of Windsor, red carpet or red face; Pete keeps us informed using his vast sources and impeccable charm. Commencing his career as an office boy with Radio 3UZ in Melbourne, he had a valuable vantage point to observe a world he longed to be part of, and the many personalities that inhabited that world. Forays into producing for radio and then TV, at the age of 21, producing Good Morning Australia, then hosted by Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Gordon Elliott, quickly followed. In such experiences he was beginning to garner terrific insight to celebrity and the shenanigans, shine and schmooze of showbusiness. It was entertainment legend Bert Newton who first recognised Ford's potential as an on-air talent and provided the encouragement and opportunity to develop this skill. Other mentors have included comedienne Joan Rivers, who Peter met in the most surprising of circumstances. Entertainment reporters create a range of personas to take on the flamboyance and glitter of the industry they profile. Ford has maintained a mantle as a reporter who has investigated with integrity and honesty. Perhaps that's why he is the best and most widely heard entertainment reporter in Australia and NZ. "Allegedly". So says his twitter profile. A platform he inhabits for work and to satisfy his thirst for the news cycle. But navigation of the twitterverse comes with its share of personal attacks. He elaborates on recent attention. Peter rarely gives interviews but graciously agreed to this conversation, recorded in his studio at Channel 7 in Melbourne. He is a marvel to watch in action. A consummate pro who knows his content, knows his audience and knows how to share a story. Here's my breaking story, with Peter Ford. The STAGES podcast is available from iTunes, Spotify, Whooshkaa or wherever you get your podcasts.