Radio 7

Penny Haslam's high profile media career began over twelve years ago in the BBC's video sales department, flogging Only Fools and Horses tapes to the Chinese.

But life hadn't always been that glamourous. Penny's Saturday job at Argos in Stockport gave her an eye for detail (all those catalogue numbers) and a heart of gold (Elizabeth Duke jewellery counter). And the time spent as a civil servant, data inputting, taught her patience and a fascinating knowledge of "NUBS2" (the National Unemployment Benefit System 2, dontchooknow).

A couple of years after jamming her foot in the door at the Beeb, Penny joined BBC London's GLR as a broadcast assistant. Then as a researcher. Then as a reporter. Until she hit the heady heights of being a senior producer of news and current affairs programmes at Radio 4. You could say she slept her way to the top. Eight hours a night in flannelette pyjamas. But amid the serious news, Penny's inner comedian was bursting to get out, so she had a go at stand up comedy, sort of liked it, but thought it was a bit like being in a band, but with no mates. This didn't stop her getting to the semi-finals of a national competition back in 2005 though!

Eventually, Penny's desire to show off overcame her desire to be in control of things as a producer, so she opted to move to the bright lights of BBC Radio 7 where she can be heard at weekends with drama, comedy and sci-fi.