Radio Moments - Clips: Recent Episodes
David Lloyd
Vintage clips from UK radio - and more recent broadcasts of note.
(Check out too the 'RadioMoments - This Week in History' podcast and also 'RadioMoments - Conversations')
A BBC Radio Scotland educational broadcast for primary school children - on producing the Radio 1 breakfast show in the days of Simon Mayo.
Tony Lyman began his radio career in hospital radio at Radio Nene Valley – whilst working as a postie - before making his radio debut on board the Voice of Peace, anchored just off Tel Aviv.
From there, he joined Trent in Nottingham in May 1979, assuming the role of relief presenter before graduating to his late-night slot, for which he’s fondly remembered on a station which then owned its market. He spent time too at the then National Broadcasting School as he honed his craft.
Like many, he progressed up the schedule, with spells on breakfast and on the mid-morning show – and moving across to Leicester Sound at its launch, before returning to Trent.
The East Midlands was to become his long-term home, appearing on the oldies service GEM AM, Classic Gold, Century 106 and Saga Radio before moving to BBC local radio, eventually settling down at BBC Radio Derby.
Tony was a calm, quiet operator who, like many presenters, just got better and better as a natural, witty communicator.
In this audio, hear Tony’s early Trent work, then Classic Gold – and clips from what was to be his final programme on Radio Derby.
Tony died in May 2021.
This montage illustrates how UK radio broke into regular programming on the event of the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh on Friday 10th April 2021. The gaps are as broadcast – there were several handbrake turns, as the internal procedures demanded.
It does not do justice to the many thoughtful links by so many broadcasters as the day unfolded – and the carefully crafted obituary pieces aired.
In the most expected move in UK radio, Simon Mayo transfers from Scala weekdays to Greatest Hits Radio. He calls upon the decent 'new term' analogy - just as he did when beginning Radio 1 breakfast.
When Simon arrived at Bauer-owned Scala Radio, a few of us stroked our chins and thought he'd turn up on Greatest Hits Radio before too long. On the 1st February 2021, he announced just that.
How many true radio greats are on air in a generation? A dozen? Jane Garvey is high on my version of that list. And if the list is a chart, she's still on the way up. She leaves Woman's Hour at just the right time to carve out a Jane-shaped future - where she can own the next decade in UK radio and beyond.
Like most greats, her brilliance sounds effortless - and, frankly, I doubt she does have to put in the effort many would have to when seeking anything like the standards she does. Authentic, irreverent, intelligent, honest. All the traits which show radio at its best.
A baby boomer - just - inspired by the likes of Janice Long - and the poetic Ray Moore, she arrived at Radio 4's Woman's Hour via Radio Wyvern in Worcester, BBC Hereford and Worcester and the launch of BBC Five Live.
Thirteen years later, she left the programme - and this clip is from the final edition of Woman's Hour on 31st December 2019.
She's joined by the wonderful Elizabeth Day - who will also be a big part of radio's next era - and I've gone to pains to add on Jane's intro to the drama at the programme's end...
What a wonderful culture clash - with Alan Freeman at his peak hosting Pick of the Pops and hitting a Radio 2 junction.
27th September 2020 saw Keith Skues hit the stab on Mr Tambourine Man for the final time, as his 500th show marked the end of his broadcasting career at the BBC, aged 81.
As he previewed some of the songs to come, he conceded that he might not fit them all in. Last shows can be like that.
Other choice moments included:
“Are you familiar with a gentleman called Tim Davie?”
“Keith: ‘Why should I be?”
His 60-year career included: the British Forces Network in Cologne; pirate radio on board Caroline and London; BBC Radio 1 at its launch; programme director of Radio Hallam; and a long spell in BBC Local Radio.
His farewell show was broadcast across local radio in the East of England across BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Radio Lincolnshire, BBC Radio Norfolk, BBC Radio Northampton, BBC Radio Suffolk and BBC Three Counties Radio.
Ten minutes before the end, hear him express his regret for never finding a wife.
Anyone who knows how Keith works know how well he prepares each show. There are moments here he clearly couldn’t.
The style and voice of characters like Cousin Brucie dominated AM radio in the 50s and 60s in the US - whilst life in UK radio was altogether more sedate. Gradually, life changed there as it has here. He moved around and his famous WABC went all talk. But in 2020 - some 46 years since he appeared on the station, he was back - aged 84. The chap who'd listened to Bruce Morrow as a kid ended up buying the station - and, off peak, chose to give his old hero another go. Brucie was back - with his old jingles and his old reverb. 'You can imagine why I'm so emotional'.
2020 and another slew of stations reach the end of the road, as national radio brands become bigger. This time, Bauer incorporate more of their new acquisitions into their branded world after a journey which, thanks to the competition authorities, has been more protracted than any sane person would have wished.
The arguments in favour of the brand and networked approach are well-rehearsed, and we all appreciate that the future of radio in a broader audio world - not least with the economics of COVID around us - is a very different picture, and it is dangerous to imagine that everything can carry on in the way it did in previous generations.
Nevertheless, for the human beings involved, the closures are hugely sad. Some of the individuals have new radio homes – others do not. But in this series of hugely professional and thoroughly authentic farewells, you can hear the pain.
Economics aside - as I do not have access to their accounts - some of these operations have proven that local radio can have a place – most evident in smaller proud communities where its is well run by a committed team.
The overheads of these stations will fall, national revenues will grow and one imagines, local revenues may fall. In some cases audiences may rise, and in others they may fall. It remains to be seen whether Bauer will feel in five years’ time that each of the moves were wise for the organisation overall. In smaller broadcast areas, particularly, where reach was high, yet overall audience volume (and thus national revenues) will never be huge owing simply to the TSA size, the balance of all these factors- taken together with the growth in overall brand might - is an interesting one.
Recordings here from the final weekday of broadcasting on 28th August 2020 before the new approach begins on September 1st.
On 27 August 1990 the BBC launched its fifth national radio station – Radio 5 - the first network addition since 1967, using the frequencies 693 and 909, formerly occupied by Radio 2.
Radio 5 carried sport, educational and children’s programmes.
In 1994 Radio 5 was replaced by Radio 5 Live, featuring news and sport.
On 30th July 2020, Norman Smith announced his farewell from the BBC.
He joined the BBC as a local radio reporter in 1986, becoming a parliamentary correspondent in 1993, appearing on BBC Radio 4 on Today and Yesterday In Parliament. Assistant political editor since 2014, his 6.33 morning appearances were a familiar part of the Today routine.
If you’ve ever hosted a chart, you’ll know that precision counts. Every word. Every second. You have little space to adlib around errors inconspicuously.
Remember that too in vinyl days without digits counting down in front of you, just a pile of black singles and a list of songs with your scribbled timings all over it.
Bruno Brookes was a chart great on Radio 1 – without doubt. On this occasion though on 6th July 86, listen to the moment when he played number three – then launched into the rundown and the number one – leaving out number two.
Every chart presenter on any station ever will feel for him.
As you can hear, he then had to play the number two after the number one just to hit the end of the hour…
(It was also the 400th show since the 2 hour Top 40 started on 12 November 1978)
Chart audio and diligence as ever - from Richard White.
Making its debut on Independence Day weekend in 1970 on just 7 stations, the American Top 40 would grow to be heard around the World on more than a thousand stations in more than 50 countries. It was hosted at launch and through to 1988 by Casey Kasem. He was to be succeeded by Shadoe Stevens, with Casey moving to Westwood One to host a rival show. American Top 40 ended in 1995, but returned in 1998.
As the French government prepared to sign an armistice with the Nazis, President Charles De Gaulle turned up at BH on 18th June 1940 to broadcast to France on the BBC.
This report, on the 80th anniversary of that momentous broadcast was compiled by Edward Stourton for Radio 4's World at One.
Things go wrong in radio. It happens to all of us. It's worse when they go wrong at the beginning of your show, as it then puts you in the wrong mood and things go downhill from there.
Here, Tony Blackburn kicks off his Top 40 on the 25th May 1980. He's taken the trouble to pre-record the opener, just to make sure it's perfect - but then airs the wrong version....
(Thanks to Richard White)
I cannot think of any other time when so many commercial and BBC stations have united to broadcast a single co-ordinated message.
The Mental Health Minute 2020 featured the voices of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, England captain Harry Kane, singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, actor David Tennant and heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The initiative had begun in 2018.
Overseen excellently by Radiocentre and Heads Together, the mental health campaign, it was aired on hundreds of stations to audiences of around 20m.
Hear here how 17 of the stations put their arm around 2020's timely campain.
Five months after announcing he was to leave, Christian O'Connell left Absolute Radio on May 18th 2018.
He had hosted the breakfast show for 12 years, firstly on Virgin Radio then Absolute Radio as it re-branded.
Christian moved to a new life in Australia - and a new career on-air at on Gold FM in Melbourne.
Pete Mitchell died on March the 12th 2020, aged 61.
He'd been on-air for 34 years, and was well-known as one half of Pete and Geoff and for his time at Virgin Radio in the 2000s.
Chris Evans pays this generous, fond and fitting tribute - as aired on Virgin Radio in April 2020.
Talk radio American style on COVID 19. Government is shutting down - and Mark Levin is not happy. 'Let my people go'. Truly shocking radio.
'You're telling everyone to stay home. And save toilet paper. And go on the internet and sing to each other...'
On 10th July 1969, the BBC published a short report ‘Broadcasting in the 70s’, “to enable BBC radio to play a full part in the broadcasting pattern of the seventies”. The report, carried out by an internal study group, assisted by McKinsey & Co, acknowledged that ‘radio is very far from dead’, with the inference some thought it might be, once TV took hold.
The thinking was utterly sound. Just as, in other countries, radio had long become more targeted rather than trying to be all things to all people, here the BBC was seeking to make some sense of its networks and place the right programmes on the right channel - so that each could have a more definite identity.
Whilst the rationale appears obvious, it contrasted with the previous reality where programmes were almost scattered across the BBC’s outlets. The report accepts that whilst the BBC had responded to change over the years, with the creation of local radio and Radio 1 etc, such changes had ‘been grafted piecemeal on to a tree planted in an earlier age of broadcasting’.
Under the report, Radio 4, which had retained much of the DNA of its predecessor, the BBC Home Service, would be focused primarily on ‘detailed news and current affairs’ and a development of ‘the four main news and magazine periods - breakfast time, lunch time, early evening, and late evening’.
The late evening change saw ‘The Ten O’ Clock’ become ‘The World Tonight. The BBC’s Year Book of 1971 reflected on the changes, suggesting that ‘The World Tonight’, alongside ‘Today’, offered ‘a first -class service of hard news. But each of them has developed its own style and its own range of subject- matter, which derives not only from the personality of the people presenting and producing the programme, but also from their estimate of the varying needs of the listeners. Thus, 'Today' has especially in mind the mood and pace of the going -to -work audience. 'The World at One' aims at the housewife and at the worker switching on at lunchtime. 'The World Tonight' caters for the relaxed listener who is prepared for a fuller, more leisurely survey of what has been in the day's news’.
The first edition of ‘The World Tonight’ was broadcast on Monday 6th April 1970, hosted by respected foreign correspondent, Douglas Stuart. The Radio Times billed: ‘Douglas Stuart reporting, with voices and opinions from around the world’.
Here, Douglas is interviewed by current host, Ritula Shah.
As BBC news implemented its latest round of cuts, the axe fell on 5 Live's Wake Up to Money and Mickey Clarke said his goodbyes with a lengthy tribute on the programme on February 28th 2020. It coincided with the biggest fall in the markets since the financial crisis, but there was little doubt which topic the programme chose as the dominant one.
Mickey had been a part of 5 Live since it launched in 1994.
After almost 30 years at Lincs FM - graduating from rookie journo to head honcho - Sean Dunderdale left commercial radio in February 2020.
Having hosted all his ‘last programmes’ (sport and the legendary Farming Programme), he dropped in for a farewell newscast. The bulletin was accommodated in a programme hosted by Eddie Shaw and just before another VO by Ed Bretten, both names who were also on air in the station’s very earliest days. It was thus a nod to the wise and a fond echo of 1992 just as the station prepares for its new owners to take the reins.
Sean leaves the commercial industry having made a broad contribution which stretches far beyond his home station – and has remembered his roots through an ongoing ready support of hospital radio. Sean was one of the voices who created the reputation which Lincs FM enjoyed – as one of the last stations of its kind.
A flick across BBC Radio 4, Radio Ulster, Radio Wales, BBC Scotland, BBC local radio, Hits Radio, Heart, LBC and Talk Radio at 2300 on 31st Jan 2019 as the UK left the EU.
The death of Nicholas Parsons was announced on 28th January 2020. Hear, here his 'home service' Radio 4 announce the news - and enjoy the PM programme's fond coverage as panellists Gyles Brandreth and Janey Godley are offered 'just a minute' to tell why they regarded him so fondly.
Nicholas Parsons died in January 2020, aged 96. He'd been on air with his 'Just a Minute' programme on BBC Radio 4 since it began in 1967. Here, enjoy clips from his final edition - with Stephen Fry, Jan Ravens, Pam Ayres and Paul Merton - aired in September 2019.
My tribute here.
Most of us have done it at some stage in our career. Aired something that was not destined for so being. In the fortunate examples - such as this - there are no expletives. Tony likely kicked himself, though, as a perfect chart opener was not aired on 11th Jan 1981 as he no doubt produced - but an earlier version. In pursuit of excellence - he'd evidently tried it twice. Those sort of things usually make a presenter so annoyed, they mess up everything after. Tony didn't though.
From Boxing Day 2019 to New Year, Radio 1 debuted 35 voices from community, local or student radio - or digital outlets.
Tatum McGreal
Laura Crockett
Dave Holt
Gregor Davidson
Fee Mak
Cal Carthy
Mayce Al-Hroub
Summaya Mughal
DJ Davda
Hannah Sackville-Bryant and Joel Mitchell
Connor Coates
Stuart Millar
Nakia Oliver & Fabienne Oliver
Lucy Edwards
Jade Worsley
Carmen London
DJ Astonish
Priya Matharu
Holly Palmer & Rhys Gunter
Jessica Maciel
Fat Brestovca and Kathryn Wilson
Sian Eleri
Ailbhe Máiréad
Aine Cronin-McCartney
Kaylee Goldin
Henrie Kwushue
Jacob Edward
Katie Owen
Laurie Charlesworth
Gabriel Green and Joe Pilbrow
BLOG: https://www.davidlloydradio.com/post/radio-1-s-inspired-christmas-move
As Steve Allen celebrated 40 years at LBC - the longest serving UK commercial radio presenter - he was touched by his mention in Simon Conway's news bulletin: "He's now the longest-serving commercial radio presenter...".
29th November 2019 saw another tranche of brand changes as the Touch stations, Rugby FM and Banbury Sound closed - ready to become Capital under a brand agreement between Global and the station owners Quidem.
For the industry, it was a move which might have been predicted some years ago. The rationale is well-rehearsed and the evidence for change reasonably solid in a fast-changing world. Powerful radio brands are one of the reasons why UK commercial radio is in good health with both audiences and revenues.
"I suppose it is a 'Black Friday' for me..."
Nevertheless, for those who grew up with the stations - and for those who have appeared on them, it is of course a hugely sad moment. Here, enjoy some of the goodbyes from the presenters. Hats off particularly to Kirsty with her heartfelt farewells - played in split and tailored for each area. Doing it once is painful enough. Well done Kirsty.
"I've enjoyed nearly every second of it"
"It's been an honour to be in your life"
"Thanks to my family listening in to my last show..."
Hear too the eerie ten seconds of silence before the warm-up for Capital begins and the legal moment of the start of the brand licence kicks in. Under Capital, the stations will originate a joint regional drive show, providing a new opportunity for Ollie and Simon from Touch, and localised informational segments.
107.6 Banbury Sound (Banbury, Brackley & North Oxfordshire)
107.1 Rugby FM (Rugby)
96.2 Touch FM (Coventry)
102 Touch FM (Shakespeare’s County & The Vale)
107.3 Touch FM (Warwick, Leamington & Kenilworth)
101.6/102.4 Touch FM (Tamworth, Burton & Lichfield)
From Alaska: A 7.0 earthquake struck about 8 miles north of the Anchorage area on 30th November 2018. KFQD witnessed it for themselves on-air. (Stay listening after the noise)
December 4th 2009 saw the launch of Absolute80s for ‘reluctant adults’, initially available online and in London on DAB replacing the Xtreme service. Sharing the main brand's breakfast show, it was to be the first of many offshoots in a winning strategy. Read my blog here: Ten Years of Absolute 80s Success
A slice of Radio 2 in 1983, when continuity and JAM jingles were in full swing. Enjoy here the end of Brian Matthew's Round Midnight, the in and out of Sounds of the 60s with Keith Fordyce; before Peter Clayton. Aired on 5th March 1983.
Pete began in radio at Radio Merseyside, moving to Radio City in the '80s, on whose transmitters he has broadcast under several brand names over the years. He has become one of Liverpool's most famous voices, with universal recognition. Here, on Radio City Talk on 27th October 2019, he reflects on his 40 years on air - with some choice vintage clips.
The launch of LBC News (UK) on 28th October 2019.
More comment at: https://www.davidlloydradio.com/post/where-the-news-never-stops
“You silver-tongued Lothario” said Moira Stuart at the end of a bulletin as she bantered with the man she’d last worked with 35 years prior.
28th October 2019 saw John Humphrys make his debut on Classic FM, filling in for a week on the ‘More Music Breakfast', normally hosted by Tim Lihoreau.
John observed he was the ‘new kid on the block’ – ‘new to presenting a programme like this on a station like this’. ‘Beethoven and Brahms instead of Brexit’. Maybe the most similar environment was his delightful interview on Essential Classics on Radio 3.
To say he is a pro would be an understatement. John was born to do radio like this, just as he was destined for his news work. He fitted the gig like a hand into a glove, and it was truly inspired casting by Global.
John slipped naturally into the typical presenter gig of announcing music and chatting about nothing in particular – but every presenter knows, actually, how difficult that effortless chat to no-one really is. Anecdotes flowed naturally, from a TV columnist’s view of the Attenborough programme to gifted story-telling of how he felt when sitting watching his son play his first solo performance as cellist.
How oddly amusing to hear him talk around ad breaks - and read out text numbers and messages.
John has a voice to die for, and his fruity tones shake the loudspeakers in a way not witnessed since Wogan - caressing every syllable of every word. Here was a presenter of Ray Moore calibre and a sort of radio which has a real place in the UK market.
“It’s been a pleasure”, he said with true feeling as the programme closed. It was the same to listen to. This is what I always imagined him doing, and I’m so glad he has. Well done, John - and well done, Global for another class move.
“Well – hello”, said Chris Mason. The two words meant more on-air than they can ever do on paper, as he became the fifth presenter to host the famous Any Questions programme in its 71 years on the BBC.
Following a touch of nostalgia, as befits the radio man he is, Chris jumped straight in to cue a question on May’s deal vs Johnson’s deal – on this, the eve of a critical Commons vote.
Chris brought a slightly more conversational approach than his truly superb predecessor – and an accent which is further evidence that RP is no longer the same as BBC English. He sounded at home from the first moments – and no-one could be more across the likely topics of the day than Chris, thanks to his day job.
The programme exhibited a more authentic air, moving through a presenter generation – or two. There was an honesty from him which just maybe was reciprocated by his guests. Although the familiar Radio 4 echoey applause sounded as it always has, the discussion seemed more intimate. More normal.
Chris was typically not afraid to give something of himself, and, indeed, eke every inch of drama out of the unique programme experience. Following a mix of applause, oohs and groans, he observed with trademark smile in his voice: “That was the full kaleidoscope of sounds. That was quite something. I’m no musician but it was the whole range of musical notes”.
As Brexitcast and his other work has proven, Chris has escaped the unwarranted criticism levelled at too many journalists as they try to make matters Brexit sound vaguely penetrable and interesting. Possibly because, a) he’s good; b) he has huge personal equity; and c) he just sounds likeable. But, as on this programme, never soft when an answer lingers or deviates, or lightweight.
Most importantly, Chris’s love of radio means that this is a programme designed for listeners - made in a hall. Not a performance in a hall than happens to be broadcast. With his commentary, asides, and re-setting, he looks the listener in the eyes.
It’ll be fascinating hearing Chris deal with the hecklers or the out-of-order panellist. I know he’ll do it well. And, in time, I suspect the BBC will use Chris’s many talents to take every advantage of digital to allow this programme to flourish in new places.
Unless he gets lured to something else, I suspect the programme’s youngest ever presenter will be there for the long term. After all, the average tenure is about 17 years – with Jonathan Dimbleby serving under the reigns of six prime ministers.
A slice of Brexit coverage from 18th October 2019, from RTE, Newstalk and Radio Gibraltar.
A mic inadvertently live from another studio - intruding into a live broadcast. It's happened to us all - but this incident did seem to take a worryingly long time to sort out, bearing in mind BBC Radio 4 production resource.
As heard on You and Yours on 16th Oct 2019. Warning - expletive.
Read my view here on the broader issue. https://www.davidlloydradio.com/post/it-s-xxxxxxx-cold-in-this-studio
Following press reports suggesting that Radio 4's Long Wave transmissions were vulnerable because they used valves which could not be replaced, Dennis Nolan - Network Manager at Radio 4 - appeared on the station's Feedback programme to explain there was little to worry about immediately. He suggested they might even last ten years... It is suggested that the bill for electricity alone is £1/3m pa - and that there are 90,000 Long Wave listeners.
Ridings FM, the latest offering from the then Lincs FM Group launched in Wakfield on 3rd October 1999. A great initial JAM ident - and a pithy message by a Chairman - hitting the vocal - began the station.
On its 45th anniversary, Swansea Sound broadcast this hour-long reflection of its launch - and fond memories since. Produced by Andrew Jones, originally for the 30th anniversary originally and now updated.
On 28th of September 1979, Roger Day hosted his last show on Piccadilly after launching the station over five years before. Enjoy some classic ads of the time, references to other shows and presenters - and Roger's emotional farewells.
Thanks to Kenny Philips for the cassettes.
After 32 years, Marion Marshall hosted her final bulletin for the BBC World Service on 22nd September 2019. Colleague Neil Nunes credited her 'outstanding track record of excellence and brilliance'.
John Humphrys left the BBC Radio 4 Today programme on 19th September 23019 . This was the final edition after 32 years.
As Evan Davis, settling in wonderfully on PM, wrestled with the latest story from the US on President Trump's 'sharpiegate', he could not help but give way to laughter. Seeing the social media storm and press coverage about to unfold in front of him, he tried valiantly to position his mirth appropriately. Beautiful radio.
For a journalist, speaking to people who’ve been affected by personal tragedy is part of life. It’s your job to get insight from someone who’s been bereaved, shocked, injured or is hurting.
A new book called Trauma Reporting - A journalist's guide to covering sensitive stories - offers an invaluable perspective – from several of those who’ve been at the other end of the microphone and camera in the midst of those awful times. How do they feel about how they were treated by reporters.
The book’s been written by senior BBC broadcast news journalist – and BBC Academy trainer in trauma journalism - Jo Healey, who also spoke to journalists about their own experiences.
In this RadioMoments techniques special, Jo told me more about what she’d found out.
Trauma Reporting by Jo Healey is published by Routledge.
Smooth had a new offshoot on 3rd September 2019 - Smooth Country. Hear here the opening links - with Eamonn Kelly.
Chill was launched by the then GCap in 2005. It adopted the Smooth parent brand on 3rd September 2019. Hear here some of the segues and imaging from the opening morning.
A look-back from Simon Mayo at the week in 1988 when Radio 1 built out its FM network further- some 21 years after its launch.
Carlos returns to the Heart brand as he hosts the first breakfast show on the new Heart 70s on 30th August 2019
After some educative years on board the pirates, Tony Blackburn returned home just before the pirates faded to join the BBC on the Light Programme, just weeks before it split into Radio 1 and 2. Enjoy here his debut for Auntie in August 1967, with his familiar sig tune, gags and trademark smile - and just a hint of 'new boy'. It's deliciously of a time and place in radio: 'and a number called...'. Witness how old and new come together beautifully when Tony enters a very plummy BBC news bulletin, although the reader tries the very best he can to return to Tony's programme with suitable energy.
Douglas McArthur OBE began his radio career at Radio Clyde before becoming the founding CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB). Across 14 years under his leadership, the RAB team led a highly-regarded marketing campaign for commercial radio that saw revenue rise from 2% of total advertising revenues to a peak of 7%. It is difficult to exaggerate the contribution Douglas made to commercial radio's fortunes - and he explained his approach in this 2013 Radiocentre interview to Trevor Dann as the industry marked its 40th anniversary and he was recognised by inclusion in its roll of honour.
In his 35 years in the ad business, Douglas created the model to inspire trade and marketing bodies for other media, including Thinkbox, Newsworks and Magnetic.
Douglas died in July 2019
One giant leap for mankind. Clips from the World at One on BBC Radio 4 on the afternoon of 21st July 1969 after the astronauts from Apollo 11 made their historic moon walk. Ray Moore is on news duty, and there are reports from the BBC’s Apollo studio.
It's not often a breakfast show launches on a Friday. This one did. From Manchester and broadcast nationally, these clips are from the first Hits Radio breakfast show with Fleur East, Greg and James - on 12th July 2019.
Steve Wright moved to Radio 2 on 6th July 1999, taking the flavour of his successful Radio 1 show, which had aired for 13 years, ending five and a half years prior.
Audio thanks to
Des and Mick Online - TV & Radio
One of the greatest partnerships in radio - Jane Garvey with Peter Allen on BBC 5 Live. Hear here the last Drive programme with Jane - and the duo were on sparkling form.
The final edition of the BBC's political debate programme, Any Questions, under Jonathan Dimbleby's chairmanship.
Jonathan Dimbleby first took the chair of BBC Radio 4's topical panel show Any Questions? in September 1987. His last edition was aired in June 2019.
A montage from a thoroughly indulgent fifth anniversary day of Leicester Sound (then using the on-air name of Sound FM) in September 1989. Enjoy a convoy of station cars encounter a milk float - and a reluctant crossing warden.
The clips feature the voices, recollections and general merrymaking from Kenny Hague, Mark Hayman, Heather Purdey, David Lloyd, Steve Merike, Andy Marriott, Danny Cox, Julie Langtry-Langton, Tony Lyman, Guy Morris and Franklin Hughes.
More tributes following the death of John Myers - on the medium he loved.
Radio 4. BBC Radio Newcastle. Smooth. Radio 2 (Jeremy Vine). Radio 2 (Steve Wright)
The first Heart network show hosted by Jamie Theakston with Amanda Holden on 3rd June 2019 (as heard on the North West feed).
On the day of the announcement of John Myers’s death, Goffy presented this heartfelt tribute on BBC Tees to his mentor. Beautifully measured and a celebration of John’s contribution to his area, his radio – and to the lives of others.
Goffy calls upon just the right words for an awful occasion. Including the tale of the woman at one of John’s book signings which says it all.
Just clips here from the programme which was otherwise a typical Goffy upbeat positive celebration of today in the area he knows and loves – with all it has to be proud of.
After almost 50 years of broadcasting from New York, 95.5 WPLJ closed at 7pm NY time (midnight here) on 31st May 2019.
The Cumulus Media station was sold to Christian broadcaster Educational Media Foundation in February, and the new Christian contemporary station K-Love (WKLV) took over on 95.5.
Enjoy here its final hour - telescoped.
After almost 50 years of broadcasting from New York, it's the end of an era for 95.5 WPLJ.
The Cumulus Media station closed on May 31 2019 after being sold to Christian broadcaster Educational Media Foundation. The new Christian contemporary station K-Love (WKLV) takes over on 95.5.
Enjoy here a clip which shows the raw emotion of the final hours as the Todd and Jayde Show checked out for the final time. Hear from the whole team - and the engineer who's been there for more than 40 years. Just when you think it can’t get any more heartfelt – it does.
It will chime with anyone who’s ever had to say goodbye.
“Radio will be here – or it won’t. It’s about the people you meet along the way.”
"It's been a very long goodbye, sometimes it's like someone in hospice - you don't want them to die but you kind of just want to get it over with."
As Global Radio continued to focus each of its national brands on a single programming stream where possible, Friday 31st May 2019 saw the final batch of local Heart breakfast shows across the UK say their farewells. Some had waved goodbye the week before, with cover presenters for the final week of the localised frequencies. Some of the hosts shifted to drive-time (and several drive presenters had their farewell shows that day too) – but for some breakfast presenters, this was the last day doing what they loved - and the station owners allowed them an on-air farewell. This time, the list included some of the most established presenters – with Ed James having been on air in the West Midlands for well over a decade; the legendary Martin Day in Essex after 25 years on-air on the frequencies; and Jagger and Woody (Heart Wales). Enjoy here a few snippets. The London breakfast show goes nationwide with Jamie Theakston and newly appointed Amanda Holden on June 3rd 2019. The Heart network audience share at breakfast across the UK (without pan UK FM coverage) is currently equal to Radio 1 - and third to Radio 2 and 4.
After almost 50 years of broadcasting from New York, this was the end of an era for 95.5 WPLJ. The station which had served pop and rock hits across the Hudson River and broadcast throughout North and Central New Jersey closed on May 31 2019. The Cumulus Media station was sold to Christian broadcaster Educational Media Foundation in February, and the new Christian contemporary station K-Love (WKLV) took over on 95.5.
Enjoy here a telescoped hour from its final week on-air. Some fond IDs and imaging (mind you, the words 'New York' can never sound anything other than wonderful); some cross trailing for WABC breakfast; a rainy weather forecast; the promise of some farewell merchandising; and a puzzling mic sound.
As Global Radio continued to focus each of its national brands on a single programming stream where possible, Friday 24th May 2019 saw the regular presenters of many local Heart breakfast shows across the UK say their farewells. Some of the presenters shifted to drive-time (and several drive presenters had their farewell shows that day too) – but for some breakfast presenters, this was the last day doing what they loved.
Enjoy here a few snippets from across the UK – and prepare yourself for the one at the end. "I am an accidental presenter. I used to be a carer. I was never supposed to be a radio presenter...I don't want it to be over but it is".
The London breakfast show goes nationwide with Jamie Theakston and newly appointed Amanda Holden on June 3rd 2019.
Roger Blyth entertains in the afternoon with ‘City Extra’ on Liverpool’s Radio City in Summer 1978. As with so many of the early stations, it spread its geographic wings as much as it dare – serving ‘the North West and North Wales’. The City Show-mobile was on the road too. More station IDs than earlier generations, at a time when the industry was just getting accustomed to audience research. The ad breaks illustrate how varied and competitive the local retail world was – and listen out for a Kenny voice-over.
Comprehensive news too, featuring a posh Roy Hattersley - and talk of inflation lying at 7 or 8% - with the prospect of it even remaining in single figures. A bit of speech for no apparent reason in the form of an interview down a bad phone line – as was often the case back then - and a more useful public service campaign to persuade parents to immunise their children. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.
No segues – but alongside the hits of the day, enjoy Les Reed and the Pop Proms Orchestra.
Roger died in 1997.
The unmistakeable Beacon sound powers through, from the chap who’d started it off from Wolverhampton three years before. In this excerpt from a Beacon Top 40 in November 1979, Mike Baker does the business, with that slick sound he’d honed – as had many others - at UBN, the United Biscuits Network. Witness how Beacon claimed ‘The West Midlands’ rather than its licensed area (then Wolverhampton and the Black Country) - then in separate ownerships the station battled over the significant BRMB overlap.
Hear the ads and lengthy news (5 minutes) typical of the time too, a Terry Wogan voiceover – a fireworks PSA – nodding to the meaningful speech required - and the Toby jugs thing…
Mike Baker died in 2013.
Feelgood radio from Birmingham's king of breakfast radio, Les Ross on BRMB in October 1979. Tighter than earlier ILR years, but replete with smiles from the off-the-cuff humour and the general energy, sound and feel.
Enjoy here too the ad breaks, with so many famous singalong ads. and an interesting music policy.
UK radio stations came together on 13th May 2019 for the second time for the Mental Health Minute.
(montage from David Salt)
"Re-group tomorrow, if spared.", suggested Sarah Kennedy as she ended what would be her last Radio 2 show on 13th August 2010.
Simon Mayo's last words on Radio 1 after fifteen years, as he prepared for a future on BBC 5 Live.
Adam Brown presented his first breakfast show on XS Manchester on Tuesday 23rd April. He had been on Capital Manchester drive, also Key 103 and BBC Radio Manchester.
The pirate who took Caroline proudly into illegality joined the BBC at last - 50 years ago this week. "The Saturday afternoon listening revolution with music and happiness for all to share.
As Jonathan Dimbleby took over from John Timpson and hosted his first Any Questions, heard here on 4th September 1987, little did he know he'd be there for 32 years until his departure in 2019.
The panel included Conservative MP Norman Tebbit and Labour's Roy Hattersley and questions included: the trial of Mathias Rust, the young German amateur aviator who landed his light aircraft in then-communist Moscow's Red Square; gun control and the future of the SDP-Liberal Alliance.
Any Questions? was first broadcast in October 1948 in the West of England and began national broadcasts in 1950. It has aired on BBC Radio 4 since 10 April 1970.
As the Capitals come together for breakfast on April 8th 2019, hear Roman Kemp - and some localised clips from Liverpool, Scotland, East Mids and Manchester.
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Light relief on the Radio 4 Today programme from 6th April 2019 with John Humphrys and Justin Webb when the line went down and filling ensued...
After sixteen feel-good years, Toby Anstis, who epitomised the Heart brand for a generation, vacates the chair.
True professionalism as Capital breakfast show presenters move on from the gigs they love. Some prepare for a new drive show, some prepare for other shows, some prepare for a new future. All listener-focused ends and generous in spirit. And I have to smile at Capital East Mids where they said so little about the end during the show, it was business as excellently usual - but there was a nod to the wise with a mention of the very first breakfast incumbent on their Nottingham 96.2 transmitter 44 years prior.
Sarah Montague interviews Dan Taylor-Watt about the new BBC Sounds app and listens to listener concerns. As heard on the World at One on Radio 4 on 6th March 2019.
As Capital prepared to take advantage of latest deregulation, Radio executives and commentators gave their two penn'orth on the Media Show from Radio 4
On 19th February 1975, Margaret Thatcher gave her first interview as party leader – and she gave it to Jimmy Young on Radio 2. In this fascinating telescoped 50’ – she assures Jimmy that he is fine to call her Margaret – despite what listeners say. She also suggests that when her time comes to leave office – she will go with good grace. And – most tellingly - on the issue of Europe – given the decision to confirm entry to the common market loomed – she suggested (33’ in) that a referendum was simply inappropriate as the issue is not ‘clear-cut’ enough. She sees why referenda work on clear cut issues but “….about a common market treaty and its negotiations that’s a very very different thing“.
In March 2017, Tony Blackburn succeeded Brian Matthew as presenter of Radio 2's 'Sounds of the 60s'. The two-hour show also moved to the earlier time of 6 am.
In Feb 2000, PM Tony Blair began a weekly audio broadcast - a little like the familiar Presidential radio broadcasts in the UK. The eight minute piece was available 'only on the Internet' (accessed either as a streamed file, a downloadable MP3 version or as a transcript). After the tentative introduction - and a what his producer likely suggested was a clever bit of linking - the first edition focused on education.
By the end of the first five months (and 14 editions), the streamed versions of the broadcasts has been requested nearly 37,000 times, an average of 254 requests per day (plus MP3 downloads and hits on the transcript page).
A sniff that just possibly John Humphrys may leave the Today programme some time in 2019 merited a sizeable chunk of the World at One on Radio 4 on 6th Feb – and prefaced the item on the North Korea nuclear summit. And so it should have. Here, he talks to former dawn colleague, Sarah Montague on the World at One on the day the story appeared on the front page of the Daily Mail.
Chris carries off his first show with aplomb. The sense of presence which he effortlessly routinely delivers – and the sense of occasion of a special first show but where the listeners feel part of it – rather than distant. A feat not carried off by all.
“BBC Radio 2”…he finds himself saying - before the hesitant “….is where we used to be’. And he warns Auntie Ethel who’s flicked over that the ‘golden oldies’ are ‘a little more contemporary than they were before’. He’s at Virgin ‘for as long as they’ll let us’ -and talks of his boss Scott. Not ‘one of the really big cheeses…but certainly on the cheese counter’.
The marketing is there, he is the biggest name in radio. The only impediment to success is platform and audience intransigence – and they have wisely recognised that. Good luck to radio’s second Ev.
On 6th Jan 2019 at 18:00, Free Radio 80s closed. On 1152am, 990am and 1017am it became Absolute Classic Rock.
On 17th December 2018, Absolute Radio was replaced by Greatest Hits Christmas on 105.2 FM in the West Midlands - ahead of the launch of Greatest Hits Radio on Jan 7th 2019.
Billy Butler served Merseyside for 47 years on Radio City, its AM offshoots and then back to BBC Radio Merseyside. At the age of 76, the BBC chose not to renew his contract. Having hosted Thursdays and Fridays, his final programme was broadcast on 28th December 2018.
As is to be expected, in the case of a man who’s served such a characterful city for so many decades, played at the Cavern and rubbed shoulders with the Beatles, his regular listeners were not best pleased, as reflected on social media and on local press. His ‘Hold your Plums’ has a place in broadcasting history.
Aziz Rashid, head of the BBC in the North West, said: "Billy Butler has been in radio for almost half a century and most of that on BBC Radio Merseyside.
"Few people attain the status of legend in their own lifetime. Billy Butler MBE (Mrs Butler’s Eldest) can certainly claim that honour. As well as an outstanding contribution award from the BBC in 2010, just this year he was enrolled as a Citizen of Honour of Liverpool; the highest accolade the city can bestow.
"Billy has brightened our listeners’ day; been a huge influence on local musicians; and impressed and flummoxed many a celebrity guest with his legendary forensic research – often knowing more about them than they do. And he is of course the man behind the iconic Hold Your Plums.
"We hope Billy will be working with us on some one-off projects in the future. A beloved broadcaster and a generous colleague, we thank him for the incredible contribution he has made not just to broadcasting but also to life on Merseyside."
Hear Billy’s story in his own words in this hour of Conversations.
Chris Evans is a master. A rule breaker who annoys every radio programme director listening – but the sense of occasion every show brings is simply perfect. On Radio 2, with the maturity that decades on air brings, he has been at his best. The creativity and rebellion lives on, polished with the pain of experience. In this final show on 24th December 2018, he uses every trick in the radio box. Wives , children and tears. And he does it authentically. As he prepares for the biggest gamble of his career, these are his final BBC moments
"I have loved every single moment. Never intended to go. But you know circumstances change and everything will be fabulous and Radio 2 will still be sparkling and magic", said Simon Mayo as he waves farewell to Radio 2 on 21st December 2018.
Some shows are remarkable for their longevity. The drive show in 2018 on Radio 2 was noteworthy for its brevity.
After many years solo, Simon was joined by Jo Whiley. Whilst both are accomplished professionals - behaving professionally - and with genuine mutual respect, it was probably not the approach either of them would chosen. The partnership ended on Thursday 20th December 2018, with Simon flying solo the following day.
Enjoy Simon here being teased on his post-Radio 2 future. Aside from the Film Show for 5 Live, 'there'll be other entertainments of a radio variety...on the way. Very shortly.... We should probably await for the formal unveiling'.
Emma Bunton began working with Heart in 2009 - as a guest co-host for Jamie and then as maternity cover for Harriet Scott. She assumed the role 'full-time' in 2013.
Enjoy here some clips from her final show with Jamie Theakston on Friday 14th December 2018. Heart proves yet again you can be polished, showbiz - and yet still authentic. This coupling was great casting - and the final show a touching end.
"For those that have listened for the last 11 years 8 months 13 days, thanks for putting up with the many shite days and for giving us your time and your fucking funny jokes. We love you from the bottom of our hearts", tweeted Shaun Keaveny as he said farewell to the breakfast stint on BBC 6 Music on 14th December 2018.
Emma Bunton began working with Heart in 2009 - as a guest co-host for Jamie and then as maternity cover for Harriet Scott. She assumed the role 'full-time' in 2013.
On 10th December 2018, she announced tearfully that she would be stepping down from the daily show whilst on tour with the Spice Girls the following year. Her Sunday evening network show remained.
On 30th November 2018, the principal Magic service flipped format to all-Christmas songs. Whilst several AM stations had dipped a toe in the water, or new or existing digital offshoots had gone totally Christmas in recent years, this was the first time a major existing FM (in London) music brand had switched formats.
Thoughts on my blog.
Whatever format radio presenters and journalists work on, there is always the risk that today, their content will not be as they anticipated - for the most tragic of reasons. They imagine how they will cope, whether they will be able to strike the mood, find the words – and stay on the factual road. Radio lives the story as human beings do - from the tentative early moments - through the fact-gathering stage - and then the emotion.
Here, Radio Leicester, with also a news bulletin from Capital East Midlands, respond promptly when the helicopter carrying Nusara Suknamai, Kaveporn Punpare, pilot Eric Swaffer and his partner, Izabela Roza Lechowicz – and Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha - crashed on 27th October 2018, having taken off from the pitch at the end of a game at the King Power Stadium.
It was not because the station launched in 2018 with T Rex which made Ipswich 102's first moments on FM memorable. It was because for the first time in its regulatory history, Ofcom had chosen not the award a new licence to the incumbent.
Town 102's licence was not renewed in favour of this new service called Ipswich 102. History is further complicated by the fact that Ipswich 102 had already been broadcasting its service on DAB for some weeks by the time it embraced its new FM frequency; and Town 102 continued on its relatively new DAB slot after its FM was seized.
As a result, Town had to cope with an unprecedented DAB migration challenge - and Ipswich 102 with getting a station on-air in record time.
Hear here the first moments of Ipswich 102 on FM.
Good humoured chat between Melvyn Bragg and John Humphrys on Radio 4's Today programme on 15th October 2018, as the programme celebrates its 20th anniversary.
We’ve grown accustomed of late to radio changes making the news. Following Chris Evans’s surprise announcement that he was quitting the Radio 2 breakfast show in favour of Virgin, speculation quickly mounted as to the identify of the successor.
Here, Chris breaks the news and Zoe reacts. You hear too how the ensuing Radio 2 news bulletin leads with the news – as opposed to the Conservative Party Conference which emerges as the second story. Radio 4 joins in too, with a sizeable piece on PM with Zoe’s showbiz dad, Johnny Ball.
A slice of Dale Winton's energy and style on Nottingham's Radio Trent in 1980. Witness too, VOs in the ads from Bill Mitchell- and Terry Wogan! The promo from Steve Merike.
As the audiences to digital stations grow, so does the content. After some live moments on special occasions, BBC Radio 4 Extra went live properly for the first time on Saturday 8th September 2018. Jake Yapp hosted the programme, with superb intervention from Kathy Clugston, more usually heard on continuity announcer or newsreader duties. As can be heard, she rather enjoys herself.
A few chosen moments from Eddie Mair on his first show in his new home at LBC as he returned to commercial radio - after many diligent BBC years - on 3rd September 2018.
The worst thing about a new show is hitting the junctions - Eddie clearly was not over worried about that here though. More importantly, this was a fresh, re-invigorated Eddie, sounding thoroughly relaxed and, rightly, warmer, than the Eddie the BBC paid for. As ever the beauty of Eddie is what he doesn't say - but you know he's thinking. This is a great LBC move - and good to hear Iain Dale's professionalism about his move from the show, justifiably repaid in spades.
After 8 years on the Radio 2 breakfast show, having assumed the throne after Wogan's departure, Chris Evans announced he would move on in his show on 3rd September 2018.
Hear here his announcement - followed by coverage on Radio 2 news, Radio 4 news, the Today Programme, World at One and the 6 O Clock News - and the announcement in Virgin Radio news of his impending arrival.
In the US, talent often crosses town and takes the audience - in the UK traditionally, it's been more challenging. Chris, however, delivered huge personal growth for Virgin in his first audience research sweep, consolidated by his second.
On Sept 1st 2018, PM presenter Luke Jones was moved to recognise the number of radio station launches on Sept 1st.
In advance of Eddie Mair's arrival at LBC, following his departure from BBC Radio 4, he spoke to the inimitable Steve Allen. The programme was aired first on 1st Sept 2018.
A longer version of this is available from LBC podcasting.
After over five years on the LBC early evening show, Iain Dale graciously shifted sideways to mid evening as Eddie Mair loomed, hotfoot from the BBC. Enjoy here Iain's final moments on 30th August 2018. There were things he wanted to say - and emotions he sought to contain. He wasn't completely successful.
On 27th March 1998, the Brighton station launched as Surf 107. Like many of its generation, it enjoyed enthusiastic local support. After its acquisition by Forever broadcasting, the station re-branded as Juice 107.2, later returning to local ownership.
Following Global's acquistion of the station, Juice closed at midnight following 13th August 2018. Enjoy here the opening and closing of its final breakfast show, then its final moments just before midnight, at which point the transmitter fell silent. The 'Capital is Coming' idents follow amidst segues some time later.
In moments of history, the broadcasting style of the day is captured. Listen here as Radio 4's Today programme on 1st October 1979 as Pope John Paul the Second was ferried through the streets of Ireland in the little yellow vehicle which became known as the Popemobile, drawing crowds of over two and a half million. The reporter is Phillip Whitfield, with presenters John Timpson and Brian Redhead.
On Wednesday 8th August 2019, Eddie Mair hosted his last PM programme on Radio 4. Although the programme had existed since April 1970, Eddie was to make it his own. His immaculate teasing, his deadpan humour and a cleverness - sometimes even too clever for many of his listeners - made the programme shine. Plus, of course, an interviewing style unmatched by anyone. Calm, targeted, persuasive and – if you’re on the wrong end – devastating.
His last programme made no mention of his departure, although his imminent end had been well publicised. Unlike most programmes, he did not talk up to Big Ben – he let ‘Bring me Sunshine’ so the job for him. Regular listeners would have mused of the significance of the change. It was such subtle nods that lent the programme an unspoken intimacy which similar programmes so often lack.
LBC beckoned – and only the most alert would have spotted his early preparations for his transfer to commercial radio as he uttered “…after these messages” into a trailer.
At almost six years, Nick Grimshaw enjoyed the second longest spell on BBC Radio1 breakfast. Like just a few others, his breakfast tenure was to be followed by another daytime stint. These are excerpts from his last show on 9th August 2018.,
BBC Radio Shropshire presenter Vicki Archer died suddenly at the age of 41 in August 2018.
Here, you can hear a segment of her bubbly on-air performance in her final show, before the news was announced the following day by Eric Smith. Her co-host Adam Green also pays his tribute.
Social media tributes afterwards from colleagues through her on-air years illustrated her popularity.
Vicki worked at The Pulse, Century FM and on the Magic network. She had hosted the afternoon show on BBC Radio Shropshire since 2010.
The 2nd August 1967 saw Tony Blackburn's first BBC programme - Midday Spin on the BBC Light Programme.
It's happened to us all. We move from station to station. And we usually remember where we are. But just maybe on the odd occasion, we mess up. A station name, frequency or phone number from a former life spurts out your mouth. Or even your own phone number.
Jo Russell was on Trent for a lifetime - but a full ten years after leaving - and having been through Absolute, BRMB and Free en route to her current home at Gem in the East Mids - for some reason the word 'Trent' came out. Maybe it was just because she was back in her home city. The brain is a funny old thing.
19th July 2018 saw the final drivetime show on Radio 1 with Greg James, prior to his move to breakfast
When Richard Bacon recovered, after falling seriously ill, Luke Jones spoke to him on Radio 4's Broadcasting House..
I really rate Anita Anand. Understated, authentic, quick, likeable, intelligent and a voice to die for. She suggests her immaculate pronunciation owes something to a teacher at her primary school, Sister Francesca, who ordered her to stop dropping her vowels.
In 2012, Anita took over the Radio 4 Saturday lunchtime 'Any Answers' from Jonathan Dimbleby, who hosts Any Questions which precedes it. Her appointment was well-made.
This edition of Any Answers is atypical. It's the sort of programme or news bulletin most broadcasters have faced from time to time - one where anything technical which can go wrong - does. The only thing one can do is plough on and keep calm. And Anita did - on this edition of a programme normally known for the military precision of each caller - and remained cool as cucumber.
After 51 years, Nicholas Parsons missed an edition of Just a Minute on BBC Radio 4 on 4th June 2018. The BBC's Head of Radio Comedy assured listeners "the apocalypse is not upon us - Gyles Brandreth kindly stepped in to give Nicholas Parsons a couple of days off. NP is totally fine and is still the guvnor as per the last 50 years"
Few UK jocks at the top of their game would choose a trip across the World as their next gig. Christian O’Connell did – as he moved from over a decade on Absolute Radio breakfast to Gold 1043 in Melbourne, Australia – ‘Better Music and More of It’.
He introduced himself well to his new audience and really sounded himself on his official debut show on 4th June 2018. Typically good story-telling – and the usual polished delivery of class lines from his enviably quick brain. Plus, he promised to call back every texter after the show.
There were a few technical hiccoughs at the outset - which are always much more infuriating for the on-air talent than for the listeners. But they did give good cause for a flood of typical OC lines: “Half an hour on air and very little has gone right”. “Who can I complain to about my own show?”. Thankfully much that went awry was just after 6 am whilst Oz was just awakening; so let’s not worry unduly about the UK anoraks who were fully alert for it at 9 pm BST with their cassette machines poised.
Great ‘getting to know you’ promos. Beautifully-read news and travel bulletins – including those live sponsor lines. And note the very short solo ads (which we used to do at LBC a decade ago too) - and the ad for a big erection. And relish Christian’s live ad for Shotton lifts - and the bed company one at the end: "More than just a bed - they're the experts -in sleep"!
It was alive – and great fun to listen to. Good luck.
Reflecting on the relationship between the Monarchy and Windsor Castle - as registered by the key broadcast moments. Produced by me for BBC Radio Berkshire.
After over five years, the second longest spell to Moyles, Grimmers announced on 31st May 2018 that he was about to vacate the Radio 1 breakfast seat.
As has now become tradition for departing major names, the handover was handled like old friends preparing to move town. In this clip from the show that morning, Grimmers reveals his news and introduces his successor Greg James who was evidently moved: “I get to have a go at the most famous radio show in the world and I could not be happier”
One year on from the Manchester Arena bombing, Key 103 reflects, in the 0800 news bulletin - and then in an evening OB from Albert Square in the centre of Manchester with Darryl Morris
As Key 103 prepared to cease, making way for Hits Radio – Manchester, Mike Toolan hosted his last breakfast show after a lengthy spell waking up Manchester.
BBC and commercial radio stations around the UK united for the first time on 15th May 2018 to broadcast a one-minute message about mental health.
The historic broadcasting aired on simultaneously at 10.59am, featuring globally famous voices talking about the stigma of mental health. With over 300 stations taking part, broadcasting to one of radio’s biggest collective audiences with an average listenership of 20 million, the Mental Health Minute was led by Radiocentre and The Radio Academy. The content was created and produced by content agency Somethin’ Else.
The message sought to recognise Mental Health Awareness Week during the industry’s Radio Audio Week. It was supported by the Royal Foundation’s Heads Together campaign which launched in 2016 to change the national conversation on mental health and tackle the stigma that prevents people from getting the help they need.
Heads Together brings together The Royal Foundation and eight mental health charities including the Anna Freud Centre For Children and Families, Best Beginnings, CALM, Contact, Place 2 Be, Mind, The Mix, and Young Minds.
A tribute to much-respected commercial radio stalwart, Alex Dickson., as aired on Clyde 2.
Whilst other radio stations are addicted to 'teasing' other programmes - some less skilfully than others - the strategy is rare on Radio 4. The live pieces into You and Yours previewing the World at One work well - and the live Dimbleby inserts into PM previewing Any Questions are inspired. The promos/trailers in the Today programme have, however, always appeared barely tolerated.
But now, lo! As the Today programme concludes each day up to the 9.00 pips, the programme to follow is now no longer ignored. The Today presenters simply utter a quick trail of what's ahead. After 60 years of merrily ignoring what's on the way, it seems a remarkably good idea.
Hamish and Andy became a comedy duo in 2003 after they met at University. After student radio, their reputation was built on the drivetime Hamish and Andy show on the Hit Network, which became the highest-rating radio series in Australian history. As they moved to further their TV career, their last show (for now at least) was aired on 1st December 2017. More info and audio at www.hamishandandy.com
A few funky and powerful promos for the East Midlands regional station Century 106 which lived from 1998 to 2005 on 106 FM, sandwiched between the lives of Radio 106 and Heart/Gem 106.
They tell of a full-blown personality station and a time and place in British radio history. Great production too from Ian Chilvers. He had some great ideas of his own - and also, when I gave him a raw idea, he was truly brilliant at reading my mind and delivering it in audio.
Ed Doolan, hugely-respected broadcaster in the West Midlands, passed away on 16th January 2018. Here the tributes flow, initially from Caroline Martin on BBC WM, then from Eddie Mair on BBC Radio 4 - and then fellow broadcaster Les Ross from BBC 1 TV in the Midlands.
Following the resignation of Carrie Gracie from her post as the BBC's China Editor on grounds of pay inequality, she hosted the Radio 4 Today programme on 8th Jan 2018.
Hear clips of that programme here in which her resignation was covered, including her reading the headlines in which that story was not mentioned; the bulletins in which it was; the press reviews where it was, albeit John Humphrys read them; the interview with John which wasn't an interview; the one between John and Mariella Frostrup which was; and John explaining why everything was or wasnt being discussed.
Then - hear an interview with Carrie on Woman's Hour that same morning, concluding with the great back anno from Jane Garvey 'Impartiality does not stop me discussing the menopause on Woman's Hour next week'.
Ray Clark issues the formal launch announcement as Radio Caroline launches afresh on a licensed AM frequency at last in December 2017.
A flavour of radio in Zimbabwe after Mugabe relinquished power after 37 years. Hear the mood of the country that day as they ‘unlocked the key’ to future success. Good questioning too: what went wrong? What went right? Was he popular with some people? What happens next?
Two on-air takes of the proposed new strategy for BBC local radio, as announced by the DG in November 2017, including rowing back on the cuts, ending the networked evening show, and stopping targeting 50+. Hear here Julia George on BBC Radio Kent holding her Managing Editor to account; and Ben Jackson taking to the DG himself on Ben’s programme on BBC Radio Leicester.
When people are worried - radio responds best. The information you need - delivered by the well-connected friend who puts their arm around you. As Ophelia arrived across Ireland on Oct 16th 2017, hear how the likes of stations such as RTE, Newstalk, Today FM, Midlands 103, Spin, 98 FM, WLR FM coped.
A delicious lengthy live exchange in the heat of the miners' strike between miners' leader Arthur Scargill and Chris Mann from IRN. They don't get on.
He's now art! Tony Blackburn appeared on BBC Radio 4's earnest Front Row with Samira Ahmed on 21st September 2017 as he prepared to mark 50 years since his first Radio One breakfast show. The contrast between Tony and the programme's puzzled style was arguably not too different maybe from the culture clash of a 1960s BBC.
After eighteen months on the new Virgin Radio breakfast show, Edith Bowman announced her departure.
On Sept 15th 2017, Sam and Amy announced their imminent farewell from East Midlands radio. They'd served on the breakfast show on 106 in its Heart and Gem guises for well over eleven years, with ratings and awards success.
For everyone - there's a word or two we can't manage. For me it's 'visitor', and I'm not too keen on 'Saturday'. Whenever possible, I find a substitute. For the fine Jim Lee, it seems to be plurality
The wonderful David Hamilton, given the Iain Lee treatment. As heard on the ‘Late Night Alternative’ on TalkRADIO in August 2017. Including the great anecdote about the listener who tried to deposit yellow paint over David.
David’s book is out now: ‘The Golden Days of Radio 1’.
Radio 4 celebrates here 150 years of the shipping forecast. Not, of course, 150 years of it on appearing on radio - as the first broadcast was not until January 1924 - but a bit of shippery is always welcome
How have voices changed over the years? Listening to the clipped tones of the young Princess Elizabeth is a stark contrast from Her Majesty’s voice today. In this comprehensive piece from the Today programme on BBC Radio 4, the topic is examined, including an example of how the sound of John Humphrys himself has changed over the close to sixty years he’s been on-air.
On the 50th anniversary of the closure of most of the remaining pirate stations, as the Marine Offences Act came into force, Dave Cash's former colleagues joined his family as his ashes were scattered at sea off Harwich.
The coverage was live on the special commemorative pirate BBC Essex station, hosted for this part of the day by Norman St John and Tom Edwards.
Pirate broadcasters can interrupt listening to legitimate stations. They can be a pain in the neck – and I recall stories from my days in London of how the operations can involve some very shady characters. And, with such availability now to spectrum via RSLs to community stations to renting DAB space, there is really no excuse. Mansfield 103.2, is suffering from a Nottinghamshire pirate which is momentarily interrupting programmes with bursts of Ivor Biggun’s Winker's song. MD Tony Delahunty, never one to fail to exploit a bit of PR (and good luck to him), appeared on the Today programme to explain the problem.
The life and times of thespian and broadcaster Colin Bower. After some earlier considerable exploits, as he explains here, Colin was memorably the launch presenter on Plymouth Sound, going on to host many programmes on Radio Trent in the 70s and 80s, at a time when the schedule included all manner of styles. Here he is, in conversation with Dean Jackson in 2017 on BBC Radio Nottingham.
Slow radio may be said to be a new phenomenon, yet in a sense, it has been done before. In this piece on Radio 4's Broadcasting House, Quentin Howard tells of how birdsong from his garden formed the test transmissions for the new Classic FM,.
As Radio 1 prepared its 50th anniversary celebrations, it announced a plan to launch a DAB offshoot. Here's how it was announced, by an earnest Radio 4 piece and a typical Eddie Mair sideways angle on PM, with a mad tech op pressing some old cart machines. Some of those cuts sound decidedly MP3 quality though! Who stole the masters?
Henry Blofeld, 77, has announced he’s to retire from BBC Radio's Test Match Special commentary after 45 years. Here Radio 4’s Today programme salutes his work and talks to the great man, who’s on fine form.
Geoff Lloyd and Annabel Port left the Absolute stable in April 2017.
Geoff's first show from One Golden Square, back when the station carried its former brand, was aired in 1999.
"...and then there's something very important that I want to tell you. Don't touch that dial." Thus ended Dave Berry's breakfast tenure at Capital London after five years.
This was an understated, professional farewell show, as he departed for Absolute - and he even paid tribute to the 'trinity of bosses: Ashley, Stephen and Richard'.
Both BBC Radio 2 and 4 carried announcements on the morning of 5th April 2017 suggesting that Brian Matthew had died. The statement was retracted later that day.
Radio 4 despatched a speedy apology for this credit for Brut aftershave on Radio 4 on March 30th (730 am) by the brilliant Garry Richardson on the Today programme. “This was a mistake. It should not have happened. We apologise and the programme’s sports production team is being reminded of the editorial guidelines on product prominence”.
Given the speed of the apology, the Guardian article covering this, and the general hullabaloo - we can rest assured it’s an uncommon occurrence.
Russell Brand announced here his return to live radio after eight years. It will be the first time since the 'Sachsgate' episode - where he and Jonathan Ross prank-called the late Andrew Sachs on Radio 2, albeit that element of the programme was recorded.
Russell's new show will air on Radio X on Sunday mornings.
After 27 years of presenting Sounds of the 60s, this was Brian's farewell show. on 25th February 2017.
Eddie Mair breaks the news of the death of Steve Hewlett, Radio 4’s Media Show presenter and respected journalist. Steve had shared his thoughts about his cancer with PM listeners in the preceding weeks.
1925 saw the announcement of programming for rural workers but came to be enjoyed by listeners generally.
A new morning weather forecast was introduced - and a weekly summary of farm produce prices in the home markets.
The market prices for farmers were an addition to the regular Farmers' Talks. These appeared amongst the specialised talks that comprised a fair proportion of early radio broadcasts, and made no allowance for the general listener. Typical talks for farmers at the time included Ducks for Egg Production, Experiments on the Manuring of Roots in Dorset, Phosphatic Manures for Spring Use, and one on the Agricultural Holdings Act 1923.
Farming programmes on radio developed over the years, including On Your Farm and Farming Today. These programmes served and reflected the agricultural community, whilst developing a following amongst politicians and general listeners, providing a glimpse of rural life for wistful urban dwellers.
Huw Kennair-Jones arrived at the Archers after recently producing Medici: Masters Of Florence, starring Dustin Hoffman and Richard Madden; and New Tricks for Headstrong Pictures, where he also series produced Waterloo Road.
Between 2008 and 2014, he worked for Sky Entertainment as a commissioning editor at Sky Drama, and was also executive producer on programmes including Hit And Miss, Strike Back, Mad Dogs, Thorne, Terry Pratchett's Going Postal and Moonfleet.
He previously worked as a commissioning executive for Sky 1, a story producer for EastEnders, a series producer for Dream Team and a producer for Holby City.
In this interview with Paddy O'Connell on Broadcasting Hosue on Radio 4, he tells of listening to The Archers on Sunday mornings as a child while his mother did the ironing - and his thoughts on ther task ahead.
What a show. With the Nation’s eyes upon him, Tony Blackburn sounded thoroughly relaxed as he made his Radio 1 debut – on the first day of the new station, as the Light Programme split into radios one and two. Mind you, this show launched quietly on a Saturday, as did the BBC’s week.
Enjoy a sprinkling of those words and phrases which would not be heard on today’s radio – or anywhere. The ‘in sounds’, ’where it’s at’, ‘fabulous’ and the ‘fun thirty’.
Hear his chats with fellow presenters Simon Dee (the Chris Evans of his generation) and David Ryder; and an honourable mention for Scotland. One can imagine a well-meaning BBC staffer saying ‘don’t forget Scotland, Tony’. They likely also asked him to flag up the existence of Radio 2 to the old dears a little perplexed by Tony on a frequency hitherto occupied by music to knit to. So he did. Sort of.
There’s a lovely version of Let’s Go to San Francisco with an end I hadn’t heard before, and an array of new releases, replete with catalogue numbers, no doubt to help the needletime situation.
It’s a delicious listen – and, as he says, the show proper didn’t debut until Monday.
Eddie Mair celebrates record audiences for the PM Programme on Radio 4 - for W4 2016, with typical style - and elegant tease.
Also, some touching response to Steve Hewlett's cancer diaries - and a reminder of radio's powerful, quiet influence.
After four years, the The Mark Forrest Show, made for the BBC local radio network by Wire Free Productions, chaired by former Radio 1 controller Matthew Bannister, ended on Thursday 2nd Feb 2017.
The programme’s arrival on the network’s 39 stations had been greeted by some hostility, not least from those whose local programmes had been displaced - and their friends around the network, some of whom allegedly had to be reminded about their professional responsibilities.
I rate Matthew - and I rate Mark. Matthew’s company won a decent tender; and Mark’s a great presenter. The sort of remarks received by the programme were unjustified and typical examples of the excesses of social media.
My view is that Mark - and Matthew’s team are doing a pretty fine job of a bad idea. I just take issue to this day with the strategy, which continues. This sort of networking seems a puzzling tactic for the network - and the cost of the overall production amazes me. If it was a really cost-efficient option, I’d maybe have a bit of professional sympathy with a difficult decision. But I’m not sure it is.
Enjoy here bits of Mark’s valedictory performance, before he handed the baton to Georgey Spanswick.
On 18th January 2017, Geoff Lloyd broke the news that he, and his co-host Annabel Port, plan to leave the Absolute stable in April. Geoff's first show from One Golden Square, back when the station carried its former brand, was aired on the same day in 1999.
This programme, broadcast on 19th Nov 2016, was the last before Brian became ill. He was to return for a valedictory programme in February
Launch of Red Rose 999 in Preston, Lancashire - Part 2. From 20/01/1997 - First link post the news bulletin from Laura Penn and Carl Greenwood. Replaced Red Rose Gold.
Launch of Red Rose 999 in Preston, Lancashire - Part 1. From 20/01/1997 Replaced Red Rose Gold.
Launch of Magic 999 in Preston Lancashire, replacing Red Rose 999/Red Rose Gold from 15/02/1999
As Norway prepares (Jan 2017) to turn off its FM and be the first country to go digital in quite that way, Ford Ennals, Chief Executive Officer Digital Radio UK, spoke to John Humphrys on the Radio 4 Today Programme
Great broadcasters can speak volumes without saying a word. After a truly awful 2016 for Tony Blackburn, he returned to the BBC on 31st December 2016 in this special new year’s eve programme.
One can imagine him smiling quietly in Wogan House as he returned to the BBC that evening and spun his beloved Motown.
Nicely in the seat ready for the 50th anniversary celebrations for Radio 1. Welcome back, Tony, we missed you.
Radio lost some of its favourites this year. In this piece, we pay tribute to just some of them.
Dave Cash - The pirates, ‘Kenny & Cash’, Capital, BBC Local
Cliff Michelmore - Hamburg end of ‘Two Way Family Favourites’, later much TV
Ted Gundry - BBC Cornwall
Ed Stewart - The pirates, BBC Radio 2, commercial radio and TV
Tony Cozier - Cricket journalist and commentator
Jimmy Young - BBC Light, Radio 1 and 2
Ian Rufus - Commercial radio founder, LBC, Hallam, Viking, Mercia
Keith Belcher - LBC founding programmer
Joyce Frost - ‘Old Woman’ on Steve Wright show
Paddy O Flaherty - BBC Radio Ulster
Dave Gregory - BBC Radio 1 and commercial radio inc Metro
Tony Beard - BBC Devon
Alan Devereux - The Archers (Sid Perks) and accomplished VO
Ali Brownlee - BBC Tees commentator
Joe Fish - BBC Lancashire
Steve Becker - BBC Lancashire
Terry Wogan - RTE, BBC Light, Radio 1 and 2
Dave Barrett - BBC Radio Bristol, GWR, Brunel FM, GLR, talkRADIO
Simon Bates in the eighties on Radio 1- chatting casually to a 28 year old Madonna. Some pretty good insight too!
Thanks to Richard White offering me the audio.
Presenters rarely gather on-air and just have fun. Christmas is a decent time to do it, not least if you're on a pirate ship facing long days and nights with your loved ones across the dark North Sea. Enjoy here a few festive moments on a 'loonabaout' with Carl Mitchell, Glen Adams and Stevie Merike on board Radio Caroline as it enjoyed its first Christmas as a lone - and thoroughly illegal -pirate. Studio quality recording too.
When the snow comes, radio comes into its own. Relish here a bit of crisis programming on Leicester Sound and Radio Trent from 1987. The two stations came together, for reasons of other presenters stuck in the drifts, and a presenter from each service chipped in. Andy Marriott and Steve Merike made for an unlikely pairing, but it’s great to hear this. Not least because of the manifold mentions of long forgotten bus companies and electricity boards.
The BBC announced on 16th Nov 2016 that its World Service would launch 11 new language services. The expansion was a result of the funding boost announced by the UK government last year.
The new languages would be Afaan Oromo, Amharic, Gujarati, Igbo, Korean, Marathi, Pidgin, Punjabi, Telugu, Tigrinya, and Yoruba, with the first new services expected to launch in 2017.
The expansion was the largest growth spurt since the 1940s, with languages having been cut from the service in recent years.
"This is a historic day for the BBC" said BBC director general Tony Hall. "The BBC World Service is a jewel in the crown - for the BBC and for Britain. "As we move towards our centenary, my vision is of a confident, outward-looking BBC which brings the best of our independent, impartial journalism and world-class entertainment to half a billion people around the world.
His clear tones epitomised a calm era of Radio 2. Armed with some TV experience and a spell with the pirate Radio Caroline, Colin Berry joined the BBC’s new 'Light Programme' in the seventies.
He was to host all of its major dayparts, from time to time, and was said to be the station’s longest continuous-serving news reader until his final bulletin in 2012. Famously too, for 25 years, we heard him deliver the UK’s voting in the Eurovision song contest.
In his own words, this is the Colin Berry story.
(Music by Larry Bryant www.larrybryant.com)
Adam Dowling introduces a tribute to Dave Cash, as produced originally for Dave's 50th anniversary in radio in 2014. As aired (telescoped) on the BBC in the South in October 2016.
After more then fifty years in radio, from the pirates to the present day, Dave Cash died on 21st October 2016.
His final programme was just days before, on October 16th, across the BBC in the South on this Country programme. Catch him here enjoying himself, joining in with familiar Country favourites, and even having a quick word with a fellow pirate Roger Day.
For a generation, his was the daring voice of an initially cautious Capital Radio, as the host of ‘Your Mother Wouldn’t Like it’. In this edition of Conversations, enjoy an hour with Nicky Horne.
Nicky speaks of his early days in the discos and on biscuit factory radio at UBN, before opening up about his break at Capital where he was to work alongside those he’d admired in their pirate beginnings. Hear too of his encounters with some of the World’s most famous musicians’; and his days at Virgin and the BBC.
In his own words, this is the Nicky Horne story.
Trusting Jon Holmes to end his Xfm breakfast days and host a farewell programme to prepare the ground for a new radio station probably took a bit of a management gulp. But it made compelling listening. You never quite knew how far he was going to go - and even when he was uttering sincere valedictory words, you had that niggling feeling something else was about to happen. Great radio. Great performer. Few presenters have ever managed to span the formats with the agility and intelligence of Jon.
Aired 11t September 2015.
Presenters form a close bond with their listeners, particularly on talk and breakfast formats. When they wave farewell, whether at their choice or the station’s, it’s good to be able to say goodbye.
Listen here to the announcement of the departure of Chelsea Norris from the Key 103 breakfast programme in Manchester after 11 years, followed by the last two hours of the final show two days later. The listeners say it best: ‘It’s like losing my little girl’.
Performed by Sarah Vaughan, this great jingle was part of a star-studded campaign by the RAB in the United States in 1965. They were trumpeting commercial radio powerfully whilst we were still almost a decade away from it even beginning.
Another AM/FM split, a little later than the rest, Swansea Sound divided on 30th September 1995, exactly 21 years after it had originally gone on air.
Unlike most, the legacy brand remained on AM and the new 'brand' 'Sound Wave' (Now The Wave) debuted on FM. It was proud moment for Shaun Tilley.
A truly delightful piece of rarely heard Thatcher, in conversation here with a tolerant and surprised Peter Allen, then LBC's Political Editor. He seeks to gain a definition of Thatcherism. It's introduced by Douglas Cameron.
Like so many of the 70s and 80s, I had numerous namecheck jingles, singing my name in lush harmonies. Jingle singers must have cursed when presented in their sessions with a list of dull English names to sing over the end of the same track. Mind you, there was nothing quite like listening through to a new package for the first time to see how they’d pronounced your name. Some people in Nottingham sing mine to me even now. Ah well. Here are a few - as an illustration of a time and place in radio history. A time possibly kicked off in England with the pirates and Tony Blackburn’s ‘The Tony Blackburn Show’ which he has carried with him almost to this day. Enjoy the work of Alfasound, JAM, CPMG and the list goes on. I’ve mislaid my original £7.50 Sonovox from East Anglian Productions. Mind you. I’ve changed my name since then. At the end, hear the first ever official jingle I had at Trent (admittedly sung by different singers from the main package, as I had joined Trent too late), and a Summer jock ID, kindly voiced my Len Groat, which made a shy 19 year old feel special as he had the same idents as those he’d grown up listening to. Watch out soon for a ‘days of the week’ accapella compilation. Actually, let’s not bother with that.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, with clips and memories, for the week ending July 15th 2016,.
This weekly series is also featured at the end of the week's Radio Today podcast.
It was expected by some that Chris Moyles may not last too long on breakfast. Not because he wasn’t up to the job. He was. But he was seen to push the limits, just as so many greats do; and the BBC was in cautious mood.
As it turned out’ he ended up being the longest serving Radio 1 breakfast show host, and such is the pace of media now, not least with younger formats, his record is unlikely to be challenged. Ever.
Enjoy here the announcement of his farewell in July 2012. His delivery offers a chink of evidence of how he connected so well, for so long.
Afterwards, hear how his succession plans were explained by his Controller to Richard Bacon.
After many years of being revealed on Wednesdays or Sundays, the chart release day moved to Fridays from 10th July 2015.
'A String of Pearls' was heard for 25 years on BBC Radio Wales, hosted by Dewi Griffiths. He announced his retirement in 2014, after sixty years with the BBC. Dewi joined in 1954 as a Probationary Technical Assistant with The Welsh Home Service, working in Cardiff, before being transferred to television in 1956 .
Dewi returned at the end of 1962 as BBC Wales formed its very own Sports Department. Over the next 30 years, Dewi directed the cameras at every rugby match played at Cardiff Arms Park.
Dewi's happy memories were key to his twilight career at BBC Radio Wales, playing the songs and stars of yesteryear as presenter of 'A String of Pearls' on Sunday mornings.
1947 - and when the country sought coverage of the marriage of HRH Princess Elizabeth to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, they turned to radio.
Although the art of commentary was still a young one, it had already been well practised, given radio had learned so quickly how to describe the horror of War.
Wynford Vaughan-Thomas describes the scene inside the Westminster Abbey for the BBC Home Service and then crosses to Richard Dimbleby witnessing the processional route back to Buckingham Palace. Finally, as the crowds await the balcony appearance, the legendary Frank Gillard, who was to be BBC Local Radio's founding father, takes over. This is beautiful radio.
Chris Carnegy persuaded his way into Portsmouth’s Radio Victory as a student, little knowing he’d witness the sudden end of its life, as its franchise became the first to be whisked away by the regulator.
He later emerged as a leading light in its replacement, Ocean Sound. Having established the successful Spire FM in Salisbury and playing a key role in the Local Radio Company, Chris acquired the reputation as a much-admired individual who knew the secrets of running great local radio businesses with high quality programming at the right cost.
In this hour of ‘Conversations’, Chris tells proudly of his successes; honestly of his frustrations; and shares insight into his more recent projects at the BBC and beyond. In his own words, this is the Chris Carnegy story.
After nine years, Sandi Toksvig hosted her final edition of 'The News Quiz' on BBC Radio 4 in June 2015. She'd first appeared as a panellist in 1992 under the stewardship of Barry Took. The News Quiz has been a trademark element of the Radio 4 schedule since 1977.
A flavour of how radio around the British Isles reflected the historic vote on the future of its position within the EU.
Radio Victory in Portsmouth was one of very few UK radio stations ever to have its right to broadcast, effectively, withdrawn by the regulator.
In the days of commercial radio’s first regulator, the IBA, franchises to broadcast were awarded; and these were rolled upon satisfactory performance. In later days, fixed terms were awarded, at the end of which a new competitive beauty contest would decide whether the incumbent should live to fight another day. DAB has, in more recent years, interrupted that process.
Whilst the law offers no specific advantage to the incumbent when a licence is advertised, regulators have, quite rightly, felt they needed a decent reason to replace a licensee. A very poor regulatory record or on the edge of bankruptcy; or just a case of not quite taking the hint about what they should be doing in the ensuing term. Famously, the original LBC lost its licence in 1993; albeit the brand name was to return, in due course, under its successor.
Witness here a telescoped edition of the excellent last programme aired by Radio Victory in Portsmouth on 28th June 1986.
This had been a slightly more complex battle as when its franchise ended; a new larger area was being offered by the IBA and three groups put their heads above the parapet.
It was told it had lost out to Ocean Sound in 1985 and closed down the following year. Ocean became Heart, and is now part of Heart South Coast.
Chris Carnegy (thanks for the audio, Chris) delivered the final words in this impressive valedictory programme beautifully; and he subsequently touched down at the replacement station which launched four months later.
A time and a place. Tony Blackburn makes his debut on the Top 40. The pro shines through, with all the rigidity and preciseness the format demand, with just a sprinkling of his personality. Jam jingles punctuate, alongside the voice of the legendary Bill Mitchell, plus some naked-sounding American girls. The music is typically late seventies, with residual punk, the jazz of Spirogyra and the Crusaders and a seasoning of Boney M, before the chart rundown is immaculately delivered.
Audio kindly supplied by the chart archivist, Richard White.
This audio, courtesy Lindsay Reid, show Ian in full flow, hosting News-Scene as he waved farewell to Hallam. This half-hour programme illustrates the depth of news aired on late seventies ILR (commercial radio).
No station will ever rule as BBC Radio 1 did through the 70s, 80s and into the 90s. Despite being, for decades, on AM only, the Corporation’s reluctant pop channel soared to victory in those halcyon red, white and blue days under its Controller Johnny Beerling. Few presenters of that era failed to send a tape in to Johnny in the hope of a plum gig.
In this episode of ‘Conversations’ from #RadioMoments, Johnny tells of Radio 1's first day; his early days in overseas radio; and his tentative steps as a Technical Operator, rising to control the Nation’s biggest radio station. He tells of his appointments and his firings, his hopes and his low moments.
In his own words, recorded in his sunny, windy North Yorkshire garden, this is Johnny’s story.
Read more in Johnny's book, 'Inside Radio 1', available at http://www.johnnybeerling.co.uk/
The story of one of the World's longest running factual programmes, which began on the BBC Forces Programme in 1942.
In this programme, hosted by James Naughtie, hear the programme's founder, Roy Plomley, and its subsequent hosts. Hear its changing style and some truly great stories of the notables who've been featured over the years.
There is only one Steve Allen. This irreplaceable talent has entertained on LBC since the late seventies, and his distinctive act has become part of the UK’s rich radio tapestry. In this hour, hear Steve speak openly about his early days and emotionally about his time at the United Biscuits Network. He tells too of LBC’s early life and about listener response through the changing years.
Fresh from being honoured with the Arqiva Gold Award for his services to commercial radio, this is Steve’s story – in his own words.
This is another episode of the Conversations series. Hear more from 'those who made a difference' at https://audioboom.com/playlists/1307245-conversations
In May 2016, Radio 2’s Friday Night Is Music Night presented a special edition to remember David Jacobs, who would have been 90 that week. West End star singers Hannah Waddingham, Rodney Earl Clarke, Gary Williams and Michael Ball featured, with Radio 2 fellow presenters offering hugely fond tributes in the ‘interval’. The programme was hosted by Emma Jacobs, David’s daughter.
Russ Williams waves farewell here from his 'rock 'n roll football' show on Absolute Radio after six years. The day, however, also marks the end of Russ's career at One Golden Square in both its brand incarnations, after 23 years.
Few presenters are on-air for 50 years. Roger Day has been. Here, on a Bank Holiday special, aired on BBC Radio Kent, he tells his own story and chats to those who've featured in it, from Johnnie Walker to Tom Edwards. Hear too the voice of Ron O'Quinn, the chap who saw Roger's talents when he was hiring for 'Swinging Radio England', and who was, therefore, responsible for Roger's entry to the business.
(This is a 'scoped version. Catch the full version currently on BBC iPlayer)
Some of Liverpool's radio stations breaking the news of the Hillsborough verdict in April 2016.
Pete Price, who's seized the mood of his City so many times in his years, opens his programme on the night of the Hillsborough verdict in April 2016.
A station's closure is always sad. High hopes dashed, usually when the money fails to flow through the door in sufficient quantity to pay the milk bill.
Gwent Broadcasting (GB Radio) launched from Newport, South Wales in 1983, promoted by one of those thin flex-discs through letterboxes. After a period of financial difficulty, it closed in April 1985 and the transmitters relayed neighbouring Red Dragon from Cardiff. The two stations then formally merged.
Alongside Centre in Leicester, these two stations were the key casualties in ILR's early expansion.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, with clips and memories, for the week ending April 22nd 2016,.
This weekly series is also featured at the end of the week's Radio Today podcast.
Fascinated by the new local commercial station in his home town of Bradford in the ‘70s, Roger was eager to play his part in that young Pennine Radio. The BBC then swiftly called, taking him first to Lincolnshire and then to BBC Radio Northampton, where his voice delivered the station’s first news bulletin.
In this edition of ‘Conversations’, Roger Mosey tells of his rise through the BBC ranks, from Editorship of PM and Today through to heading BBC 5 Live, running the highly-regarded Olympics coverage and taking his place around the BBC top table in what turned out to be its most challenging spell.
Speaking from his new home, as the Master of Selwyn College, Cambridge, this is the Roger Mosey story - in his own words.
Roger’s book ‘Getting Out Alive’ is an insightful read - and available now, published by Biteback.
As Piccadilly hit its first birthday in 1975, a commemorative 7" vinyl disc was duly released. On it, you can hear the voices of Roger Day, Steve England, Andy Peebles, Tony Emmerson and Steve Merike. There's an invitation to buy a special pendant radio, provided you despatch a cheque or postal order; and we hear the words of the founding MD, Philip T Birch, who describes Picc as: friendly 1st; happy 2nd; informative 3rd; and entertaining 4th.
Today, another BBC local radio character died. Ted Gundry, who was 81, was one of the founding members of BBC Radio Cornwall and, one of its distinctive Cornish voices. BBC local radio seems to wave farewell to its own with great fondness and style; and, here as ever, it is the listeners’ contributions which emerge as the most touching.
Who would imagine that radio drama would make the headlines in 2016?
It has, with the current Archers storyline featuring the manipulative and coercive Rob Titchener whose control of his pregnant wife turns to abuse, with dramatic consequences. The press have picked up on the storyline, and funds have been raised for domestic abuse charities. Maybe most importantly, this issue of quiet ‘gaslighting’ has been brought to the fore, with individuals now feeling able to step forward to a more understanding response.
Here, the plot makes Newsnight coverage. I doubt whether Evan's interview with Louiza Patikas (who plays Helen) and the Editor Sean O Connor will win any TV awards, but it’s great to see, once again, radio claiming its rightful headlines.
One doubts that TV was quite so generous with coverage of major radio drama plots in 1955 when Grace Archer died in the fire timed to co-incide with the day of ITV’s launch.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, with clips and memories, for the week ending April 15th 2016,.
This weekly series is also featured at the end of the week's Radio Today podcast.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, with clips and memories, for the week ending April 8th 2016,.
This weekly series is also featured at the end of the week's Radio Today podcast.
I’ve often wondered how long it would be until the media at large stopped looking to ‘the papers’ to lead content. Whilst there have been some huge stories unearthed by the best press journos in recent years, stories are often as likely to spring from a James O’Brien challenge or frosty Nick Ferrari exchange on LBC; a healthy duel on the Today programme or from a single Tweet. It’s perhaps, therefore, no surprise to hear that ‘What the Paper Say’ has ended its run on Radio 4. This scripted programme, with press clips read by actors, had begun on TV in 1956. Having channel-hopped a few times, it disappeared in 2008, before being revived on radio in 2010. Since the show began, the Mail’s circulation has fallen from 2m to a respectable 1.59m; the Times has grown from 220 to 404k; the Telegraph down from 1,1m to 472k; and the Mirror has declined from 4.6m to 809k. Circulations of the nationals, at least, have, it seems, held up better than press display advertising.
Launched for Shaftesbury on 25 June 1995, Gold Radio later became Vale FM and Midwest Radio. It’s now part of the Breeze. Enjoy here its proud early moments
What goes around comes around. TalkRADIO returned, via the new national digital multiplex, on 21st March 2016. After a complex four years on-air, the original incarnation had evolved into TalkSPORT - just a month after the original national multiplex had launched in 1999. The parent companies for both were The Wireless Group, albeit a lot of corporate water had flown under a lot of bridges in the interim. Enjoy here, a telescoped day 1, featuring Paul Ross, Julia Hartley-Brewer, Jon Holmes and Sam Delaney. One can hear the DNA of the original Talk Radio seeping through in both the online-up and the approach.
Always nice when you can get Steve Jobs’s name in some imaging.
Enjoy here the understated launch of the Big Top 40 in June 2009, the ‘real time’ chart, with Rich and Kat taking the seat
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending March 11th 2016, as featured at the end of the week's Radio Today podcast.
He was the dog breeder who became Nottingham’s most famous radio presenter. Speak to anyone over 50 in the City and they’ll remember Dennis. When he died in 1996, the streets of Nottingham were lined for the procession to his funeral. Dennis McCarthy hosted ‘the Sunday Show’ and ‘Afternoon Special’ for a large proportion of his 28 years with Radio Nottingham – programmes still recalled fondly to this day, in surprising detail, by his audience. In this long-overdue tribute, 20 years on, colleagues and his family recall what made Dennis so special. What was it about his personality - and his approach - which resulted in this most memorable of broadcasters?
This is not just the story of one broadcaster. It is the story of a time and place in BBC local radio, and the prime example of the sort of characters who dominated their markets in BBC local radio’s early days. It is also the story of the power of radio – the listener relationship - and of pure natural broadcasting skill, with the finest tricks used instinctively.
This is the Dennis McCarthy story. With thanks to Owen McCarthy for the use of archive audio.
More on Dennis on my blog at: http://davidlloyd-radio.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/our-dennis.html
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending March 4th 2016, as featured at the end of the week's Radio Today podcast.
For a generation, she was the sound of Radio 4 evenings on the PM programme, booming with authority over the trademark sig tune. That same generation would quiver as they recalled her addressing them in their childhood from the Blue Peter settee. Valerie Singleton hosted the PM programme on Radio 4 through the 80s.
On February 29th 2016, in a typical flight of Mair fancy, she returned to commemorate Leap Year Day. Whilst it was a fun theme, Val sounded as trusted as ever as she sat in the chair she’d vacated almost a quarter of a century ago.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending February 26th 2016, as featured at the end of the week's Radio Today podcast.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending February 19th 2016, as featured at the end of the week's Radio Today podcast.
He made his way from a commercial radio traineeship in the early 80s through to managing the purchase of that very station and its neighbours three decades later. En route, he created the firm foundations for the brand-led radio which now plays a key part in commercial radio’s fortunes.
From his Manchester roots, observing the birth of commercial radio, through to his inspiration in New York, this is the Phil Riley story in his own words.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending February 12th 2016, as featured at the end of the week's Radio Today podcast.
Radio Mercury launched for Reigate and Crawley on 20th October 1984, in tough economic times for commercial radio - with a launch budget, it was said of £1m, under launch MD John Aumonier. It became Heart 26 years later.
It was to be the final show he’d ever host. In November 2015, Terry Wogan kicked off ‘Weekend Wogan’ with his favourite Clifford T Ward track and ended with the Platters. In-between, the usual good-natured quips flowed, alomgside much talk-up for the Children in Need appearance for which he was to send apologies for his absence. “Spend until your pocket thinks your hand’s gone mad”, were his final words of conversation. But was there just something in the Wogan pause just between “I’ll see you” - and “On Friday”?
Now laughing friends deride Tears I cannot hide So I smile and say When a lovely flame dies Smoke gets in your eyes
In this second edition of Conversations, we talk to the man who steered Signal in Stoke through its first couple of decades, rising quickly from breakfast show host to Programme Director. As industry consolidation advanced, John Evington also tells of his spell under Kelvin MacKenzie as Group PD of the Wireless Group. His early days are recalled too, from the magical moments in Manchester at the Piccadilly Radio of the 70s to the ill-fated Centre Radio in Leicester.
This fifty minute programme is the story of a programmer who was in for the early days of UK commercial radio and who was at the helm through its most fascinating and sometimes turbulent times. In his own words, illustrated along the way, this is the story of John Evington’s love for the closeness of radio.
Hosting the Wogan dawn daypart the Monday after his death was always going to be a challenge. A challenge that Chris Evans, Lynn Bowles and Moira Stuart rose to perfectly.
'The announcement' was followed by three hours of an utterly fitting, irreverent celebration of a legend. The programme became, in the words of Chris, 'Terry's final show', with his deep Irish voice popping up when you least expected it, not least in the news intro.
Amidst the laughter, and the torrent of amusing listener tributes, there were moments of sadness and, very nearly, tears. It take a broadcaster of Chris's stature and intuition, and sensitive production, to pull off a show like today's and reflect the Nation's mood perfectly. I suspect Terry looked on from afar today with a knowing smile: 'That's my boy'
Today, 31st January 2016, Radio 2 said goodbye to one of its own. Fittingly, the tributes were the voices and thoughts of listeners.
http://davidlloyd-radio.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/farewell-terry.html?m=1
I worship Tony Blackburn.
Now, there's really no need for split minute timecheck. But, as ever, he gets away with it. It's just. Well, it's just him. And the nation rightly adores him.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending Jan 29th 2016, as featured at the end of the week's Radio Today podcast.
I loved Week Ending (1970-1998) on beloved Radio 4. The weekly satirical sketch show in which often promising young writers, like Harry Hill and David Baddiel, and great impressionists and actors like David Jason, Jon Glover, Sally Grace, Alison Steadman and Tracey Ullman came together with their humorous take on the week’s news.
Maybe it’s rose coloured spectacles, but the early days were lucky to coincide with a colourful political backdrop, with rich pickings for a show like this. For me, the Healey and Thatcher days were summed up brilliantly by this unique show.
Having launched as part of a tranche of Radio 4 changes as the 70s dawned, many would agree that this father of Spitting Image was right to end in 1998.
Enjoy here an episode from 1990, despatched kindly to me, amongst many other editions by Griff Griffith, just after the shock resignation of Margaret Thatcher
I loved Week Ending on beloved Radio 4 (1970-1998). The weekly satirical sketch show in which often promising young writers, like Harry Hill and David Baddiel, and great impressionists and actors like David Jason, Jon Glover, Sally Grace, Alison Steadman and Tracey Ullman came together with their humorous take on the week’s news. Maybe it’s rose coloured spectacles, but the early days were lucky to coincide with a colourful political backdrop, with rich pickings for a show like this. For me, the Healey and Thatcher days were summed up brilliantly by this unique show. Having launched as part of a tranche of Radio 4 changes as the 70s dawned, many would agree that this father of Spitting Image was right to end in 1998.
Radio is now pretty good in saying goodbye to its family. It knows that, for many listeners, presenters have become part of their family – and a fitting tribute is warranted. BBC Radio Lancashire’s Joe Fish, CMA International Broadcaster Of The Year 2008, died in January 2016. This is the programme devoted to his memory, in which listeners, colleagues and family showed their fondness and recognition. Joe had joined the Fire Service, aged 18, motivated by stories of being rescued by fireman as a baby from a house fire. 31 years of service followed, alongside a keen involvement in Country music and around forty years serving the genre’s radio.
A whole day snapshot of a confident Radio 1 in August 1990, kicking off with that five minute secret dawn montage of jingles. Turned a generation of paperboys into anoraks.
Tough to believe that it wasn’t altogether that long ago when you could hear Lindisfarne kick off a day on the Nation’s Favourite. And a touch of Doris Day later. This line up saw Brambles, Mayo, Bates, Schofield, Davies, Wright, Goodier, Peel, Campbell and Harris. Huge energy; Jam jingles; production-intensive; ‘1FM news in touch with the Gulf Crisis’; ‘every oldie’s a baldie’; and Philip Schofield worrying about the DAT machine.
Saved for posterity by an intrepid Neil Rudd.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending Jan 22nd 2016, as featured at the end of the week's Radio Today podcast.
Few breakfast shows hit the ten year mark. Christian O’Connell’s did, on 23rd January 2016. The previous day, which was a Friday, he and his team were in celebratory and nostalgic mood.
Blog http://davidlloyd-radio.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/congratulations-oc.html
Another station joins the Capital stable, as the brand arrives on the ex-Juice station on 18th Jan 2016, purchased from UTV. The Network is now twelve stations.
The convergence of the AM networks across the UK is a complex tale. Each of the original commercial stations, compelled by the regulator to do something more useful on their AM frequencies, generally chose to launch oldies stations of various flavours. Individual names like Supergold, WGMS, Brunel and GEM.AM gradually evolved into a mighty GWR network of Classic Gold stations, which was nothing to do with the original Yorkshire Radio Network ‘Classic Gold’ station. Meanwhile, At that time, Bauer were merrily amalgamating their AM stations into a Magic AM network, which was nothing to do with the London soft AC of the same name. Capital was assembling its own Capital Gold network too, comprising all its AM offerings such as Xtra-AM, WABC and South Coast Radio. Come August 2007, with GWR and Capital merged into GCap, their two AM networks Gold and Classic Gold became simply Gold. With the new name came programme changes, and here David ‘Kid’ Jensen hosts his last morning show after five year in the slot and prepares to begin the breakfast show. As a sunny day comes to an end, he generously pays tribute too to his colleagues who won’t be part of the new plans. Not sure if he took his competition with him.
The single 'Gold' launched at 7 pm on 3rd August 2007, as the stations joined the sustaining service which was to be itself.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending Jan 15th 2016, as featured at the end of the week's Radio Today podcast.
“I’m happy and pleased with life” A relaxed David Bowie – in an insightful interview with Andy Peebles for Radio 1, recorded in New York on 5 Dec 1980 and broadcast the following January – 35 years ago. “I would never want to be a banner waver for any particular cause”
(Archive audio collected by Richard White)
Teddy Wakelam was behind the mic for the first ever rugby commentary on BBC radio -and indeed the first example of any commentary - in January 1927. He’d played rugby for Harlequin F.C. and become its captain.
Teddy was well-rehearsed, thanks to having conducted a schools match commentary as a trial. He was described as "a natural talker with a reasonable vocabulary, a good rugby mind and a conscious determination to avoid journalese". Lessons learnt from the first successful rugby commentary, the first football commentary followed just a week later.
This example is a mock up, but staged by the original crew,
Steve Wright, I suspect, is not the only disc jockey who fancies playing favourite old jingles of another radio station on his show and singing along with them. Here is, with Radio Luxembourg jingles in all their glory on BBC Radio 2 as he, together with Tony Prince, Kid Jensen and Pete Murray, reminisce about Fabulous 208, a station which played a huge part in all their lives.
Broadcast 30th July 2008
The voice of this Devon boy was to become the voice of childhood for a generation. Ed Stewart began his radio career in Hong Kong, before moving to the most ‘professional’ of the pirate stations, Radio London, in 1965. His voice was heard as the station closed famously and tearfully in 67. Like many of the best pirates, he was signed up to Radio 1, hosting such modern shows as ‘Happening Sunday’ & ‘What’s New’. Then, in 1968, he grabbed ‘Junior Choice’ from Leslie Crowther and began a twelve year stint. It became famous for its theme tune Morningtown Ride, dedications sent it on wobbly bits of tape, and little Michael cheekily shouting ‘ello darling. As the eighties began, Ed moved to Radio 2, for Family Favourites and weekday afternoons until 1983. He was heard on Radio Mercury for a couple of years, before returning to Radio 2 and indeed to afternoons. After a spell on Sunday evenings, he waved farewell in 2006.
He was a well-known TV face on Crackerjack - and was famously the male voice at the end of Lynsey de Paul's silky 70s hit 'Won't somebody dance with me'.
Ed died in January 2016. His last programme was broadcast live - just days before - on Christmas Day 2015. In a piece of inspired scheduling, Ed revived ‘Junior Choice’ to remind us grown-ups of Christmases past, playing all the favourites from Nellie the Elephant to Sparky’s Magic Piano. His closing song was, fittingly, the vocal version of his theme, which he felt able to join in with. I think every disc jockey would like to carefully craft their final show, their last song and their last words. Ed almost seemed to.
"I'll be with you - whenever".
As this conversation confirms, the thought of ‘Woman’s Hour’ as a programme title would likely be unthinkable nowadays, but the BBC has wisely stuck with it since it launched on 7th October 1946. Why was the first presenter a man – Alan Ivimey? Why did WH move to mornings? How have the changes in women’s lives been reflected over the years? In this special New Year edition of the programme, Jenni Murray chews over the last seventy years of a programme which began on the Light Programme, then on Radio 2 before moving to Radio 4 in 1973. Jenni speaks to two former editors, Sally Feldman (1990-1997) & Jill Burridge (2002- Nov 2011); and two historians, Juliet Gardiner and Kate Murphy who also produced the show for over a decade until 2011.
Bob Hopton was famously the programmer who brought Les Ross back to Birmingham to front what became its defining breakfast show. Bob was a pioneer in the early days of UK commercial radio, when the industry was full of real characters. He launched Radio Tees in 1975 after a spell at the BBC.
Here, he’s in conversation with John Foster on BBC Tees. (Audio courtesy of of John)
This is delicious. Heard again of late as part of the fiftieth anniversary celebrations of BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ or WATO as it’s become known. James Naughtie bagged an interview with Neil Kinnock, then Labour Party leader, just before the programme went to air in May 1989. Neil, now Lord, Kinnock was a little tetchy at the time, having arrived hotfoot from an NEC meeting – an experience he confessed amounted to ‘sitting on a cactus in my swimming trunks’. At the end of his tether, Neil explodes on a persistent Naughtie question. The exchange was never broadcast at the time, but was retained – and leaked. Later here, the two are reunited and - with mutual good nature and respect - enjoy recollections of the day.
This audio will forever sound great. Alan Freeman on his final Radio 1 ‘Pick of the Pops’ show in 1992. "Oh, yes - and his tears were falling. All right?"
He’d arrived at the BBC via the Light Programme in 1960, presenting the brilliantly-titled ‘Records Around Five’ show. The programme was to call upon the tune which became his trademark: "At the Sign of the Swingin' Cymbal", although it took some years even for Fluff to choose to hit the posts with utter perfection. By late 1961, Pick of the Pops had been installed as part of a Saturday evening show called Trad Tavern, becoming a show in its own right by 1962. By 72, Fluff had become part of Radio 1’s daytime roster. Alan left for BBC to work for Capital, returning to Radio 1 in January 1989 and restoring Pick of the Pops to its former glory until this final edition on 27 December 1992. Both the show and Fluff were to return to Radio 2 five years later. (Thanks to Richard White (@RMWhite21) for sending on the audio)
A farewell - and tribute - to just some of radio's cast who bowed in 2015.
Sandy Chalmers - BBC Broadcaster, producer and manager. Richie Benaud - Former Australian cricketer who became a highly regarded commentator. Ian McDougall - Former BBC foreign correspondent. Gary Owens - American radio presenter and voice actor. Shaw Taylor - TV and radio presenter. Derek Chinnery - Controller of BBC Radio 1 from 1979 to 1985. Jean-Louis Cremieux-Brilhac Monitored all radio broadcasts from occupied France and responsible for sending information to the resistance movements. Colin Bloomfield - BBC local radio sports commentator. Susan Sheridan - Actress and voice artist. Her voice acting roles included Trillian in the BBC radio series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Peter Donaldson - BBC Chief Announcer. Richard Wheatly - Jazz FM CEO and executive chairman of The Local Radio Company Mike Allen - Capital Radio and hip-hop DJ; also on Talk Radio, LBC and Smooth. Emily Bull - KLFM journalist and IRN newsreader of the year. Kathy Secker - North East BBC local radio legend. Bob Hopton - BBC Radio 2; Radio Tees ; and the programmer who brought Les Ross to BRMB.
When Lisa Snowdon began on Capital Radio London’s breakfast show, its name had a swallowed T. She began in 2008, alongside Johnny Vaughan on the departure of Denise van Outen. Later, her partnership was with Dave Berry until this Friday’s edition in December 2015, after seven and a half years.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending December 18th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's Radio Today podcast.
Calm, measured, looking around with care for the next word under the settee, James Naughtie has been part of Radio 4’s Today programme for 21years.
Enjoy here an unfairly telescoped edition of a programme which should never be thus edited. This last programme from Jim in December 2015 affords, nevertheless, a wonderful insight into the man referred to by BBC director general Tony Hall as "the emotional heart of Today for a generation".
All the usual features are in evidence, including a quote from the Independent's travel correspondent Simon Calder; an errant timecheck; and the line going down as he chats with John Major. The former PM is summoned back by phone and one imagines the production staff insisting that he really must return lest he issue some much deserved words of thanks from the Nation to Mister Naughtie. He doesn't disappoint.
There’s mischief too: an interview about a favourite road; a few best bits; some delicious devil’s advocacy on James’s performance from John; and, well, in the words of John "on last programmes, all normal rules are suspended".
And a gulp at the end. Under the Alice Arnold rules, Radio 4 presenters are only ever allowed to show emotion in their last ever sentence. And he did. James, you served radio proud. We'll miss you in the mornings,
Not too many commercial jocks get a chance to appear on Radio 1 or 2, so when word got out that our boyish Wes Butters from Galaxy was to transfer to Britain’s Favourite, it was quite a coup.
He was maybe an unlikely choice for the straight chart format, I thought, given his entertaining intelligence, but what do I know. Having said that, he held fort for an impressive two years - and just revel in this incredible Christmas edition from 21st December 2003. Superbly produced and brilliantly delivered.
It’s good too that Wes has since been heard on 4 Extra, thanks to his fascination with some early radio character comedy, and on BBC Local Radio. Audio courtesy Richard White
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending December 11th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
Broadland was one of the second generation of commercial stations, launching in 84 and powering into Norfolk, attaining a simply huge audience reach.
Enjoy it here in 88 and 89, with a suitably relaxed and polished offering as befitted the area, the station and the time. Enjoy the local ads with long-forgotten car models, and the halcyon days where if you got the wrong number of contestants on-air for a quiz, it mattered not. Witness the lovely 'start the day' moment absent from 24 hour stations nowadays, another chance to clean the slate and start again. Hear too mention of the lovely John Warwick , a station stalwart, alas no longer with us. Broadland became Heart in 2009, later merging with what was Radio Orwell, to become Heart East Anglia.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending December 4th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
In assembling an indulgent ‘documentary’ on the first ten years of Nottingham’s Radio Trent in 1985, I naturally interviewed some of the people involved. Clips appear in the finished programme (to be found elsewhere on this channel).
Here, though, savour my appalling interview technique at the time as I sought to persuade the then Deputy Programme Controller, Len Groat to afford me some appropriate sound bites. It’s very much a conversation of a time and a place. Days when holiday rotas were printed on bits of paper; and the highlight of the week for a head of music was ‘opening the records’ that arrived in the post that day.
Len was very much one of the characters of the first age of commercial radio, hopping across Metro and Piccadilly to Trent. Known for his love of jingles and his pretty firm views on most things, Len was a key architect in the building of the ‘Trent sound’ which served the station well for its generation.
Promos used to be a little more, well, spontaneous years ago. Many of us did not worry too much about what the objective was – we just had fun under the umbrella of ‘image’ promos. Here’s a 1982 relic from Radio Trent in Nottingham. Assembled by my laying down one layer of me and a bit of laughter and handing the 10 and a half inch spool to a colleague who laid down another layer and passed it on. Thus this multi-layered epic was created, losing audio quality on each dub. Trent only had one proper multi-track machine, and that was sensibly locked away in comprod.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending November 27th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending November 21st 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
1978 saw stations packing their trunks and moving homes up and down the band, both commercial and BBC. My good friends at Trent quietly moved 1kHz from 998 to 999 AM – as the separation between channels became a neat 9 kHz - but other changes, not least at the BBC, were more substantial.
On 23th November 1978. Radio 2 waved farewell to Long Wave, making way for Radio 4. 693 and 909 kHz became Radio 2; and Radio 1 moved off its old 247 wavelength – over to 275 and 285; leaving 247 for poor old Radio 3. I use wavelengths, rather than frequencies, in the latter clause as the digits are but so familiar, thanks to generations of jingles.
The UK was also given 227 kHz, but did not rush into using it. I recall during my time at the Radio Authority, the regulator debated, rather quickly, whether to bother.
The frequency changes were a major project. The BBC plonked little stickers through the doors of all households. Indeed, some lucky old radio sets may still have them on.
Enjoy here a beautifully cynical view of the whole thing from John Holmstrom on Radio 3 as it looked forward to a new home on Radio 1's former home at 247.
The old days on commercial radio were just about perfect, so some say. Listening back though, one wonders whether the output of some stations would still have commanded such impressive audiences, had there been anything else decent on FM to choose from.
Judge for yourself, with this delicious unintentionally hilarious extreme example of the daytime phone fare offered by Plymouth Sound in its early days. A lengthy swap shop, from the days when one gave out one’s phone number on air, delivers a list of things to be swapped from desperate callers. Whether any listener ever on any radio station managed to get exactly what they wanted in exchange for something they didn’t want, we shall never know. And I just wonder whether the woman calling ‘Mr (David) Bassett’ for a ‘grumble’ about ‘jumble’ was Margaret Thatcher. Certainly sounded that way.
The early commercial stations were very individual. Some pounded on the air to claim their rightful territory with the confidence and slickness of the pirates, others teetered into existence with programmes that must have made the IBA’s heart warm. Enjoy here the questionable preview moments from Plymouth Sound
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending November 13th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
A rare example of someone who works well on both TV and radio, Chris Tarrant stayed at the top of his game in London for generations, and helped to shape the success of the Capital business for a considerable time. He was arguably a listener’s broadcaster as opposed to an anorak’s favourite, evidence of which is the lack of much enthusiastically-stored archive material.
The Midlands was close to his heart, from his Tiswas days – and from his time as a teacher before radio beckoned. Enjoy here some great reminiscences of his life in a return to his old stomping ground as he hosted a 45th anniversary programme on BBC WM
Ofcom’s ‘Approved areas’, seemingly assembled randomly one wine-fuelled night, meant that stations were able to vacate expensive premises and choose to co-habit. That left old sets of studios either to be attacked by sledgehammers wielded by property developers, or preserved lest they ever be needed again in times of crisis.
The latter was the case for GWR’s network centre, which was fortunate when, one day in November 2015, Chris Moyles sought to broadcast from Bristol. Enjoy here the early moments of that show as he picked up the mic in the Marie Celeste.
Johnnie Walker grabbed his early breaths in Birmingham and it was there too that he went on to spin his first discs and develop his love of music. He was less fortunate as he went on to miss out on a local DJ contest, with some random called Les Ross faring rather better. It didn’t seem to hold Johnnie back.
As the BBC celebrated 45 years of broadcasting in Birmingham via BBC WM and its predecessor BBC Radio Birmingham, it invited Johnnie and a series of local legends to host shows. Relish this three hour telescoped programme as Johnnie relates his own stories of his life, radio and music. It also just happens to be immaculate broadcasting and perfect storytelling.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending November 6th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
I adore Eddie Mair. There. The love affair is public. I just shake my head in wondrous disbelief as he allows radio to be the best it can. The pauses. The short, barbed questions: those daggers covered in cotton wool. The deadpan retorts. The potent questions masquerading as statements. The politeness coated with innocent acid. And - the gifted, gifted teasers at the outset. I could go on. He is a master; and yet maybe not yet recognised sufficiently for his brilliance.
I once sat in the car at a lonely filling station on the cold moors of the M62, unable to get out of the car during one of his interviews which had turned into art. Admittedly over a glass of wine, I wrote lovingly to say as much; and Eddie took the trouble to reply.
The show for which he is now rightly famous is PM. But it has not always been like that.
PM began in 1970, following the 'Broadcasting in the 70s' report which paved the way for the BBC radio services to carve out their own sovereign states. As you can hear on this Boo: William Hardcastle and Derek Cooper heralded a programme which "sums up the day and your evening starts here".
It did have a twiddly-pom signature tune, thanks to the Radiophonic workshop. This later gave way to an orchestral piece; and I often dreamed of co-hosting that very show with Valerie Singleton, voicing up to the Da-da-da-da-dah-dah-dah. It was never to happen. Not that she's dead, you understand. She just doesn't care about me.
There is no theme now; save for pip pip peep. But Eddie's powerfully-chosen words are better than the best orchestra in the world; or even any fine piece from the delectable Delia Derbyshire. The last sig seemed wrong when the programme covered the death of Princess Diana; and has never since seemed right.
PM is the BBC at its best.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending October 30th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
The programme name ‘Radio Newsreel’ sounds valve-fuelled. It was; borrowing its name from its visual sister, Pathe’s famous cinema newsreel. The very sound of its sig tune, Imperial Echoes, evokes the pride of an Empire. The tune had been innocently written for the piano in 1913, before being adapted as a march and played by the Band of the Royal Air Force. It was this version which, for so many years, opened and closed the programme. From 1940 and 1988, Radio Newsreel brought eye-witness despatches from correspondents around the World to transmitters around the World. Launching on the Overseas Service, a domestic edition edition was to air on the BBC Light Programme and later the Home Service and its successor, Radio 4. 1970 saw the end of this homely edition, with the World Service continuing as its home for a further 18 years until this transmission in 1988.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending October 23rd 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
In the victorious but challenging days after World War II, ‘Today in Parliament’ began on BBC radio. Indeed, its existence was cemented into a Corporation obligation.
The programme was laborious in its early days, with a lengthy script being assembled from the acres of Hansard or reports and delivered solemnly by BBC staff announcers. In time, as Parliament eventually agreed with Reith’s original intention that proceedings themselves be broadcast, the programme could liven up as we heard for ourselves those moments of moment, passion and entertainment. Seventy years on, Robert Orchard reflects fondly on ‘TIP’. Order. Order.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending October 16th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
Those of a certain age can recite the names of the UK's first 19 commercial stations, a little bit like you remember those useful lists one learnt at school.
Radio Victory was one of them, bouncing on air on the 14th October, 1975. Like so many of the first tranche, it attracted a healthy audience and much local love, not least for it striking the right chord when so many in its TSA were affected by the Falklands War. It also was a victim of the contagious strife so typical of those perilous early days in the UK's nascent commercial radio sector, not eased by its comparatively small TSA.
Its life was short, being one of very few stations sacrificed by the then regulator, the IBA. After its franchise was not renewed, it went off air on 28 June 1986, to be replaced by Ocean Sound, serving a larger area. Ocean has now become Heart.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending October 9th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
Radio London was not amongst the first tranche of experimental BBC locals, not coming on air until 1970.
The BBC local radio journey had been a complex one, not least in the Capital, where after the off-air trials in the early 60s, it was even felt that ‘borough stations’ rather than a London-wide one might be the right answer. That idea was to resurface again later in the station’s challenging life. Running a traditional local station in a big city was always to be hard work, as it proved too in Birmingham and Manchester. Maybe that’s one reason why the station has enjoyed so many different names, becoming variously Radio London, Radio London 206, GLR, LDN, London Live – and – in October 2015, as heard here, it returned to ‘Radio London’.
When a presenter rises to the top and stays there, it’s usually a combination of the talent, the station and a time and a place. When the talent moves to a new station, it’s often the case that the audience fails to follow to any significant degree. There are many examples where it has not, and a few where it has. Now, maybe times are changing. There is more flicking, loyalties to stations are lessening, and whilst radio penetration remains high, it’s simply easier now to explore and ever-growing range of stations. Social media too helps to keep the talent brand alive, and its audience informed of its new home. Chris Moyles left Radio 1 after ten years; and was a powerful influence in contemporary British radio, the likes of whom can be counted on a couple of hands. A few more will find their way onto that stage given a few more years and sufficient time at the right station. Enjoy here the first show from Chris after three years’ absence. It was a great performance. The feel of anarchy and freedom; the sort which has immaculate production/self-production at its heart.
If you wondered what Radio 4 continuity announcers do during the programmes, this gives a clue. (2nd Oct 2015 1630)
I love the exasperated cluck too. Beautiful.
Lest there be any offence, may I just say I think the cast of continuitors are all simply wonderful, and I would campaign naked down Carnaby Street if any future BBC regulator were to dare to suggest their removal.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending October 2nd 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending September 25th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
The start of the bright yellow Century Radio, from the North East, in the days when it did not envisage ever becoming a brand.
The station launched in 1994, backed by Border Television, in the hands of the irrepressible John Myers who carved it out in his own image - big, loud and with a powerful personality. Heavy on speech, with a demanding Radio Authority Format, discharged through blocks of phone ins surrounded by AC and pop music, it attracted huge listening hours and became a force to be reckoned with.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending September 18th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending September 11th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
The Queen had a good first show. No accapella name-check jingles, but she surely left an impression. It was an early double act, with Princess Margaret by her side, just chipping in at the end, but not doing the travel news.
Enjoy here the immaculate first broadcast from then then Princess Elizabeth, as part of Children’s Hour from the BBC Home Service on 13th October 1940. Anyone who doubts how language and delivery changes over the years, even in the Queen’s case, should listen to this.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending September 4th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending August 28th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending August 21st 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending August 14th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending August 7th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today
Radio found its place during World War II in so many ways. From providing reassurance and company to dispensing vital information; from boosting morale to spreading propaganda.
The many American Forces personnel stationed in the UK, accustomed to vibrant US radio, were a little perplexed by staid Auntie BBC, even its General Forces Programme, which was doing so much to provide for the needs of our own troops. As the number of Americans grew, it was clear a dedicated service would be required, and if the BBC did not aid its provision in the UK, then the Americans would do it for themselves.
The American Forces Network (AFN), went on air on July 4th, 1943, on 50 transmitters in the UK, with BBC co-operation. As squabbles broke out between the varying demands of the audiences, and the various factions of the broadcasters, it was clear a more structured solution was necessary.
On June 7th 1944, on 1050 kHz AM, (later 583), the Allied Expeditionary Forces Programme began, broadcasting from Broadcasting House. Famously, the childish yet eerie tune ‘Oranges and Lemons’ was adopted as its call-sign, played on a nova-chord. There was an introductory announcement by Franklin Engelmann, who was later to be the first host of ‘Pick of the Pops’, followed by a prayer and a news bulletin. ’Rise & Shine’ followed, co- hosted by Ronnie Waldman.
Drawing on programmes from across the World, this service lasted just 14 months, closing down on July 28th, 1945.
Just after Mrs Thatcher declared that terrorists should be starved of the "oxygen of publicity", it transpired a senior Republican paramilitary had been interviewed for a BBC 'Real Lives' documentary: 'At the Edge of the Union'.
Home Secretary, Leon Brittan, wrote to the BBC Chairman, Stuart Young, asking the BBC to cancel the broadcast. The Governors called an emergency meeting and ordered that it could not go out.
When this was seen as government censorship, BBC and staff in other media went on a day's strike; and the Assistant Director-General suggested the Governors were to the BBC 'what the iceberg was to the Titanic'.
The programme was later broadcast with minor amendments included; BBC procedures were tightened; and some months later the DG Alasdair Milne was asked to step down.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending July 31st 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending July 24th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.
Pieces about DAB on BBC Radio 4 are always a little challenging. Despite many their listeners being some of the earliest investors in DAB technology and the appreciable proportion of listening on that very platform, interrogation on the issue, whether on You & Yours or on the Today programme, is always a tad sniffy. Luckily, the reluctant hosts are usually outwitted by guests who know their stuff.
This piece with James Cridland on 20th July 2015.
Pieces about DAB on BBC Radio 4 are always a little challenging. Despite many their listeners being some of the earliest investors in DAB technology and the appreciable proportion of listening on that very platform, interrogation on the issue, whether on You & Yours or on the Today programme, is always a tad sniffy. Luckily, the reluctant hosts are usually outwitted by guests who know their stuff.
Relish this piece with Mat Deegan from Folder Media on 21st July 2015.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending July 17th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.
Having run a talk station, I can quite imagine what the presenter offices of the old Talk Radio UK must have been like. You hire the greatest talk talent ‘cos they are larger than life. They can debate, argue, generate heat as well as light and win any argument. Off-air they are much the same. Mix James Whale with a dose of Anna Raeburn, a smattering of Simon Bates, a right wing David Starkey and a know it all blunt lawyer like Gary Jacobs, what do you do when Jeremy Beadle walks in with Dale Winton? I know I am mixing the eras there, but I suspect any one of Talk Radio’s programmers would confirm that their particular gifted menagerie were quite a handful. Talk went through several eras, as it sought to identify a hole in the UK talk market which was not the BBC’s but also not an American shaped.
Having launched in 1994, and produced some brilliant programming along the way, alongside some significant challenges, the station lasted for four years before turning into the clearly-defined and successful Talk Sport.
This selection of promos, thanks to Drew White, illustrate the TRUK days.
For us mainlanders working in competitive markets, it is truly wonderful to arrive in a place where every radio is locked on to the same station. In every coffee shop, taxi and shop on lovely Guernsey, you hear Island FM. On visiting, the station's small staff - in its modest out of town location - remind you that you don't need hundreds of folk to make valued radio. They are proud of their station, and so they should be.
Island FM launched on October 15th 1992, the great JAM jingles at the actual launch complemented by the official civic ceremony a little later.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending July 10th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending July 3rd 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.
At midnight GMT (0100 BST here in the UK), the planet gained an extra second. The dial on an atomic clock read 23:59:60 before ticking forward to 00.00.00. This last happened in 2012. On-air in the UK, the shift was neatly accommodated by an extra pip in the Greenwich Time Signal.
The addition of this “leap second” allows the Earth’s rotation, which is gradually slowing, to catch up with atomic clocks.
Some nations argue that the addition of these naughty seconds is posing an ever-growing problem to the many precision devices controlling important things. Another solution may be found – check out the meeting of the International Telcommunications Union this November and they’ll tell us.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending June 19th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.
Snow's great news for local radio. Whatever the usual station allegiances, you can bank on the fact that you might attract at least some level of 'curiosity cume' from an audience hungry for information or just seeking to wallow in a great English drama.
The timing of such conditions were a little awry for BBC Radio Brighton, coming some weeks before its official launch in February 1968. Little wonder then that the station chose to launch, in a limited way, prematurely.
On 8th December 1967, with local residents trapped in offices and schools, the BBC's Frank Gillard asked the Post Office (which controlled transmissions and related matters back then) for an early start. The Light Programme even gave the fledgling service an excited mention and the Pavilion studio went live.
It seemed to be due to an inadvertent oversight that a Christian radio station could not hold a radio licence, so there was considerable joy for the pioneers when, at last, a station like Premier Radio could launch. Hear here the countdown at Battersea Park in 1995, and then the voice of Peter Meadows , in conversation with the then Programme Controller, Mark Seaman.
Surprise election results are nothing new. In 1970, the Conservatives rallied a majority of 30 even though most opinion polls predicted a very different result, and bristling Ted Heath duly replaced the raincoat of Harold Wilson at Number Ten.
It was a noteworthy election as the voting age was lowered to 18 for the first time, and spotty youths hurried to the ballot box on the way to the pub.
For radio, if was significant too. This new Government was to announce it would introduce commercial radio, as it did with the Sound Broadcasting Act 1972. It was also an election where one radio station was to break the rules - and openly rally support for a party. Having been jammed by the British government, the pirate Radio Northsea International, anchored just off the coast, vented its frustration by urging voters to turn Right. Its impact was compounded by the tactical adoption of the fond 'Radio Caroline' brand, a name which elicited painful memories of the role Harold Wilson had seemingly played in taking away their favourite pirate music stations three years previously.
Whether or not the station did play an appreciable role in this political surprise is a matter for debate, as explored brilliantly in this documentary by Paul Rowley.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending June 12th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending June 5th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.
Not many presenters last 22 years on-air, least of all on commercial radio where tastes of listeners and management can change quickly. Through a multitude of colourful owners, drama and two brand names, the Russ Williams phenomenon survived at the great Golden Square. After 22 years, on 29th May 25, he said his farewells from the station's daytime schedule.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending May 29th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.
Some last shows are low key. A nod to the wise. Some are weighed down with a hidden agenda. Others are purely celebratory; as a presenter says goodbye to colleagues, professional acquaintances and listeners. This one falls in the latter category. As the hashtage #FarewellFearne trended, Fearne Cotton waved farewell to Radio 1 after almost ten years in favour of "family and new adventures" as she prepared for the arrival of her second baby. Fearne and the station easily summoned an enviable roll call of international talent to join in a show which will clearly be remembered with a tear by Fearne. (Part 2 of 2)
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending May 22nd 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.
Some last shows are low key. A nod to the wise. Some are weighed down with a hidden agenda. Others are purely celebratory; as a presenter says goodbye to colleagues, professional acquaintances and listeners. This one falls in the latter category.
As the hashtag #FarewellFearne trended, Fearne Cotton waved farewell to Radio 1 after almost ten years in favour of "family and new adventures" and prepared for the arrival of her second baby. Fearne and the station easily summoned an enviable roll call of international talent to join in a show which will clearly be remembered with a tear by Fearne. (Part 1 of 2)
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending May 15th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.
Years ago, radio stations were the only places big prizes could be won; now, you just pop in the newsagents for a Lotto ticket. In the seventies, however, the scale of prizes awarded on commercial radio were limited by its enthusiastic regulator.
Enjoy here, an early example of commercial radio's largesse; and its determination to build its local brands. On 'Don't say hello. say Metro', you won if you answered your phone with the word 'Metro' and then guessed an answer. The jackpot rose £1 a day until claimed. The first ever winner was on 17th May 1975, with the lucky Geordie claiming £88. On this example, the enthusiastic participant was not quite so fortunate.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending May 8th 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending May 1st 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.
When a broadcaster dies, they leave their mark, not only with family and friends but with listeners too. Colin Bloomfield, a time-served BBC voice as presenter and commentator, and popular character at Radio Derby for twelve years, was afforded this fitting and touching tribute when he passed away in April 2015 at the age of 33.
Another fond look back to this week in radio history, for the week ending 24th April 2015, as heard at the end of the week's RadioTalk podcast from Radio Today.