Radio Moments - Clips

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.

After fourteen years at Magic, a heart-felt farewell from Angie Greaves.

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."