Radio Moments - Conversations

Graduating from a school radio station – to emerge as a familiar face on ITV in the Channel Islands via a successful spell in commercial radio programming, this is story of Gary Burgess. In this hour of Radio Moments Conversations, Gary tells of his childhood in South Africa and his early enthusiasm for radio, leading eventually to early work at Blackpool’s Radio Wave on moving with his family back to the UK. Having risen through the ranks to the post of programme Controller, Gary seized the reins at Wire FM in Warrington, and helped to rescue Q96 in Renfrewshire from regulatory wrath. A move then followed to the islands he was to grow to love, when he was invited to programme Island FM in Guernsey, progressing to the Managing Director role.  Then back to England to serve as senior programmer at UTV, responsible for UTV Radio's north of England radio stations, with particular focus on managing the output of Juice FM in Liverpool. Gary opens up about his frustrations with that role, prompting him to return to the Channel Islands – and to on-air work with the BBC at Radio Guernsey.  A return to the commercial sector then beckoned as he began ten years as a key reporter for  ITV’s regional news programme for the Channel Islands. In an increasingly cross-platform world, he shares some of the secrets he's discovered about engaging video production. He talks openly too about his health. From the tackling of testicular cancer, through an exhausting lengthy spell with ME, before a return of cancer. Then, at the end of 2020, facing the news that he could expect to live around six months. Still on-air with ITV and back on radio at Channel 103, he tells of how he is facing the diagnosis – and of the huge support he has received from those in his beloved Channel Islands and beyond. In his own words, this is the inspiring story of Gary Burgess.  Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series   

The shy schoolboy whose commanding voice went on to dominate London’s news bulletins for a generation. In this hour of ‘Radio Moments – Conversations’, Howard Hughes tells of his life – from his childhood love of TV continuity to success in a local radio contest landing him his first fifteen minutes of fame – and ultimately the start of a career - on Radio City.  He opens up about his various spells at BBC local radio – and shares stories so typical of the age from a new Radio Wyvern in Worcester. Having graduated to IRN, he tells of the move to Capital where he assumed – tentatively at first – the key role as the voice of news on Chris Tarrant’s incomparable breakfast show. Tempted to his dream job at LBC, he tells of his disappointment as things failed to work out as he’d hoped – and how the experience changed him. Howard reflects too on his more recent endeavours at Smooth, TV VOs – and the pride he has in his podcast - and how his booming trademark voice evolved. In his own words – this is the Howard Hughes story Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series 

From helping out on a charity appeal to dominating late night music radio for generations. In this hour of Radio Moments – Conversations, Graham Torrington tells how his early love for radio led to his arrival at BRMB to help with the annual Walkathon. Graduating quickly from occasional shows to daytime contemporary radio, he quickly made his mark before the potential of a late-night love songs programme was unleashed. Pushed aside from the station he loved, he moved to the challenged Buzz FM and then onto help launch Kix 96 as Programme Controller.  Graham tells of the call which led then to his appointment at GWR and how his reputation grew as the company expanded to dominate numerous UK markets - to the annoyance of some. Graham tells of the evolution of Late Night Love, the genuine value he feels it brought to listeners and the art of getting the stories from them. As another takeover ended his spell with that group, he talks of life at the BBC and how he once again created late night magic of a more comforting flavour. As Graham retires from UK radio – for now at least – he tells too the things he never mentioned on air about his own life. What are his stories? This is Graham Torrington – in his own words – alone. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series   

The teenage tape reclaimer - whose DNA now remains across UK radio and whose influence is felt around the World. Clive Dickens opens up rarely – and looks back even more rarely. In this hour of Radio Moments Conversations he shares the journey from his roots at a new Chiltern Radio and how he speedily scaled the heights to group programme director. As the industry began to consolidate, he tells of his move to the Capital Group, working with Richard Park – and the challenges and opportunities of its newly-acquired BRMB. He talks of the many crossroads in his life – and the encounter that helped him seize them – including the move from Capital to forge his own path. Clive tells the frank story of the battle for the Absolute Radio name and the impact of the economic crash – and also of his proud legacy there. He explains his passion for technology, tells the Shazam story, reflects on his work in markets around the world and talks of his move to Australia to Southern Cross Austereo. He shares fascinating insight into the Australian media world and offers his thoughts on the media and communications future – from his new role in Sydney as VP Product Development, TV and Content at the huge telecoms company Optus. This is Clive Dickens – in his own words – alone. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series   

The rookie press journalist who rose to head Channel 4 News and Current Affairs -via a love of radio. In this hour of ‘Radio Moments – Conversations’, Louisa Compton tells of her life – with an early interest in breaking news leading her into a local press title before dropping into her local station, BBC Three Counties Radio. Colleagues in London quickly spotted her abilities and she edged into a career in Network, rising up the ranks at 5 Live, before moving to head Newsbeat at Radio 1. With the view that radio’s story-telling gifts could be the province for a certain approach to TV, she helped to create the Victoria Derbyshire programme on BBC2 – and Louisa tells of the impact of the stories the programme uncovered. She opens up too about her disappointment about its termination. Moving to Channel 4, with the challenge of a transfer to commercial television, she tells of her appointment to edit Despatches before rising to the role of Head of news, current affairs and sport - in the midst of the Corona virus epidemic. Louisa recalls the advice she was given at the beginning of her journey; tells of her passion for telling untold stories and representing the under-represented; and offers her perspective on diversity in media. In her own words, this is the Louisa Compton story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series 

The boarding school boy who helped out during the holidays at a commercial station and rose to head the BBC’s racing commentary. In this hour of Radio Moments Conversations, Cornelius Lysaght tells of how he charmed his way through the door of Severn Sound in Gloucestershire to help out during the holidays - working his way quickly to handling some of the UK’s top stories of the time from the newsroom. In the snowiest of winters, he fondly remembers helping out on the famous Snow Lines and Flood Alerts. After a brief spell at the National Broadcasting School and in Brighton at Southern Sound, he gravitated to one of the most famous racecourses in the World. At Cheltenham, he helped out with Race Call and spearheaded the course’s own radio station. Tempted then to join the new BBC Radio 5 at launch, he stayed with the station as it evolved into BBC 5 Live, eventually becoming horse racing correspondent, with his voice and unforgettable name becoming a key part of all the great fixtures of his age. Cornelius talks about the art of the commentator, identifies the greats and shares the things he might have done differently. In his own words, this is the Cornelius Lysaght story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant. 

This is a secret episode! Over the course of this series, several folk have asked whether I’d (David Lloyd) ever be interviewed.  Several luminaries kindly volunteered to interview me. Given the calibre of all the other subjects, I felt reticent. But – with lockdown and also passing 100  episodes - I thought I might succumb. I invited my oldest friend, Mark Runacus MBE to pose the questions. He and I met at hospital radio and he went on to accomplish a huge amount in the ad world. Radio missed his talents. He has been a wonderful friend. In this hour of Radio Moments Conversations, I talk about my journey from shy anorak to radio station manager and regulator. I open up about my childhood, the excitement of hospital radio and the glee of my first gig at Nottingham’s Radio Trent, before moving on to management at a troubled Leicester Sound. Then, walking out the door in tears to no job,  I tell of the unexpected task of establishing Lincs FM. Equally unexpected, I was recruited to the then regulator, the Radio Authority  where I helped both to licence and reprimand radio stations. Moving from there to run the music and speech regional Century brand for Border TV, before crossing to Chrysalis to seize the reins of a couple of the Galaxy stations, London then beckoned and a wonderful stint at the helm of LBC, before leaving as it became part of the foundation for Global Radio. Down the road in Golden Square, I moved to programme and market Virgin Radio and help manage the brand transition to Absolute. The most recent chapter saw me at Orion Media, where we bought and then sold a handful of major market commercial stations including BRMB, Gem 106 and Beacon. In my own words – this is my story. There’s a much better account of all this – and everything that surrounds it in our mad radio world  in my book Radio Moments: Fifty years of radio – Life  on the Inside. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant. 

The Glasgow car-washer who became BBC Radio 2’s longest serving mid-morning presenter – and a national treasure. In this hour of 'Radio Moments – Conversations', Ken Bruce tells of his Glasgow childhood and his foray into accountancy before alighting on the career which was to dominate his life. After hospital radio, he joined the BBC in Scotland where he appeared on the first day of its dedicated Radio Scotland in 1978. Having then dipped his toe in BBC UK network radio from Scotland, he ventured south for relief work on Radio 2, before being offered a range of regular programmes including, briefly, the breakfast show when he assumed Wogan’s crown after his first departure in 1984. After a short spell on mid mornings before being juggled around, he returned in 1992 – and remains there to this day. Ken talks too about Eurovision, PopMaster, his key influences – and BBC management. In his own words, this is the Ken Bruce story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant. 

The Liverpool schoolboy who rose to a major profile as a presenter – before devising the service which provided late-night network programming to UK commercial radio and launching a leading multi-platform production company.  In this hour of Radio Moments Conversations, Rob Jones tells of his life, with a career beginning as a presenter at the launch of Radio City before transferring to the mighty Radio Luxembourg. He opens up about the disappointment of not being called up for Radio 1; but how he played a part in the blossoming music TV industry. As the then many commercial radio companies began to launch more services, Rob provided a late-night sustaining service from Branson's Super Station; and then, as a consultant, contracted programmes for the newer regional and national services.  As the industry began to make cash from non-spot revenues, Rob tells of the birth - and journey -  of USP Radio Projects; and about his more recent ventures  at Ultimate Sound and  Vision. In his own words, this is the Rob Jones story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant. 

From history student to running one of the early commercial radio networks. In this hour of ‘Radio Moments – Conversations, Colin Mason tells of his move to the US where he indulged his love of radio whilst studying – and how he persuaded his way through the doors of local stations there.  Back home, after a short spell at the BBC, he moved to TV as a continuity announcer before returning to the Corporation at BBC Radio Durham and Radio Bristol.  As commercial radio began across the UK, Colin tells how it felt to set up the first station in Wales – Swansea Sound, before moving to launch Chiltern Radio. As the Chiltern network grew into Northampton, Milton Keynes - and Wales and the South West on winning the regional licence, Colin headed the management team for 14 years. He opens up the struggle to retain control – and how it felt when his efforts were thwarted and the stations were bought by GWR. Colin also tells of his radio ventures whilst serving in the Forces -and those in his new home in the Channel Islands. He shares his thoughts too on the future of radio,  and his philosophy – ‘This is showbiz – be an entertainer’. This is the Colin Mason story – in his own words.

From music student - to delivering an environment for commercial radio fit for a digital age – and a fascinating life beyond. In this hour of ‘Radio Moments Conversations’, Lisa Kerr tells of her life - moving from promising music student to eager helper at Radio Forth before graduating to Classic FM. She opens up about the successes and challenges of her first management role at Channel Travel Radio as it grew into the small-scale radio group Radio Services Ltd. Transferring to commercial radio’s trade body, later known as Radiocentre, she was promoted to a senior strategic role, committed to the thinking and the lobbying necessary to help deliver an environment in which UK commercial radio companies could continue to thrive in a fast-changing digital media world. Lisa tells of leaving radio – and reflects honestly on an industry which, for so long, was uninviting to women in senior roles. She talks of embracing change and transferable skills - and shares her enthusiasm for her more recent endeavours - including her current role as principal of Gordonstoun School. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant. 

From a chef and hairdresser - to becoming one of Liverpool’s leading on-air characters. In this hour of Radio Moments – Conversations, Pete Price tells of his early years on stage at a colourful time in Liverpool’s before making his debut on BBC Radio Merseyside. After more years as a comedian and singer, tempted back to Radio City, he was offered the late-night phone which he made his own.  Shunted from Radio City across Magic, City Gold and the first and subsequent incarnation of City Talk, the programme developed a life of its own. Pete opens up about how he helped his city through Hillsborough and the murder of Jamie Bulger. He talks too about the importance of sound management and gifted production, of the drama of great radio – and his fears about the future of the phone in genre itself – and about the future of radio talent. In his own words, this is the Pete Price story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant. 

He rose from being a BBC administration assistant to holding the Capital breakfast show for around ten years in commercial radio’s formative years. In this hour of ‘Radio Moments – Conversations’, Graham Dene tell of his childhood love of radio and his efforts to creep into the business via a post as an administrator with the BBC. A transfer to the BBC library followed, from which he met the key individuals who would lead to his first on-air job at a factory radio station. He tells of life inside UBN, then a training ground for the country’s first commercial radio stations. Turned down by Capital, he reveals what life was like on Day One of Radio City in Liverpool – and then of the opportunity to return to London as Capital started to find its feet. Graham, opens up about life at Euston Tower and about the characters with whom he shared those years. Appointed to the Capital breakfast show to his surprise, he had the honour of hosting it for two five year spells, succeeding Kenny Everett and preceding Chris Tarrant. One avid listener was famously Diana, Princess of Wales, and Graham tells of his encounters with her. After a spell at Capital Gold, Graham moved to launch the original Virgin Radio 1215 before spending time at Magic and Smooth. He tells here too of his enthusiasm for his recent work at BBC local radio. In his own words, this is the Graham Dene story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant. 

He was the disgraced schoolboy who was to become the first presenter on Capital Radio in 1973 – and on-air in the first week of Radio 1. In this hour of Radio Moments – Conversations, David Symonds talks about his life journey from the challenges of his youth  - and his acting ambition  - through his early days on air in New Zealand. He tells of his early days announcing programmes for the Home Service and Light Programme – and preparing to go on-air on early evening across the first week of Radio 1’s life. He also opens up about the crime which was the catalyst for his Radio1 departure. Invited to join Capital Radio, David is second only to Richard Attenborough as the station made its debut in 1973 – and he shares what he thought about the station’s early strategy. Moving then into programme management himself, he relates his thinking as he launched Radio Victory. Back to the BBC, it’s a return to continuity at Radio 4 before being invited to host a new late afternoon programme on Radio 2 as it ventures into a ‘beautiful music’ format – and David tells of his feelings when that too came to an abrupt end. After some time on-air in LA, it was back to London for Radio 4 and then Capital Gold, before adjourning to Cyprus and then to France. In his own word – this is the David Symonds story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant. 

From working as a car park attendant and being turned down by the BBC - to hosting some of the biggest slots on the UK’s largest stations. In this hour of ‘Radio Moments – Conversations’, Simon Mayo speaks candidly about his life and career, from his early experiences at hospital and student radio, through his days at BBC Radio Brighton and Radio Nottingham.  Then - spotted by the BBC - he climbs quickly to Radio 1, where he graduates to the breakfast show and then on to the mid-morning show where his Confessions feature thrives. When BBC Radio 5 Live calls, Simon rises to the challenge, and he talks here about how it felt to be on air as the tragedy of 9/11 unfolded.  He discusses too Kermode and Mayo's Film Review and why it has captured a new audience. Alongside his 5 Live work, he begins at Radio 2, eventually being asked to take on the drive show, which had been hosted previously by Chris Evans – and Simon’s early hero Johnnie Walker. That show, famously, ends in a way Simon would not have chosen and he reflects on what might have been done differently. The new Scala Radio called – and Simon talks about his first commercial radio experiences. Plus - what does Simon make of radio’s role in the extraordinary conditions created by the COVID 19 virus? In his own words – this is the Simon Mayo story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant. 

From a place behind a newsagent's counter armed just with a single O’ level – emerging as a leading influence in getting the business of brand-based commercial radio into shape as Group Commercial Director at Chrysalis, then COO at Global Radio. In this hour of ‘Radio Moments – Conversations’, Don Thomson tells of his days at the mighty Kelloggs, before alighting on a career in radio at a colourful Piccadilly in Manchester. He moved to LWT, before establishing a national radio airtime sales agency representing the UK’s newest stations – and then returning to Piccadilly as sales director.    As Chrysalis won the first of its major radio licences, Don was appointed as sales director, helping to establish Heart in the West Midlands where he designed refreshing and more accountable customer-focused ad policies as the medium became more competitive for both clients and audiences. His role broadened as Chrysalis won the London licence and his clear vision and operational focus helped to position the brand approach to radio we recognise today. On the acquisition of Chrysalis by the new Global Radio in 2007, Don became Chief Operating Officer, helping to integrate the GCap stations as Global rose to its dominant position. Since leaving the Company, he has been involved in a variety of projects, including a period as Chief Exec of Celador Radio. He reflects on the lessons he learned from Kelloggs; the tricks of client relationships; and the programmers and presenters who have helped or hindered commercial efforts. In his own words – this is the Don Thomson story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant. 

Having helped to establish one of the leading in-store stations in London’s Top Shop, he rose to lay the foundations of the mighty Smooth brand. In this hour of ‘Radio Moments – Conversations’, Steve Collins tells of growing up and the keen pirate radio influences which led him to answer a press ad leading to an enlightening journey to Tel Aviv - and then offers fascinating insight into life on-board the Voice of Peace.  Back on land, he walked into Top Shop and established a radio station proper, before Red Rose Radio eventually beckoned - where he was surprised to end up promptly presenting the breakfast show. When Capital offered a role, he hurried back to London where he spent 6 years on-air before moving across to County Sound, where life was not all he’d wished for. After Jazz and Chiltern, he arrived in a Manchester he instantly came to love, to play a part of the management team of Key and Gold and then crossed to start up Wish FM. Assuming control of programming Jazz in the North West, he worked within a challenging format to deliver, with huge success, the beginnings of the new Smooth brand, which he was then to manage across the UK. Steve speaks candidly about the influences he witnessed on how not to manage; the way it feels when the station you care for is taken over; how it feels to end up on the dole; and shares the things he feels he got right – and wrong in over 40 years in radio. In his own words, this is the Steve Collins story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant. 

Her warm Canadian tones graced UK radio stations for over twenty years. In this hour of Radio Moments Conversations, Diana Luke tells of how she fell into radio whilst reviewing a book at Hallam, leading to a role as Viking’s first female broadcaster.  As her reputation grew across Yorkshire, Diana was summoned to be part of the new commercial radio late-night networked service ‘The Superstation’ where she worked alongside the greats like Johnnie Walker, Bob Harris – and was produced by a young Chris Evans. Diana tells too of her memories of the women’s station Viva!; and how she was heard on County Sound, LBC, Peak FM and Real Radio. She speaks fondly of launch day at Jazz where she hosted its first breakfast show; GLR, her award-winning show in Ireland; and about her close listener relationship at BBC local radio. She opens up about her personal challenges and those of a woman in radio – and draws parallels between her new world as a therapist and her former life on-air. She highlights too the interpersonal skills on and off-air relevant to both. In her own words this is the Diana Luke story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant. 

From football reporter - to becoming one of the leading figures in a generation of commercial radio, this is the story of Steve Orchard. In this hour of ‘Radio Moments Conversations’, Steve tells of his schooling and education; and a first career in social work, honing skills he was take with him throughout his life. An interest in hospital radio led to opportunities at Wiltshire Radio which flourished as the station evolved into the new GWR, where he hosted the breakfast show.  As GWR grew, so did Steve’s role and he relates experiences of rolling out the famous GWR format to the company’s acquisitions. He tells too of his involvement in LBC and Classic FM – and of the pain involved in the merger to create GCap. And – from more recent days - his proud involvement in Quidem and Prison Radio.  Steve shares his frustrations about regulation and his views on research vs instinct, talent management, the importance of station mood - and today’s radio environment. In his own words, this is the Steve Orchard story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant. 

He was the local press journalist who went on to be one of BBC radio sport’s most familiar voices – and whose style was to define BBC Radio 5 live at launch. In this hour of ‘Radio Moments Conversations’, John Inverdale tells of his early days in local press before a chance pub meeting led to an opportunity at the new BBC Radio Lincolnshire. An attachment to London saw him reporting and sports bulletin-reading on the Radio 4 Today programme and then across to BBC Radio 2 to host Sport on 2. As BBC Radio 5 launched, he was to host the evening Drive-In, a programme he regards fondly, before helping to define the sound of the new Radio 5 live. John tells of life reporting at the Olympics around the World; bumping into Margaret Thatcher; and shares his thoughts on the importance of words, voice and listening around. In his own words, this is the John Inverdale story. Hear the whole ‘Radio Moments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant.