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For over 33 years Tich McCooey was one of the most recognised presenters on MFR (Moray Firth Radio) presenting almost every show on the station, including Lunchtimes and Breakfast. During his time he came close to presenting The Big Breakfast on Channel 4. And Even presented his show from London, which involved a alteration with Chris Evans on BBC Radio 1.
This week Tich joins Luke on Radio Greats to share many memories of his time on MFR, from getting the bug for Radio, how a demo lead to the Programme Controller offering him the Saturday Chart Show. Presenting Lunchtime and Breakfast, what MFR was like as a station and coming back to present the Tich Mix.
Discover more about Tich and listen to some cracking promos and jingles at Vintage MFR.
Read also about Tich's alteration with Chris Evans here at The Scotsman.
And listen to Tich on MFR Country here on Audioboom.
And MFR's thirtieth anniversay on Aircheck Downloads.
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If you grew up in Ireland during the 80's, then you will no doubt remember listening to Jim O'Neill on RTÉ 2fm. From a career that initially began in the music industry Jim was part of the launch team of 2FM in May 1979, before going onto present shows for stations that included Radio Nova, Century Radio, 98FM and Today FM.
In this weeks edition, Jim sits down with Luke at the formers home in County Wicklow to talk about his radio life. From getting the bug and being part of the launch team of RTÉ 2fm and Century Radio. Creating a character called The Thing, working with Chris Cary on Radio Nova and why he never fancied a career in the UK. Joining 98FM and returning to national radio with Today FM, before returning to local radio with East Coast FM.
Catch Jim every Sunday Mornings for Solid Gold Sunday on East Coast FM
Also listen to some of Jim's production work here on Soundcloud.
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Often dubbed as The Ugliest Man in Radio or The Mouth, Chris Ashley has spent half a century across the radio, working on stations in Australia, New Zealand, Spain and the UK. These have included being the first Breakfast presenter on Red Dragon in South Wales, hosting shows with Brian Clough and pulling stunts on Radio Trent and presenting Breakfast on Beacon Radio.
In this week's edition, Chris sits down with Luke and shares stories of his life on the radio. Some of these stories include listening to Bob Monkhouse on Radio Luxembourg, and listening to radio in Australia - before joining BBC Radio Brighton. Working on Radio Trent and presenting shows with Brian Clough and pulling stunts at the station. Becoming one of the launch presenters with Red Dragon Radio and banging Madonna records, which lead to a spot on LWT's The Six O'Clock Show. Going up to Wolverhampton and joining Beacon Radio, before moving over to the BBC and presenting shows that included winning a Sony Radio Award and also joining forces with John Challis.
Chris currently host's Breakfast on Celtica Radio and Saturday Breakfast on 45 Radio.
Listen to Chris present on Talk Radio from August 2001 right here on Youtube.
Also listen to Chris presenting on Beacon Radio here from 1987/1988 on Youtube.
And watch Chris' apperance on LWT's The Six O'Clock Show right here.
We would like to extend additional thanks to Bill Everett and Tim Cooper for content and help in this episode.
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If you grew up listening to BBC Radio 2 in the mid 90's then you will probably remember listening to Frank Renton present Listen to the Band, a show he presented for nearly 23 on the network.
But did you know long before he took over presenting duties, he was a musical conductor with the BBC Radio Orchestra and had been a bandmaster in the army. Well in this weeks edition, Frank sits down and shares his memories of how he got into radio and how he took over presenting duties on Radio 2. Also did you know his first presenting job was actually on BFBS?
Have a listen now!
Have a read of Frank's bio right here.
Also listen to Frank host Listen to the Band from December 2017 right here on Youtube.
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He was part of the Pirate Revolution in Ireland, was controller of RTÉ 2fm and a career that's longer than the Beatles but shorter than Rolling Stones, but who is the real John Clarke?
Well he joins us on this weeks edition to talk about his radio career, which includes stories of getting the bug and working in Pirate Radio, before joining Chris Cary to work on Radio Nova and KISS FM, how after three tries to secure a place, he landed a job with RTÉ 2fm and how he got into trouble on his first show. How he became a producer with the Network and produced the 2fm Breakfast Show for 10 years. What the feeling was like when he became programme controller for the network and what the challenges were and his proudest moment. Right through to what current radio projects he has under his belt.
Why not listen to John on Kiss FM, by visiting his archive page at the Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archives.
Also listen to John present on Radio 2 from July 1986 here on Mixcloud.
And listen to John present shows on Hits Radio Ireland.
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Often dubbed the King of Hollywood on UK TV, Ross King has often been seen on our screens every morning covering news from America, but before he went Stateside, he was in our ears on the radio, hosting shows on stations that include Radio Clyde, Capital Radio and the old BBC Radio 5.
This week Ross joins Luke to share stories of his time in radio, from his early start in Hospital Radio in Glasgow and listening to Radio Clyde. How he gave up on his ambitions to become a footballer and began helping out on shows on Radio Clyde as the Saturday Boy. Getting that first show on the station and becoming one of the youngest radio presenters in the country. Being part of the playlist committee and how using the Swimming Pool during one show lead to Dead Air. Working with Richard Park, Tiger Tim and Paul Cooney. How he turned down a job at BBC Radio 1, feeling he wasn't ready. Moving down to London to join Capital Radio, before moving over to BBC Radio 5 on its launch and presenting sports show and being part of Radio 5's Olympic Coverage. Moving out to America, but continuing to associate himself with Radio presenting on Talkradio and even co-hosting a show with the Legend Rick Dees.
Find out more about Ross, by visiting his website rossking.com
Also follow Ross on Instagram and on X too.
And listen to Ross presenting Radio Clyde's Alright, All Night from October 1987 here. (courtesy of Old Radio Recordings on Mixcloud)
We would like to extend aditional thanks to Radio Moments, Aircheck Downloads and Andy Walmsley for the additional content that was used in this edition.
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If you grew up listening to BFBS or were familiar with the various stations, then you would have most likely remember listening to Richard Astbury - who worked for the Forces Network for over 40 years. During his time with the network, he hosted a variety of shows including Pop Around Europe and covered the Eurovision Song Contest for BFBS listeners. He introduced bands like ABBA on stage in Germany and interviewed people from Elton John to Prince Philip.
Why not have a listen to this weeks edition and hear Richard share memories of his career on BFBS and Riviera Radio.
Find out more about Richard by visiting his website right here.
Also listen to Richard host Pop Around Europe on Youtube.
And listen to Richard close down BFBS Malta on March 31 1979 here at The Shortwave Radio Archive.
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Jonathan Gold has spent over three decades in the radio industry and has worked in almost every field in the radio industry, from tech-oping, producing, presenting and running several stations across the country. Some of those stations include MFM, SGR Radio, The Bay, Juice FM and Pennine FM.
In this weeks edition, Jono sits down with Luke and shares stories about his life and career on the radio. These include getting the bug and being inspired by listening to the test transmissions on Viking Radio, before landing work with Hospital Radio. Joining Radio Aire and Magic as a tech op, before presenting shows with the RSL - Energy Radio in Wakefield. Getting his first radio show on MFM, before moving around the country and why he never applied for Capital. Moving into a creative role as a producer with GWR and joining Juice FM in Liverpool. Presenting the last show on Pennine FM and then moving over to Ireland to join Red FM in Cork, before heading up to Northern Ireland and the Radio life he has led since moving back to the UK.
Why not check out more about Jono by visiting his website here.
Also why not give Jono a follow on Instagram @jonathan_goldfm.
And listen to some of Jono's airchecks and shows on Soundcloud.
We would like to extend additional thanks to Aircheck Downloads and Radio Jingles Online for the use of additional content that was used in this edition.
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Having spent four decades on radio across Scotland - Ally Bally joined Radio Tay from its launch back in 1980, and then worked his way from the production offices right through into the presentation team, hosting a variety of shows including Breakfast, Mid Mornings and Tay Talk-In.
In this weeks edition of Radio Greats, Ally sits down with Luke to reflect on his 40 year stint with the station, from how he got the bug for radio, before he left his career as a manager at B&Q to join Radio Tay as part of the sales team. What the feeling was like when he was offered his first programme and then taking over Breakfast from Mark Goodier. Presenting shows for the station and one of his memorable moments hosting Tay Talk-In. Taking over as manager of the North Scottish stations and why after 40 years with a station he had been with since it launched, it was time to move on.
Listen to these old Radio Tay Jingles on Youtube (courtesy of djbigpete - Ally's name Jingle is around 1:21 minutes)
Also listen to Ally on Tay Talk-In from August 2011 on Youtube (courtesey of Fraser Macpherson)
The Opening of Radio Tay can be found on the Lost Dundee Facebook page
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From producing shows, to creating the sound of stations, to remixing and presenting Alternative sounds Eddy Temple-Morris is definitely someone who should be regarded as a Radio Great. Having started out in the music industry, his radio career began on BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester, before he went down to London and began a established career with Radio 1, XFM and Virgin Radio.
In this weeks edition, Eddy sits down with Luke to share his stories of the radio industry. From growing up in a political household, to writing songs and playing music, before he landed his first radio job on BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester. How he applied for the role of Senior producer with BBC Radio 1 and how he was responsible for changing the station sound and selecting songs for the Playlist. How he was inspired by Z100 to create the Radio 1 sound and how he piloted for a show with the network. How after a career on MTV, he joined XFM and established The Remix. Introducing us to the likes of Kasabian and others. What the real reason was behind his departure from XFM and what it was like to join the new Virgin Radio.
Why not check out Eddy on his own website at eddytm.com
And why not follow Eddy on Instagram @eddytemplemorris
Also check out Jameshyman on Mixcloud who has archived many of Eddy's XFM show The Remix
Also why not listen to this Aircheck from one of Eddy's XFM Shows from Aircheck Downloads (Broadcast Date April 4 2000)
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Steve Jenner is someone who had a dream, he always wanted to work in radio and never let that dream fade away. After many years of Sally licences and RSL's, in 2003 he made that dream happen when he and his brother launched High Peak Radio. Since then he went onto co-write a successful book Broadcast Brothers on the Radio and has gone onto present shows for Radio Caroline and Rockin' 247.
In this week's edition, Steve sits down and chats with Luke about his journey through radio. How he got the bug for the industry and how he missed the chance to present shows on Radio Trent. How he joined pirate stations around the East Midlands and the feeling of having your licence rejected felt like. What the launch of High Peak Radio was like and the launch of Ashbourne Radio and how he achieved the dream of presenting shows in America.
Discover more about Steve, by visiting his LV18 page.
And why not buy a copy of Broadcast Brothers: On the Radio of Amazon.
And check out Steve on Rockin 247
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She turned down a job at Leicester Sound to go to University in Nottingham, but from then on Amy Voce went onto achieve a successful career in radio across the Midlands with Century 106, Heart 106 and GEM alongside her partner in crime Sam Pinkham. Winning awards and hosting the successful Sam and Amy Breakfast Show for 11 years across the East Midlands.
In this weeks edition, Amy sits down with Luke to share stories about her radio career, which involved getting the bug for the industry and starting work with Leicester Sound before moving to Nottingham for University and joining Century 106. How the Sam and Amy partnership was formed and what the feeling was like taking over breakfast. Winning awards for their Breakfast show when they were at GEM and doing cover shows for BBC Radio 2 and Magic 105.4. What going national was like when they took over Breakfast on Virgin Radio, before going their separate ways and hosting solo shows and what life is like now away from the mic.
You can listen to Sam and Amy's announce they are leaving GEM here on Audioboom (courtesy of Radio Moments)
And listen to this Sam and Amy aircheck from one of their cover shows on Radio 2 here on Aircheck Downloads
Also have a listen to a collection of Amy's airchecks from Virgin Radio on Aircheck Downloads
Don't forget to check out and follow Amy on Instagram at @amy_voce
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If you regularly watch and listen to BBC News, then today's guest needs no introduction. Peter Bowes is currently the BBC's North American Correspondent and has reported on many high profile events, but prior to his career state side, he enjoyed a career on the radio, presenting shows and reading the news for Radio Tees and Piccadilly, before heading down to London to join the BBC and reading the news on Radio 1's Newsbeat.
In this weeks edition, Peter sits down with Luke to share his journey through the radio. How he developed a bug from listening to BBC Radio 2 and gaining work experience at Metro Radio. How one of of his first reports was actually on Radio 1's Studio B15 reporting on Pirate radio. Joining Radio Tees and describing what the atmosphere was like reporting on picket lines, reporting stories and presenting shows. Moving down to Piccadilly Radio, before getting the call to join the BBC, first with Radio 4, before moving over to Newsbeat on Radio 1. Reading the news on several shows and getting the dream of teasing the Golden Hour on Simon Bates' Mid Morning Show. How the opportunity to read the news on Steve Wright's Breakfast Show came about and what working with Steve was like, before moving out to America to report on various stories.
Check out Peter's about me page here.
And why not listen to Peter talk to Steve Wright on BBC Radio 2 here.
And Don't forget to follow Peter on both Instagram and on X.
We would like to extend addition thank you's to Peter, John Foster and the team at Aircheck Downloads for the use of content that was used in this week's episode.
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Just after he turned 20, Simon Davies became the new host of BRMB's Breakfast Show, succeeding the legend Les Ross. It was seen as a bold move by the station at the time, but what is his radio story?
Well on this weeks edition - Simon sits down with Luke to chat about the 13 year career he had in radio, with aspirations of becoming a TV Cameraman he then settled on a career in radio, joining Marcher Sound and presenting and tech-oping shows which included Scott Shannon's Calling America. There is also the story of how he turned down a show on Radio Tees to take over hosting Breakfast on BRMB, how and why the Breakfast show didn't work out, moving to Drivetime and Evening on the station, before leaving in 1995 to join Radio City in Liverpool and why after 13 years in the industry, he decided to hang up his headphones in full time radio.
Since leaving Radio - Simon now runs a Web Design Business called Roodee Web Design which you can find out more here.
Also check out these Airchecks of Simon at Aircheck Downloads.
And listen to these cracking Simon Davies BRMB Jingles on Soundcloud.
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Often cited as Mr Lancashire. John Gillmore, better known as Gilly has been one of the counties most recognised faces and voices of the radio industry. From a four decade career which has included stations such as Red Rose, The Bay and BBC Radio Lancashire.
This week Gilly sits down with Luke to share stories about his radio journey, from getting the bug and listening to the launch of BBC Radio Merseyside, to creating adverts for various radio stations and reading out announcements in his job at the local Co-Op. Getting his first gig on Red Rose Radio and hosting shows with the station. Joining the AM Red Rose Gold from its launch and working with some of the finest voices in Radio including Jon Culshaw, John Myers and Bob Stewart. Moving over to the rival station The Bay in 1998, before joining BBC Radio Lancashire in 2005, where he hosted shows for nearly 18 years.
Check out Gilly on Facebook and follow Gilly on X: @Gillylancs
Read this article about Gilly from Lancashire Life
Also listen to Gilly's final show on BBC Radio Lancashire on Aircheck Downloads
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As Downtown Radio celebrate five decades of broadcasting across Northern Ireland, in this weeks episode of Radio Greats - it is the turn of Owen Larkin, who has spent four decades working across stations in both Northern and the Republic of Ireland. From a career on Pirate stations, Local and National Radio, from Stations including Century Radio, LMFM, Citybeat and Classic Hits 4FM.
In this weeks episode, Owen sits down with Luke to share stories of his four decade career, from working on the pirates. Stories include working on stations that include North East Radio, Kiss FM and ERI Cork. Working with some big names, describing studios and falling asleep on air. How he joined Ireland's first National Station Century Radio and worked with some of the biggest names in Broadcasting, leaving to join LMFM before finding work on CityBeat in Belfast and being part of the launch team of Classic Hits 4FM. To finally ending up on Downtown Radio - just in time for the stations 50th Birthday.
Why not listen to Owen on Downtown Radio every weekday between 1 and 4PM.
Also check out some brilliant archives of Owen on the Archives of The Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive.
Listen also to some archives of Owen presenting shows for KISS FM.
And watch Owen chat to Shane Filan and Louis Walsh on Citybeat here on Youtube.
And listen to Owen present Early Breakfast on Century Radio from September 1989 on Aircheck Downloads.
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From starting her career helping out and assisting presenters on Invicta Radio to winning awards and presenting shows across America - Caroline Feraday radio career has taken her full circle, from working on stations including Capital Radio, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio London and KCLU-FM, where she has won countless awards.
In this weeks edition, Caroline sits down with Luke to share her radio journey, from an emotional time at school and becoming fascinated with the radio, to a journey that began at both BBC Radio Kent and Invicta. Joining Capital Radio in London, initially as the Flying Eye Presenter, before landing her own show and becoming the stations youngest DJ. Moving into speech radio with BBC Radio 5 Live, before leaving to go to LBC. Returning to BBC Local Radio, before moving out to the USA and presenting shows for KCLU-FM and winning countless awards.
You can find out more about Caroline, by visiting her website.
Also follow Caroline on Instagram @caroline_feraday.
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Probably one of the South's most recognised radio names, Alex Dyke is probably best known for hosting the successful phone in show on Isle of Wight Radio for over 18 years, but he has also presented shows on stations including Radio Luxembourg, The Gold AM, BBC Radio Solent and Wave 105.
In this weeks edition, Alex sits down with Luke to chat about his radio career. Some of the stories include listening to Fluff Freeman countdown the charts on Radio 1 and Djing at the local youth club, getting talked down by the careers officer, before starting out with work on Radio Victory and Radio Solent. Working as head of commercials for Radio Luxembourg, producing demo's for the sales team and presenting shows from London. Joining the Gold AM whilst trying out for Radio 1 and Capital Radio and loving every minute of it. Moving over to Isle of Wight Radio and presenting the mid morning phone in show for over 18 years, giving opinions and challenging callers. Interviewing Simon Dee and what producing his show. Joining BBC Radio Solent after presenting a stint out in America, presenting the late show across the whole of The BBC South Network and presenting podcasts. Presenting shows for Wave 105, before moving into the world of freelance.
Check out Alex's Facebook page here
And follow Alex on X here @ALEXDYKE1
Check out Alex at Aircheck Downloads
And also check out Alex's youtube page Alex Dyke: My Life On VHS
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Often cited as one of the North East's most influential people. Graham Robb has been a successful entrepreneur and political campaigner for over three decades. However prior to his success in business and politics, Graham was a successful radio presenter in the North East of England - hosting shows on Radio Tees, BBC Radio Cleveland and Century Radio.
In this weeks edition, Graham sits down with Luke to talk about his career in radio, from getting the bug and listening to Radio Tees from the launch and becoming enthused by the world of radio. How he joined the station at 16 and was one of the countries youngest radio presenters. How he overcame a dilemma with his driving test and a backup show. Presenting the late show on the station and how an interview with then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher lead to him embarking on a political journey. How he joined BBC Radio Cleveland, and presented shows on the network - before joining the launch team of Century, before leaving the world of radio behind to focus on his business and political career.
Check out Graham's business here Recognition PR
Also check out this interview Graham gave to The Northern Echo
We would like to extend a thank you to John Foster and the Team at Aircheck Downloads for the use of content that was featured in this episode. This episode is also dedicated to Stu White, who has been an avid follower of the series since it began.
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Often dubbed as "one of the most familiar faces and voices in Irish broadcasting", Dave Fanning has enjoyed a stellar career for over the past four decades. Having cut his teeth on Pirate Radio, he went onto achieve a career hosting shows on RTÉ 2fm, Virgin 1215 and RTÉ Gold.
In this episode, Dave tells Luke about his life from getting the bug for Radio and tuning into stations such as Radio Luxembourg, Radio Caroline and BBC Radio 1. How writing for a Magazine lead to a presenting job on Pirate Radio in Ireland and presenting shows for Radio Dublin and Big D. How during his time with the Pirates, he discovered a little unknown band called U2. Joining RTÉ Radio 2 from its launch in May 1979 and hosting the The Fanning Sessions. Introducing Ireland to bands like The Cranberries. How he made a condition with Richard Branson about joining Virgin 1215 and how he was not tempted by a career in the UK. Presenting shows for RTÉ Radio 1 and moving over to RTÉ Gold.
Listen to Dave every weekday evening on RTÉ Gold
Also check out some of the Fanning Sessions on Mixcloud including this interview with Phil Chevron.
And follow Dave on Instagram and on X.
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