Radio

Falling Out of Love with Radio 2

I don’t know what Helen Thomas thinks she’s doing. The current Head of Radio 2 is not so much making a mark as scribbling over a largely successful blueprint. Taking over in lockdown and realising how much the station and its presenters meant to the millions of people listening should have been enough evidence toContinue reading “Falling Out of Love with Radio 2”

Jo Whiley & Simon Mayo – The New Radio 2 Drivetime Show

Give it time. That’s what they asked for. And it was only fair. But two months on, and I am still reading letters in the Radio Times lamenting the demise of the Drivetime show, as was, on Radio 2. How much time do you give someone to bed in? Is it still too early toContinue reading “Jo Whiley & Simon Mayo – The New Radio 2 Drivetime Show”

The Blues Show – A New Era Begins

14th March 2018. The first day of a new look BBC Radio 2. Clearly, it’s going to take some time for Jo Whiley and Simon Mayo to bed in. But the new host of The Blues Show, Cerys Matthews, seemed to have a much smoother introduction. Yes, there were a couple of nervy moments –Continue reading “The Blues Show – A New Era Begins”

Christmas & New Year TV & Radio Highlights 2017

So, 2018 has finally arrived! And on this 2nd day in January, I thought I’d pick out a few personal highlights from the Christmas & New Year TV & Radio schedule that’s just gone. Here’s some of my favourites: Mary Berry’s Christmas Party (BBC1) This was a great way to warm up for Christmas. NotContinue reading “Christmas & New Year TV & Radio Highlights 2017”

The Brian Matthew Story

The perfect voice for radio. This is said about a lot of people. For Brian Matthew though, it was never more true. The Radio 2 stalwart, who passed away recently at the age of 88, spoke in such a distinct tone. His was a lovely and smooth, a warm and friendly, voice. It is oneContinue reading “The Brian Matthew Story”

Desmond Carrington – All Time Great

Having passed away on the same day that this show was already scheduled to be broadcast, Desmond Carrington: All Time Great turned out to be a timely and fitting tribute to a truly great broadcaster. After a long battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, the presenter of The Music Goes Round on Radio 2 forContinue reading “Desmond Carrington – All Time Great”