Some broadcasting heroes
By Michael Weadock, Mar 2023
John recently blogged here about the people who have been instrumental in his career. It was written in response to the deaths of Dickie Davies and John Motson and posted on World Radio Day, when those of us in the business of broadcasting reflect on our careers.
It got me thinking. John was right in saying we should try harder to pay tribute to those who influenced us whilst they are still with us. A quick review of my career to date and those who have helped shape it include the names of Steve Collins, who gave me my first paid employment in professional radio, Gordon Hunter, who put me on the air, Bill Ridley, who gave me my first break in television, Peter Brookes, who thought I would make a decent sports broadcaster and finally Scott Ferguson and Adam Nolan, who encouraged me to try sports commentary.
Special mention too for Ben Fry and Richard Stead at Yorkshire Radio. Ben often tells me how he changed my life and he’s right. They were responsible for sending me to cover the Olympic Games in 2012. More recently, it was Mike Bovill who brought me into talkSPORT and Kate Anastasi who has been a brilliant champion and boss over the past few years.
All of those I’ve just named had a huge impact on the way my career turned out. But, why broadcasting? It was my English teacher at school who first suggested it as a potential career. His name was Mr Hanbidge and he looked like ‘The Secret Lemonade Drinker’ from the television advert. His comment sowed a seed and I started watching television and listening to radio closer than ever to study those making their career in broadcasting.
Growing up when I did, Terry Wogan was everywhere. His chat show dominated the early evening schedules and he cropped up on game shows, award ceremonies, Eurovision and then back to the radio. As I’ve grown more confident and relaxed as a broadcaster, he was definitely an inspiration.
When I was first employed in radio, I was working on a breakfast show. It was the same era Chris Evans was on Radio 1. I confess now that despite doing my own show at the same time, I would take every opportunity to listen to Chris. His Radio 1 show was like a soap opera on the radio and made you desperate to listen the following day for the next instalment. I interviewed Chris once and he was incredibly kind to me. So, I don’t subscribe to that adage about never meeting your heroes.
Growing up I spent hours watching Des Lynam. I never felt Des seemed to be trying when broadcasting. And, I write that as a compliment. He never seemed to want to overshadow his guests. I definitely learnt whilst watching Des that your job as host is how to bring the best out of the pundits, experts or analysts. I also observed and tried to emulate his interviewing technique where it was never about him, but about the guest.
Honourable mentions to Barry Davies, Clive James, Simon Mayo and Michael Palin. To everyone mentioned here, even Mr Hanbidge, who once gave me the biggest bollocking of my life during an English lesson, I say thank you.
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