Radio on the telly (and the movies too…)

Last month I wrote about some of my favourite radio moments on TV and in the movies. I’d now like to share some more.

Also, I’ll provide an update on the changes to the BBC’s Local Radio services in the autumn/winter of 2023, I’ll have some memories of working in England’s smallest county, and I’ll finish with a brief history of a major radio station in Ecuador. Now read on…

Here’s the episode of the British series Downtown Abbey, when the radio arrived. The servants loved it; his lordship wasn’t so sure: “Burbling inanities from somewhere else… It won’t last”

And the ITV series Doc Martin had a delightully sarcastic radio moment in this episode. For copright reasons this is a US trailer. I like the mandolin music…

The BBC detective series New Tricks had a whole episode about a commercial station involved in nefarious behaviour…

But my favourite has to be Bob the Builder. Watch out for the radio producer who admits that he hasn’t got a clue or, indeed, any programme ideas. Where did the writers get that notion from, eh? https://btb.fandom.com/wiki/Radio_Bob

In other news this month… there’s analysis of how radio listening in the UK is changing slowly…

BBC platform figures obtained for its national FM radio stations

Meanwhile, on 12 November 2023 The Guardian newspaper provided this summary of the BBC’s changes to Local Radio so far. Look out for the comments from Andy Griffee. Most wise.

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/nov/12/bbc-faces-broad-backlash-over-cuts-to-local-radio-output

And in December, news continued of former Beeb presenters now working in the community radio sector: https://radiotoday.co.uk/2023/12/former-bbc-presenter-frankie-connor-joins-liverpool-live-radio/

And from the West Midlands: https://radiotoday.co.uk/2023/12/caroline-martin-joins-wcr-fm-following-bbc-radio-wm-exit/

You can read about others in a series of three articles: here, here and here.

Meanwhile, the next link is a lovely review of a station serving Rutland. I have fond memories of doing shifts on the news desk in the early 2000s when this was run by the Lincs FM group. When I say “news desk” it was actually a narrow ledge at the back of the office, under the window into studio 2. Here’s an article which includes a picture of the front door of the former building. https://www.lincsonline.co.uk/stamford/news/radio-office-could-become-flats-9198047/

This was an old terraced property that’d formerly been a tea shop. It was right next to the railway line, so the two studios were independently sprung. It was a big step up to get in through the heavy doors, and it felt a bit unnerving as the rooms swayed on their springs at every step you took. In the station’s current incarnation Rob continues to serve the county well:

https://radiotoday.co.uk/2023/11/digital-first-how-rob-persani-superserves-rutlands-online-listeners

And in international news, a celebration of the history of a radio pioneer in Quito, Ecuador. HCJB is a station set up in the 1930s. It still exists today. I’m a trustee and director of the UK charity that’s descended directly from it.

AM, FM, digital and online; but let’s not forget shortwave. Another part of this Christian organisation still runs a massive SW broadcast facility in Western Australia – reaching millions across Asia. Its transmitter masts stretch for miles across the outback, crackling occasionally when the humidity and rain descend on the high tension power cables. Think of “Radio On” aka Roadrunner by Jonathan Richman if you want that image in song form.

And for a video tour of the HCJB/Reach Beyond transmitters…

Let me know what you’re listening to. Drop me a comment in the box (all feedback is moderated), and don’t forget to sign up for monthly pieces.