In this month’s article I’ll be mostly thinking about the noise that transmitters make (“hum”), the sound of journalists harrumphing (“tut tut”), and the agitation of local radio football commentators (“rising like a salmon to save the ball…”**).
Do read this book if football culture interests you.
Early radio was, of course, analogue. Although at the time that word wasn’t used because no one knew about digital. It wasn’t a thing in those days. So, it was just radio. I wrote about FM in my last article. But then, FM was still analogue. https://prefadelisten.com/2024/03/14/got-the-radio-on/
Now, from a delightful bunch of guitar engineers and electrical technicians based in Holmfirth, Yorkshire, is an article that links music and radio. In particular, how AM radio (long-wave, medium-wave and short-wave) inspired a generation of musical innovators.
And don’t forget, of course, that both the transmitters and the amplifiers in the early radio receivers were powered by valves – a thing guitarists still treasure in the 21st century. Read here by clicking on this link:
Elsewhere, I’ve written much about the changes in 2023 to the BBC Local Radio landscape in England. See my pieces previewed in these three links here, here and here…
So, with all this is mind, the next link is a piece recently published by the Beeb’s journos on Merseyside. It offers a view of the demise of some famous commercial radio names in the north west of England in April 2024. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-68674298
Also worth mentioning is the subject of quality journalism both on the radio and the telly – or rather the lack of it in some quarters.
Let me share this piece by Gavin Esler, a respected journo for the BBC for many years. Amongst other roles, he presented Newsnight on BBC2 and worked shifts on the BBC News Channel.
This link might well have the title “We watch so you don’t have to…”
Another time I’ll write about radio reviewers…
Meanwhile, a recent review of my book has appeared – this time in the Journal of American Culture. It’s written by Allison Lips who is a regular contributor to the journal. Her piece is behind a pay-wall, however the summary is something like this: my book is, for her:
“…a fascinating insight into a medium from infancy to maturity [which] ends with the acknowledgement that our understanding of radio is shifting in an increasingly digital world.”
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jacc.13477
And almost finally, a memory from my time at BBC Radio Derby in the 1980s. This is a clip of the great football commentator Graham Richards.
”Like a bullet to the bottom of the goal…”
Oh, and for me, any mention of Graham’s name brings back memories of the days when I was doing two-ways about someone called Robert Maxwell, and his cynical involvement in the beautiful game… and how Mr Richards – who was a barrister by trade – was getting banned from the Baseball Ground.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/03_march/11/radio_derby.shtml
Let me know your great radio sporting moments. Drop me a note in the box below. All comments are moderated.
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**Footnote: the leaping salmon reference is apocryphal, and is said to be one of Pelé’s comments about the 1970 goalkeeping skills of England’s Gordon Banks.
My personal recommendation to evoke that time is the Brazilian movie, The Year My Parents Went on Vacation.
It’s beautifully shot, has some heart-rending acting, and a mesmerising plot that mixes a threatening political dictatorship, extended Hebrew families, pre-teenage perceptions and – of course – football.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Year_My_Parents_Went_on_Vacation
If you can track a copy down, do watch it. I’m the same age as the young protagonist in the story: I was 12 when Pelé worked his magic that year.
NB: Fiddle about with the YouTube settings to get English subtitles, otherwise enjoy the lilting Portuguese tones.
Pre-fade Listen 
Dear Martin Cooper,
Thank you for your engaging exploration of radio’s rich history and its profound influence on music and culture. Your article brilliantly captures the essence of early radio technology and its lasting appeal, particularly the cherished sound of valve-powered transmitters and amplifiers. Your anecdotes about football commentary and the links to influential journalism provide a delightful read that resonates with enthusiasts of the medium.
However, I encourage you to consider incorporating more diverse perspectives and contemporary examples to broaden the appeal and relevance of your discussions. This could enhance understanding and appreciation among a wider audience, especially younger readers who might be unfamiliar with some of the historical references.
Keep up the great work!
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Thank you. And I agree with your comments about encouraging young people to tune in to the radio.
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a favourite radio sporting moment is the cricket one where they broke into hysterics over reference to a ‘leg over’
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