I’ve written over the years here about how important radio has been in Britain during the past century. Radio Culture is the central theme of this website resource. Here’s some reflections based on my research. In this piece there’s memories of Wogan, the pirates, the joys of AM and FM, and modern tech stuff too, as well as some entertaining video clips and serious analysis.
For more consideration of films, novels, pop music and TV shows that feature radio, have a look at my book:
https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/radios-legacy-in-popular-culture-9781501388231/
You can also get a preview – before you buy – about my methods. This link takes you to Chapter One – which is available to look at for free online: https://bloomsburycp3.codemantra.com/viewer/61c091c75f150300016f10af
Now read on…
First, to the topics of technology and the art of being a DJ/presenter on a live radio station. Here’s a reminiscence of listening to Terry Wogan and the dancing virgins on the roof of BH. I also talk about microphones, mic drops and the “Polarisation of VHF Aerials”. Don’t ask, just read on. But there’s also mention of the music of James Blunt – from my personal archive. You have been warned.
This next piece is about land-based pirate radio. I reveal how it’s been around longer than you’d think. First from 1935 there’s the movie Big Ben Calling. “If the BBC won’t plug our songs, we’ll start a rival wireless station”. Yes, you guessed it: they put the transmitter up the Elizabeth Tower/Big Ben at the Palace of Westminster. And then, from 2014, I consider the BBC TV comedy series, People Just Do Nothing. “Kurupt FM in-it! The rest are irrelevant”.
On a personal note, I reflect here about BBC Local Radio in the 1980s and 90s. “More Hits, More Headlines”, the AM and the FM, and I offer some light reading about radio history.
And finally, a look back to 1922 and a century of the BBC. In a grandiose arc of lightly connected themes I bring up topics including sound effects records, The Big Bang Theory, and Fitbits. It all ends with a clip of Mike Myers and the Bangles performing the completely unnecessary “Ming Tea – BBC”. I challenge you not to smile.
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