Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio is to feature in a new two-part BBC Radio 2 documentary looking at the history of the commercial radio sector.
The 2 x 60-minute series will also feature stations including LBC, Capital Radio and Big L, as well as contributions from industry pioneers including Marshall Stewart and John Whitney.
Former Piccadilly presenter Mark Radcliffe
It will be produced by Unique and is being executive produced by UBC Media Group’s editorial director Tim Blackmore.
He said: “I’ve interviewed more than 20 of the people who made commercial radio happen. This is their story and I feel privileged to have been allowed to help them tell it for today’s radio listeners.
“Commercial radio’s contribution to popular British culture has been, and continues to be, both huge and dynamic”
BBC Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan added: “I’m really pleased to be helping to mark the anniversary of commercial radio and celebrate the unique mix of radio we have in this country and the way the industry has developed over 40 years.”
Piccadilly Radio was Manchester’s first commercial radio station when it began broadcasting in 1974. It was rebranded as Magic 1152 by present owners Bauer (then EMAP) in 1999.
Former presenters include Chris Evans, James H Reeve and Mark Radcliffe.
