What was Piccadilly Radio? Who made it tick? And how does twentieth-century commercial radio relate to today’s media landscape of vloggers, podcasters and influencers?
In this new six-part series, media historian Dr. Philip Johnstone delves into Manchester Central Library’s Piccadilly Radio archive. Each episode looks in turn at comedy, radio presenters, commercial radio, historical drama, horror and science fiction.
The second episode is out now. It explores the role of radio presenters at Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio, examining how personality, voice and audience connection shaped early broadcasting and continue to influence modern podcasting and streaming culture.
You will hear archive from Piccadilly Radio’s DJs including Steve Penk, Mike Sweeney, Mark Radcliffe and James Stannage. Meanwhile clips from oral histories with Brian Beech, Liz Bracken and Henry Matthews help us get a picture of what life working at Piccadilly was like away from the studio microphones. This episode is dedicated to James Stannage, who passed away in March. His last night shows changed radio forever.
This podcast was made possible by National Lottery players and the Manchester Libraries Trust.
