@johnco online

the internet home of John Collins

June 7, 2021
by johnco
Comments Off on How a TV sitcom broke music radio

How a TV sitcom broke music radio

There’s a presenter in New York called “Broadway” Bill Lee. He hosts afternoon drive on WCBS-FM and he’s revered around the world as a one-of-a-kind who delivers his tunes with unmatched energy and precision. I’ve been a fan for years … Continue reading

March 26, 2021
by johnco
Comments Off on What a Time To Be Alive!

What a Time To Be Alive!

The last year has been a stellar one for commercial and community radio in the UK. The level of innovation has shot through the roof and broadcasters unseated by changes at heritage stations have decided to spend less time being … Continue reading

March 16, 2021
by johnco
Comments Off on Being Yourself

Being Yourself

I have a guilty pleasure. Actually, I have quite a few, but this is the one I’m owning up to. I really, really like Jane McDonald’s cruising programmes on Channel 5. It’s not just the boats and the destinations. It’s … Continue reading

March 9, 2021
by johnco
Comments Off on Ofcom needs to Change

Ofcom needs to Change

From time to time we read that major radio operators have asked for changes in the formats of their individual stations. Often this has been with a view to turning stations they operate from individual local services and moving towards … Continue reading

January 22, 2018
by johnco
Comments Off on A teen finally finds the studio

A teen finally finds the studio

I had the radio bug. Listening wasn’t enough. I needed to understand how all the parts went together. The shows were impossibly sexy sounding. Dave Marshall on breakfast on Clyde sounded like he was high up a tower looking down … Continue reading

January 7, 2018
by johnco
Comments Off on An unlikely start

An unlikely start

I was born in 1963. That’s the year the pirate stations started broadcasting from just outside territorial waters, but in the town of Grangemouth in central Scotland there was no such challenge. Life was pretty simple. Mum was a teacher, … Continue reading