Recruiting the team

David Lloyd writes:

We're touched daily by the messages we receive from you at Boom. Whilst our distinctive music blend is well-received, we also know the company of the presenters is valued too by many listeners, whether sharing stories about the music – or just chatting as friends do.

You hear us at much the same stage of life as you are, frustrated by the same things – and smiling at many of the same recollections.

It’s a little like turning up to a get-together with old friends. You may have heard some of us before on various stations when we were both younger, and now we’re picking up where we left off.  And – probably like you – we’re no longer focusing on the next big plan in our careers. We’ve done that and had a ball. Now, we just want to enjoy every moment of what we do.

The team came together largely through relationships Paul Robey, Phil Riley and I had established with the radio fraternity over the years. After a combined 125+ colourful years in radio across the UK, we know most folk!

In semi-retirement, I’d been producing a series of online podcast programmes called Conversations. Each episode featured someone in radio who had ‘made a difference’. Some of the interviewees I knew well, others I did not.   After each recording was complete, we’d often share a cuppa and mutter grumpily about the state of the radio offering for our generation these days and lament how the talents of so many great broadcasters were being wasted.  Whilst UK radio generally was an exciting, focussed, professional offering, the same was not true, we felt, for older listeners.

So, when the launch of Boom became a genuine prospect, I picked up the phone to some of those I’d interviewed: “Remember our chat about a station for our generation. Well….”

In outlining our plans, I was honest about both the large scale of our ambition - and the small scale of our initial finances. The opening conversation with each one became easier once they knew the calibre of company they’d be keeping. Each one on our dream list said yes. 

We are flattered too when accomplished presenters from other stations get in touch privately to confess how much they enjoy listening to Boom. And we're sorry that we really can't accommodate all the gifted broadcasters who get in touch wanting to play a part.

Whilst some of our team may yet be offered opportunities elsewhere, I suspect that most of us are quite happy here – amongst friends.

One team member was almost in tears when we were able to confirm their place in our line-up. This station means as much to us as it seems to do to you. Radio has been our lives – and the chance to start a new chapter in life playing a part in a national radio station of scale is an opportunity many of us did not expect.

Hardly a day goes by when a presenter does not share with me a note from a listener which has really touched them.

On a personal note, every New Year’s Eve since we began, I’ve hosted a special programme, starting at 10pm and continuing until I need to sleep.  It’s my favourite show of the year. Big Ben striking 12 is always an emotional moment and that’s maybe why I receive such amazing notes during that particular programme as you and I reflect on the ups and downs of the year.  Many refer to how much the station means to them – and those words keep us going.

From all thirty regular presenters across Boom Radio, Boom Rock and Boom Light – thank you for listening.

Tonight (Thurs 31st) is a poignant night. We are all getting together as a team for only the second time ever - and we shall raise a toast to you. Listen out for the gossip over the next few days...

 

 

 

 

Other blog posts in this series: How it all works and How did Boom come about?

How to listen

You can hear Boom Radio on DAB+ across the UK - or 'Alexa - Play Boom Radio'.

For more info - or how to find our other stations, just click the pic.

 

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