Britain has been voting for its best ever radio presenter – and the country’s favourite radio moments have been revealed as a survey uncovers our top iconic radio moments
Britain’s favourite radio presenter of all time has been crowned(Image: Getty Images)
The late, great broadcasting legend Sir Terry Wogan has been crowned as Britain’s favourite radio presenter of all time.
A third of British listeners reckon the broadcasting legend, who died in 2016, has never been bettered on the airwaves. And his voice clearly still echoes in the nation’s heart.
Sir Terry was followed by Chris Evans, who started his career at Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio in 1983 – and just 12 years later he was host of Radio 1’s flagship breakfast show. Evans is followed in the nation’s list of favourites by John Peel, Chris Moyles, Sara Cox and Zoe Ball.
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Sir Terry Wogan has been voted the country’s favourite radio presenter of all time(Image: PA)
Despite the rise of streaming, podcasts and social media, as many as 38% prefer listening to radio than watching TV. Almost half like it better as it requires you to use your imagination, while a quarter say it has a more human connection.
The survey also revealed the top radio moments, according to listeners, including the death of David Bowie softly announced by Lauren Laverne on BBC 6 Music, Sir Terry Wogan’s final sign-off from Radio 2 and Helen Archer stabbing Rob in The Archers. Listeners highlighted Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Kitchen Disco” era and Zoe Ball’s debut as the first female Radio 2 breakfast host (5%) as monumental moments. Other memorable radio moments according to the 2000 Brits surveyed are the England Lionesses winning the Euros in 2022. Other events that Brits remember hearing on the radio are the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the Brexit referendum night and aftermath on Radio 4 in 2016.
Sophie Ellis Bextor’s ‘Kitchen Disco’ era is among Brit’s favourite radio memories(Image: Getty Images)
Audio firm PURE has launched a one-of-a-kind grant to help student radio stations to ensure the future of one of Britain’s best-loved sources of entertainment. The grant will help with running costs as bosses believe student finances are so stretched they are leaving potential future broadcasters undiscovered.
Launching the grant, BBC 2 Radio presenter Richie Anderson, said: “I owe so much to my time in student radio, it’s genuinely where everything started for me. I learned how to tell stories, how to connect with listeners, and how to be myself behind the mic.”
Hubert Eiter for PURE, which commissioned the study to mark the brand’s 25th anniversary, said: “Radio still holds a special place in the nation’s hearts, even in a world dominated by streaming and online content. Student radio is often the first step into broadcasting, yet rising student costs are putting that opportunity at risk.
“This grant is about keeping those doors open so young talent can continue to thrive. Many student radio stations are struggling with rising running and equipment costs. Our new nationwide grant aims to give them the support they need to keep delivering creative, ambitious programming directly from their campuses.”
THE TOP TEN BEST LOVED RADIO PRESENTERS OF ALL TIME, ACCORDING TO BRITISH RADIO FANS
Sir Terry Wogan Chris Evans John Peel Chris Moyles Tony Blackburn Sara Cox Ken Bruce Zoe Ball Kenny Everett Noel Edmonds THE TOP TEN MOST POWERFUL RADIO MOMENTS… The announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II (2022) The first COVID lockdown reactions across UK radio (March 2020) – Presenters and listeners collectively realising: this is real. Hugely emotional phone-ins and a sense of communal fear The Today Programme covers the unfolding tragedy of 9/11 (2001) – Calm voices slowly realising the world has changed forever. Radio at its most powerful The 7/7 London Bombings (2005) – News broke through radio coverage of the G8 summit, quickly switching to live coverage of explosions on the London Death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (2021) – Radio stations across the UK immediately switched to special programming upon the announcement of his death England Lionesses Winning Euro 2022 – The final whistle against Germany was a massive radio moment that sparked a national “summer of joy.” The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla (2023) – marking the first coronation in the UK for 70 years. Brexit referendum night and aftermath on Radio 4 (2016) – A slow, stunned unfolding. No shouting, just dawning historical gravity Sir Terry Wogan’s final Radio 2 broadcast (2009) – Affection, warmth, and the sound of a national relationship ending Royal Wedding (2011) – Extensive, live coverage of the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton