#AmazingAccrington - Autumn 2019

ARE YOU LOCAL?

Park yourself anywhere in Hyndburn and turn on the radio, only one channel will be coming to you directly from the Red Rose County... BBC Radio Lancashire

Rejection, rejection, rejoice It may have taken more than 30 rejection letters and countless stamps to post all the tapes, but in 1985 someone eventually listened, and Gilly was given the graveyard shift for Red Rose Radio in Preston. “2am – 6am, that was my shift and it was fantastic, but I didn’t stop there. Two years later after even more applications, I got lunchtime slots and the Saturday Sports slot too.” FromRed Rose Radio to The Bay in Lancaster, then to BBC Radio Lancashire in 2005, John Gillmore is now a household name throughout Lancashire. Has Instagram killed the radio star? The demise of previous workplaces, centralising and commercialising radio stations must be a concerning thing for a radio presenter. “Not at all, if anything it has strengthened our position here at BBC Radio Lancashire. It’s sad as many of the presenters are my friends and they are now out of work. It’s always hard when people lose their jobs, but things inevitably have to change. There is definitely a market and we are certainly keeping ahead of the curve. We are now positioned as the only truly local radio station covering news throughout Lancashire.”

With many local stations recently being bought out and merged, taking a more commercial approach and relocating to neighbouring cities, there’s now only one truly local station for Accrington residents. “Anyone can play Madonna, Take That or Justin Bieber on the radio, but can you really be part of the community without being in the community? I’m not so sure.” John Gillmore, AKA Gilly, presenter for BBC Radio Lancashire invited #AmazingAccrington into the Blackburn studio for a chat about radio past, present and possible future. It’s always slightly intimidating, interviewing a professional interviewer, but talking to Gilly is like having a chat with a friend over a brew and cake. State-of-the-art equipment, striking navy-blue corridors and glass walls, the facilities are certainly something to boast about. The BBC Radio Lancashire studio feels modern, inviting... an ideal hub for news, music and civic pride. What’s a real job anyway… What is it really like being a Radio Presenter? Other than working 6 days a week, talking all day and dealing with the general public. “It’s an absolute pleasure and an honour, it’s been a long journey, but I wouldn’t change anything. Every single day is different, unpredictable and exciting.”

From the age of 11, Gilly was repeatedly told to ‘get a real job’. After hearing the 1967 experimental broadcast fromBBC RadioMerseyside, he knew that was his goal. In the 1960’s radio was new, there were no degrees, no media qualifications, no experienced presenters to shadow or learn from. “The ambition to be on the radio never leftme after hearing that first broadcast. As I got older, I sent tapes, lots of tapes of myself talking to try and find a way in. I didn’t succeed, or at least I didn’t think I had. Alongside working towards being on radio I got a job at my local Co-op, a ‘proper’ job during weekdays. I managed to secure some ad-hoc work doing voice-overs for adverts at weekends and when the Co-op found out they got me to do the store tannoy announcements! Around this time I also volunteered doing hospital radio, atWhiston Hospital near my home town of Prescot.”

Fans can find Gilly on social media with a hefty following, sharing updates about the live show and local news. “It’s so important to engage. We are here for the community, in the community and people need to know that. The way people listen to radio has changed, even in the last 5 years. People listen on their phones on the commute to work, whilst studying, via their TV’s. Radio isn’t just for people who have a radio in their kitchen anymore. That’s why our varied content is also so important too, we are always current.” Obviously, people want to hear great tunes, but BBC Radio Lancashire also do outside broadcasts at events, interview various guests including celebrities, but more importantly, talk to people within the Lancashire community. The good, the bad and the ugly “Freddie Starr wasn’t a fun one to interview, rest his soul. The worst interviews are with those who really don’t want to talk, we had to cut that one short! The most memorable has to be Buzz Aldrin, it still feels surreal to think about being in the presence of someone who walked on the moon, saw the earth from that view. I have to say, the best people to interview are ‘normal people’, they have the most surprising and interesting stories to tell, and you never knowwhat will happen. Outside broadcasts have always been, and remain, my favourite thing to do.”

Can you really be part of the community without being in the community? I’m not so sure...

Above: Outside BBC Radio Lancashire HQ in Blackburn. Right: John Gilmore, BBC Radio Lancashire presenter.

8 #Ama z i n g A c c r i n g t o n A u t umn  2 0 1 9

#Ama z i n g A c c r i n g t o n A u t umn 2 0 1 9 9

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