Russell James' Blog

Monday the 11th of January 2010 was really the first day back in work for the media following the usual long Christmas and New Year break which most broadcasters took. But it was also really the start of a new era in radio. Terry Wogan left late last year from his coveted Breakfast slot on Radio 2, with Chris Evans taking over. To replace Evans at Drivetime, was the legend that is Simon Mayo. On Five Live, Simon Mayo was giving Monday to Thursdays mid afternoon slot to Richard Bacon, another great broadcaster who has totally proven this over the past few years on the late night shift on the station. I think that is everyone?And it goes without saying, the legend that is Chris Moyles returned to his show on BBC Radio 1.

THE CHRIS EVANS BREAKFAST SHOW

So after starting off with a tribute to Terry from Sarah Kennedy who broadcasts before Evans, Chris began the show playing two Beatles songs in a row. Interesting choice, but I think anyone who knows anything about him, know he adores them. And in his book, “Its Not What You Think”, one of his top tips is “Never forget music is your friend (The Beatles are always on hand if you need them)” [page 183]. One great thing about his show is the fact that the great Moria Stuart is back on the BBC, presenting the Breakfast Show’s news. I must say I always adored her! When she wasn’t on the telly for a little bit back at the end of the 90’s I was like, oh where is Moira. But then she re-appeared on BBC Breakfast (back in the Jeremy and Sophie days!), so I always liked her! Great to have her back! But over all, Chris really just moved his Drivetime show to breakfast. I felt he patronised us a tad too much with the “starring you” theme? After about an hour, I felt it was slightly patronising. However, it is his first day on what is the biggest day of his career since The Big Breakfast and the Radio 1 Breakfast Show back in the 90’s! So I will reserve judgement just for the time being!

SIMON MAYO DRIVETIME

Now I must admit that I have always liked Simon Mayo, unlike how I felt with Evans. Remember when he used to present the amazing quiz show “The National Lottery Winning Lines”? It was FANTASTIC! Since leaving Radio 1, he moved over to Five Live presenting mid-afternoons plus doing film reviews with Mark Kermode on a Friday (a job he will keep despite his move to Radio 2). Firstly, from the word off I was delighted. He is still using the “MAYO, SIMON MAYOOOOOO” jingle, so instant hit with the geek here! Overall though, a totally different sound to Evans’ show at that time. It actually didn’t really feel like Radio 2? I know that is a slightly weird thing, and I don’t think the bosses in Western House would like to hear that, but I feel that he has done a really good job at it, even on his first day! I will definitely listen to him from now on (obviously on Listen again, Mills is always my favourite to go home with!)

I must admit I have yet to listen to Mr Bacon on Radio 5 Live. However, he does have a daily podcast so I shall be taking a listen to that.

But overall, this day is marking a new era of radio. Moyles is up against Evans in the ratings war. Terry had his TOG (Terry’s Old Geezers/Guys and Gals), and they may not take such a shine to the mayhem that is Chris Evans. Moyles came back this morning though, as great as ever. But the whole show was, in my view, outshone by the fact they got brand new jingles which are just utterly amazing. You can have a listen to them all here! I must say, I have listened to them over and over all day. Am in love with them. There is just such a great sound of them.

So in short:

I will still always be Waking up with Moyles, getting home with Mills. Evans is a good broadcaster, and I think has learned from his nutty days of the 90’s. Maybe when Moyles is on holiday I will listen to Chris instead, but for the time being the frequency is set to 97-99fm! Mayo will continue to do really well, and I say he will be on Drivetime for quite some time. And I will have to listen to Richard!

Radio geek OUT!