Ian James
Hello you, Ian James here!
Gosh. Where do I begin?
I guess you could say I have quite an interesting history – as although I was born in Wrexham, the majority of my early life was spent in Belgium where I was a student of the British School of Brussels.
Being an avid listener of 208 under my pillow (the reception was just as bad in Belgium!), radio became my passion – and it wasn’t long before I became involved with a number of “free” radio stations closer to home.
One such station was Radio Lipstick where my show caught the attention of respected Belgian radio broadcaster Frans Vossen – who subsequently invited me to be a part of his Brussels Calling programme for the BRT world service.
The experience of being at Belgium’s national radio studios – and the fact my voice could be heard all over the world on Short Wave truly encouraged me to work harder at developing my skills and working towards a career in radio.
1983: Marcher Sound
Hard to believe, but in the first half of 1983 there were only 18 independent radio stations in the UK.
I was so lucky. Even before I’d had my A Level results, I’d been offered a job to join the new radio station for NE Wales and Cheshire, Marcher Sound – as early evening presenter.
Unfortunately, it was to be a short-lived experience for me. The station went on air on 5th September 1983 – and I lost my job two days before.
Actually, seven other people lost their jobs on the same day. The station had run out of money.
It would be 10 years before I’d return to radio – and actually, back to Marcher Sound.
The station had been rebranded as MFM by this time and I was taken on to present the Mid Morning Show. I eventually jumped ship to sister station, Marcher Gold where I presented the Breakfast Show.
My radio career has since seen me work at a number of staions across the UK including Touch Radio, Magic 1170 and Wish FM.
I eventually joined BBC Radio Leeds – and even presented a summer season of shows with Smithy at BBC Radio Merseyside!
TV and Radio Commercials
Actually, Smithy and I have worked together for many years. Our production company produced work for many well-known brands, though our biggest claim to fame was coming up with the sonic branding and radio jingle for a well-known car supermarket..
You’ll get the right car, at the right price……
As well as being the voice of the radio commercials, I was also regularly on screen on the TV commercials.
Lymm Radio & Cheshire’s MIX56
Smithy and I combined our experience (talents?) and set up Lymm Radio at the start of lockdown.
The incredible feedback from listeners encouraged us to launch full time – and the rest is history in the making!
Join me Monday to Thursday for the Morning Show from 10am and from 10 on Saturday for the Saturday Club with Smithy.
