22/06/2011

You may need to turn the volume up, as one of the legends of British broadcasting, ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris, is confirmed as one of the guests at this year’s Radio Festival, organised by The Radio Academy. He will talk about his life in broadcasting in a special ‘big interview’ session on Wednesday 2nd November.

Bob Harris OBE, the host of the classic BBC TV music programme The Old Grey Whistle Test and current presenter of a highly respected music show on BBC Radio 2, will be talking about his journey through the great years of British music broadcasting. Bob received an OBE in the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to music broadcasting.

Described by Radio Times as ‘one of the greats of British contemporary music broadcasting’ and an ‘independent champion of great music’ and by the Mail On Sunday as a ‘national treasure’, Bob has been at the centre of the British music industry for nearly forty years.

Few people have broken as many bands into the mainstream consciousness as Bob Harris through his work on BBC Radio 1, the legendary Old Grey Whistle Test TV shows and his current programmes on BBC Radio 2. He is passionate about music and his infectious enthusiasm permeates his work.

He is a trusted guide and mentor to millions who have music at the centre of their lives. When Bob gives his support to an artist, people listen and his shows have become the Holy Grail for acts worldwide. His tireless promotion of new and cutting edge music is second to none.

Bob and his wife Trudie recently founded the Whispering Bob Broadcasting Company, an independent production house making documentaries for radio and television, and were winners of two Silver Sony Radio Academy Awards in 2008 and 2009.

John Myers, Chief Executive of The Radio Academy, said: “Bob Harris is a legendary figure who has made his mark on the listening public through years of popular and successful broadcasts. We are delighted he will be appearing at this year’s Festival. He has been a stalwart of music radio for years and hearing about his lifetime of experience will be fascinating, informative and very enjoyable.”

For tickets and more information on The Radio Festival 2011 click here.

ENDS

Journalists can apply for free accreditation to The Radio Festival 2011 please contact Melanie Smith.

Contact Graham Robb or Melanie Smith on 01325 363436

The Radio Academy is a registered charity dedicated to the encouragement, recognition and promotion of excellence in UK radio broadcasting and audio production.

Through an extensive programme of conferences, debates, masterclasses and other networking events, The Radio Academy offers opportunities for everyone from the national networks to individual podcasters to discuss the broadcasting, production, marketing and promotion of radio and audio. The Radio Academy is a member organisation which operates under the direction of a Board of Trustees.

The Radio Festival will take place from October 31st to November 2nd at The Lowry, Salford Quays.