Take It Easy

Story Highlight

‘Take it Easy’ made a return there in November 2005, running to June 2009.

It’s hard to believe that over 35 years have gone by since I first arrived at Downtown (very young at the time, of course!) in December 1975 as one of the technical team that prepared the studios for the station’s launch in March 1976.

After moving into Commercial then Programme production, and by the summer of that year starting to sit in for holidaying presenters, this led to a regular slot in November 1976 when the late Paul Prenter left Downtown to become Tour Manager of the group Queen.

Sunday night radio and ‘Take it Easy’ became synonymous and built up a dedicated following for its distinctive blend of quality music from across the years. Listeners may well remember some of the show’s features such as the Hi-fi Swop Shop (FM stereo was a new thing back then) the Soundalikes (two songs with an uncanny similarity) and Student Scene.

The first era ended in February 1990 when Downtown ‘split’ to launch Cool FM on the 97.4 frequency, and I then covered various programmes as part of my role as Head of Programming for Downtown and Cool FM.

In October 2000 I moved along the dial to become Station Director of Citybeat, and in 2004 joined UTV to lead the successful application for the new Belfast FM licence and then set up U105.

‘Take it Easy’ made a return there in November 2005, running to June 2009.

Now I’m delighted that the programme is back where it all began, on Downtown!

These days, digital listening through DAB or online means that the music can be enjoyed in high quality, and audience feedback – always an important aspect – is instant by email or text. It’s especially pleasing to have listeners who tuned in during the 70’s and 80’s back in touch again.

Besides being involved with my broadcast consultancy, Nocturne Media (which produces ‘Take it Easy’ for Downtown), I enjoy travelling, and in addition to regular trips to North America and Australia, have visited Africa, Asia and most countries in Europe. Their music stores are always on my itinerary, and from time to time, Sunday night listeners get treated to unusual items collected along the way!