Radio 1, The Inside Scene

About the Book

The story is told by Johnny Beerling, who worked at the BBC for the whole of his working life, from 1957 to 1993, and having started as a junior engineer. From that position he graduated to Studio manager, Sound Engineer, Producer, Executive Producer, Head of Programmes and finally Controller of BBC Radio 1 from 1985 to 1993. From this unique observation point at the heart of the station for 26 years he was able to observe the comings and goings, the politics and the personalities in this, the most popular of BBC Radio Networks.

Over 25 million people were regular listeners to Radio 1 during its first 25 years and for anyone who listened to it, or who went to the Radio 1 Roadshow, this book gives a complete insight in to what went on behind the scenes. In conclusion Beerling puts his personal perspective on the BBC and its radio services as they are today.

About the Author

Johnny Beerling worked at the BBC for 36 years, produced the first ever Radio 1 programme and managed the station from 1985 to 1993.

He started his career in radio during his National Service running a radio station in Aden for the RAF where he doubled as station manager, studio engineer and early morning DJ.

In 1957 he joined the BBC as a Technical Operator, then Studio Manager, before becoming a producer for the Light Programme. 10 years later the Marine Offences Bill led to the close down of the pirate stations and the BBC decided to set up Radio 1 to provide a legal alternative. Johnny was at the forefront of this process, devising the jingles, recruiting most of the DJ talent and subsequently producing the first ever breakfast show with Tony Blackburn.

Johnny pioneered the first of the Network's rock documentaries, a 14 hour documentary series on the History of the Beatles which established a style of programming which continued for over 30 years.

In 1973 he conceived and launched the show for which he is best known, the Radio 1 Roadshow, which grew from a small caravan operation on Newquay Beach to an 80 foot mobile stage show housed in a series of articulated trucks, supported by a giant outdoor TV display.

He was appointed Controller of the Radio 1 Network in 1985. During this time Radio 1 was recognised as one of the leading music broadcasting stations in the world, with a weekly audience of over 19 million listeners.

In 1992 he was the first non-broadcaster to receive the coveted Ferguson Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Music Radio from The Radio Academy and in 1993 was elected President of the Television and Radio Industry Club of Great Britain. More recently he was made a Fellow of The Radio Academy, the most prestigious award in Radio.

For 36 years he was on the inside of the BBC and from his unique inside position he tells all he knows about Britain's favourite radio station and the DJ's who worked there.