I joined URE soon after starting University at Exeter. I did a weekly show for almost 6 years - my 3 degree years, a year of doing an MA, and 2 years (doing a weekend show) when I was working at Reuters. As the only DJ who could work a CD player I was voted in as head of music; I interviewsed many visiting bands, and recorded live sesions with some of them. Before leaving, my last interview was with Coldplay, which ain't a bad one to end on. I did three citywide FM broadcasts, in 1998 on the late show (where the number of times I involved the police somehow remains a record) , in 1999 on the Seddonism midmorning show (also as a Challenge Anarchist) and 2001 doing Born Sleepy. Those Radio Shows in Full (and mostly in the right order): 1996/7 Bob Huson was supposed to train me, but didn't like me because I wasn't an attractive female (or at least I think that's the reason). Eventually I passed my DJ test, and was able to present my own radio show. >Mark's Morning Glory (Wednesdays 7-10am) A learning process... try to learn how to do a listenable radio show, for instance stopping saying "erm" all the time. Introduce such classic features as 'Pop Facts', the instantly forgotten AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) Roadwatch and do terrible impressions. My friend Welsh Gary would sometimes come along with his guitar to play a tune, and the very funny TC & Jim joined in the fun on a couple of occasions. 1997/8 Sundays 2.30-5pm >Mark FM (Sundays 2:30-5:00pm) What an ironic title - we're on MW. Alex Goldie produces, the classic 'Suggs' item is introduced, as well as the radio play 'Alien Invasion' which a young Danny Lawrence listens to and which gives his the impression that the radio station is rather good. >FM '98 RSL : Mark's Late Nite Bizness (Weeknights1-4am) All manner of silliness. The fantasic (and permanently bemused) Bruce Wallace produced.He was a very dry humoured, bearded American, and I'm not sure if he ever really got what was going on, but was a real sport and didn't seem to mind going out at 3am in the morning and talking to squirrels for me. >Virgin Megastore's Instant Replay Request Show (Sundays 3:00-5:30pm) Alex Goldie decides radio is too much like hard work, and the keen youn wippersnapper Alex Gener steps in to produce. He runs about the halls with his mobile phone taking requests and getting people for competitions and things. This is my 'commercial phase', as I line up sponsorship deals with Virgin Megastore and Snappy Tomato Pizza. Every week I have a huge beast pizza to give away. 1998/99 >Mark & Kirsty's End Of The Century Club (Sundays 2:30-5:00pm) We loose the Virgin Megastore sponsorship, and I get bored of the whole request thing, so rename the show, and Kirsty O'Driscol (who I've begun training) is my new sidekick. We continue to give away the pizzas, often to Kirsty's latest conquest in the Lemmy the previous night This show marks the start of shows without relying on scripts, and instead just talking rubbish and playing records. >FM '99 RSL : Seddonism (Weekdays 10-12am) Kirsty and Chris Patterson join me for a show that's aim is to squeeze in as much as possible into 2 hours.Chris replaces Alec Horley, who was producing the first 2 shows, which bombed as a result. I produce a lovely little jingle package for Tommy Dyre's late night talk show, to which I call in often. I'm also on the team of "Challenge Anarchists", a show on the weekend where Tom Harris assigned us bizzare challenges. >Seddonism (Sundays 2:30-5:00pm) Chris Patterson continues to produce my weekend show. I call him stubble boy, he calls me ladyboy. Hilarity ensues. 1999/00 > Seddonism (Fridays 5-7pm) I return to Exeter Uni to do an MA, and start up my radio show with a new team and (mostly) new features. Tom Davies as sidekick, Alex Berry writes down the tunes and laughs and Ashley Amos reads the news and takes up far more of the shows time than he really should. 2000/1 (URE becomes Xpression, and a permanent low power FM station) > Born Sleepy (Sundays 9-12) Just when I think I'm finally leaving Exeter, I get a job there, working for Reuters. I continue to do a show on the weekends; Tom Davies remains as my sidekick as we lark about on a Sunday morning. Features include; 'Local Tourist attractions', 'Rabbi Williams', 'Relaxation Tape', 'Mark's Cousin', 'The Gallery' and 'Smack My Pitch Up' > FM '01 RSL : Born Sleepy (Saturday 7-9am) The show for people that forgot to turn off their alarm clocks. More of the same from me and Tom, only at a stupid time in the morning. > Fresher in the Morning with Mark & Oli (Weekdays 8-11am) Oli Adams co-presented the Freshers week breakfast show with me. Our features included; 'Converstion Class', 'The Whetus Link' and 'The Cleaners'. June 2002 - Leave my job, Exeter and the radio station to go travelling. Feb 2006 Back to do a show for URE's 30th birthday. Back |
| Mark Seddon A Brief History of Radio |
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