Radio Broadland : Paul Stephen Interview

Who is Paul Stephen?

Paul worked for Radio Broadland between 1989 and 1993, first standing in to present the 10pm-1am show, then joining permanently as host of the Broadland Beat. Paul then went on to replace John Warwick on Drive Time. Find out more about Paul's memories of the station in his Goodbye Radio Broadland interview below.

Paul Stephen Interview

How did you come to join Radio Broadland?

Having worked abroad for Radio Bahrain, I subsequently owned the Black Horse Inn in Thorndon, Suffolk. Dave Brown was a customer which, to cut a long story short, resulted in my covering occasional late night shows.

What shows did you present during your time at Broadland?
On selling my business Mike Stewart offered me a permanent position presenting the nightly, 7pm 'Broadland Beat' show, until John Warwick left to head North, when I took over the Drive Time slot.

Do you have any memories of unusual or embarrassing on air moments during your time at Broadland?
I will never forget inadvertently taking the station off air late one night, in a nervous panic, early in my 'career', only to have Whispering Bob Harris, who was recording in Studio 2, come through and offer help, in a voice that could only be Whispering Bobs'! Other memories? Interviewing Craig McClachlan (Neighbours) who sang his then hit 'Mona' acoustically, replacing 'Mona' with 'Paul' to prove he was singing live! Crowds of Norwich Union ladies outside in Colegate, as he pulled up in his Rolls Royce, and a feature in 'Smash Hits' mag. The things broadcasting are made of. Loved it!

Did you ever have any interesting on air conversations with members of the public who called in?

My time at Broadland coincided with an increase in soccer violence. I challenged any soccer thug listening to call in one evening, anonymously, to explain why he and others took to violence in the stands...and one did, and talked about 'gangs', and turf wars... in the background we could hear that he was sitting having tea with his young family! I later even had an ex-boxing champ phone in and offer to meet this guy down any blind alley of his choice!! Not the normal Broadland format, but the audience reaction on the phones was incredible! I would love to do more of this broadcasting now......

What did you do once you left the station?

Presenters only last as long as their audience figures hold up; my understanding was that, for one year, the whole stations figures declined, but I, the last in, was 'first out' and the sacrificial lamb (I think?). My contract not renewed and thankful for some audience support, I went off, 'tail between my legs', assuming my radio days were over (bad mistake), ignoring an offer from what was then 'Q' in Cambridge, and 'went back to work', for the Training and Enterprise Council.

Who is the man behind the voice?

I love music and I loved broadcasting. I would give anything to be back. I'm realistic enough to know that presenting on commercial radio is behind me now but I would love to do some 'current affairs/combined talk & music broadcasting in the future. I wish... What drives me crazy? Having four stations covering the same area, all doing the same thing, some inevitably better than others! Will somebody please tell me, what is the point?