interview34

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The Richard Park Q&A Interview
Exclusive to talkSPORT1089.co.uk

Voted most influential person in the music industry by Record and Radio
Industry Executives in 2001, Richard Park started his career as a radio
reporter, then turned presenter specialising in music and sport.

He worked his way up to be Head of Entertainment and Sport at Radio Clyde
and then moved to become Programme Controller at Capital Radio. He was
instrumental in breaking new talent including Pete Tong, Tim Westwood and
Neil Fox. He was responsible for hiring Chris Tarrant on Capital FM, which
became one of the most successful breakfast shows in the UK.

In 1996, Richard formed Wildstar Records, uniting Capital and Telstar Records. As Director, he was responsible for signing Craig David. In 2001, after 14 years with Capital, he left to set up his own consultancy company, Park Management. Two years later, he set up Park Records, a joint venture with Universal Music. He is also Radio Consultant for EMAP and is Programme Controller of London's Magic 105.4.

You are currently Programme Director of Magic 105.4 based in London playing soft adult contemporary music. What do you believe is the basis for a successful commercial music station?
As Programme Director at Magic I believe in four factors which include mornings, the music, marketing and a great team spirit at the station. If these are present then a station can be successful.

Magic 105.4 describe themselves as the UK's more music, less talk station. Do you believe this is one of the key reasons for the success of the station?
Absolutely. I believe that the more music, less talk format is the key reason for the success of Magic.

How fierce is the rivalry and battle for listeners in the London region between Magic, Heart and Capital?
Magic is not in a battle with either Heart of Capital but we want to superserve our listeners.

You have been involved in the radio industry for over 30 years and worked for many radio stations around the UK. Which stations have you worked for and what were your roles at each of them?
Initially I worked for a pirate radio station called Radio Scotland before becoming host of The Radio 1 Club. Following my role at the BBC I returned to Scotland where I became the Head of Entertainment and Sport at Radio Clyde. I was at the station for 12 years and commentated on no less than 10 Scottish Cup Finals and reported from the World Cup in Mexico in 1986. I moved to London in 1987 to become Programme Controller at Capital. Now I am the Programme Director at Magic 105.4 FM in London and have also broadcast programmes on LBC and talkSPORT in recent years.

Following your successful stint on Radio Scotland, you were noticed by the BBC where you became the host of the Radio 1 Club and the Round Table show. What were your feelings when you are asked to present a show on a national level?
The feeling was quite wonderful and enjoyed doing the show immensely.

You won the very first Sony Broadcaster of the Year award for your role as sports broadcaster at Radio Clyde. What was submitted to the Sony Award judges for you to be considered for this prestigious award?
Actually, the Sony Broadcaster of the Year Award was for my all round role as music presenter as well as sports commentator as Radio Clyde. I was runner up in separate sports category in the same year.

You were also a football commentator for Radio Clyde. What competitions and memorable matches did you cover whilst you were at the station?
For Radio Clyde I covered many World Cup tournaments, the European Champions Cup and a number of Old Firm clashes between Celtic and Rangers through the years.

As Programme Controller of Capital Radio in London, you achieved the station's highest ever market share of 44% and introduced Chris Tarrant, Neil Fox and Pete Tong to the airwaves. What do you believe were the main reasons for your successes at the station?
I believe in the same philosophy and format for every station I am Programme Controller for and Capital Radio was no different. Mornings, the music, marketing and working with fantastic people were the key reasons for the success we had at Capital Radio.

Having introduced Capital Sportstime to the airwaves whilst you were in charge of the Capital Radio output, how did it feel when the group dropped their football commentaries in favour of music-based programming last year?
I was disappointed with the decision but do hope they will return at somepoint in the future, possibly when the price of sports rights become cheaper.

After nearly 14 years at Capital, where you rose to be Capital Radio Group Programme Director, you quit to manage your own company. What were the reasons behind leaving?
Ultimately, I felt it was time for change and a chance to lead a more varied life away from Capital and I still run the company whilst working for Magic now. The company has direct experience in many aspects of the media ranging from radio to TV and records, video, newspapers and performance.

In recent months you have presented shows on LBC. What were the main factors in you wanting to present a speech based show and do you feel your stint on the station was successful?
I felt the LBC programmes were very success but I was only available for six months so that was all I was ever going to be giving to the radio station.

In the summer, you have made your presenting debut on talkSPORT. How did the move come about and what were your initial impressions of the people you were going to be working with on your show?
It was Bill Ridley at talkSPORT that offered me a show during the footballs absence from the airwaves. The people I worked with were terrific and dedicated on both sides of the microphone.

Having presented your summer shows on talkSPORT, did you feel pleased with how the show was sounding and progressing?
It was a short series on talkSPORT that concluded in July. I felt comfortable on-air and was pleased with the end product of the programme.

You have worked in both music and speech based radio. Which style of radio do you prefer to present and which genre of music do you prefer to host and why?
Personally, I like broadcasting on speech and talk radio stations such as LBC and talkSPORT and managing music stations such as Capital Radio and Magic FM in London.

Despite being the Programme Director at Magic 105.4 in London, are there any other radio stations or programmes you like to listen to? Are there any presenters in local or regional radio that you feel could make it onto a national level?
As a consultant for radio I listen to the medium endlessly. I am a massive radio fan and admire many of the UK's radio stations and their presenters.

There is a feeling within sections of the industry that local commercial radio stations in the UK have become devoid of personality, originality and local-ness. As a Programme Director, are you aware of this and are you a firm believer in the "less talk more music" format?
I am aware of the current criticisms from within sections of the industry. However, Magic has a successful format which the team execute in the required style. It has a different remit to the early independent local radio stations like Radio Clyde had in Scotland.

You are the infamous headmaster on the BBC's Fame Academy programme, how did this move come about and how much do you enjoy your role on the show?
I was asked to appear in the show by Endemol, the production company, that also produce programmes like Big Brother. It has been great fun and would look forward to doing it once again.

You have conducted interviews and met a great number of celebrities throughout your career. Who is your current favourite interviewee and why?
Very tough question as I have met so many lovely people over the years. It would be unfair to name one particular person as they have been plenty of them.

You are a season ticket holder at Craven Cottage. Taking into account how far Fulham have come in the last few years, do you believe the criticism levelled at current manager Chris Coleman is justified and do you believe he is the right man for the job?
I believe Chris is doing a great job for Fulham despite the difficult circumstances. He doesn't have the money that our neighbours can call on!

Who would you like to see brought into the playing squad for the new season and how successful do you think the club will be in the forthcoming season?
To be honest finishing 17th in the Premiership will do me so we can avoid relegation! Any chance of Ronaldinho signing for us!

How long do you think it'll take Walter Smith to rebuild the Scottish national team and what do you think were the key factors behind the demise of the side?
It's an uphill task for Wattie. We just don't seem to produce the players these days that we used to a few years ago in Scotland so it's going to take a few years before we get back in the right direction.

Who were your idols and what did you aspire to be as a child?
As a child my idol was the legendary Elvis Presley and wanted to be a disc jockey and sports presenter.

What was the last film you saw at the cinema and what did you think of it?
I went to see the new Harry Potter film with the kids. They liked it� Thumbsucker with Swtinton/Reeves.

What was the last CD you bought and who are your favourites musical artists?
The last album I bought was All That I Am by Santana.

What was the most recent book you have read and are there any others you would like to recommend?
I would like to recommmed The Story of God by Robert Winston and anything by Shakespeare.

And finally, if you could be remembered by the public for one thing, and one thing only, what would it be?
Being honest.

Thanks to Richard Park for the chance to interview him. Richard is the Programme Controller for Magic 105.4 in London and is also a regular on the BBC's Fame Academy. We wish him every success in the future and look forward to hearing him again at somepoint in the future on talkSPORT.

The Richard Park Interview
Magic 105.4 Programme Controller
November 2005