Radio WM – photos by Philip Morgan

Photos by Philip Morgan, no reproduction without permission.

Here are some photos by Philip Morgan of Radio WM, taken in November 2004, at the viewing before the auction to sell off all the Pebble Mill fixtures and fittings, before the building was demolished.

I particularly like the sign for ‘Radio Birmingham 206’ pinned up by the clock.

Andy Walters, adds the following information: ‘There is still some equipment in use today that has those BBC Radio Birmingham stickers on. I don’t think any of that kit was included in the auction as it was being used for projects on the days of the auction. The Mk. 3 desks were taken away for spares by BBC Radio Lincolnshire. The pictures look to be of Area 3 (phone in room) and Area 2 (WM self-op studio) on the first floor. Hard to believe but there are still some stations using Mk 3’s today and there are still shelves of Mk 3 spares in the Mailbox for these stations. They were built like brick out houses.’

Radio Birmingham audio slideshow – Pete Simpkin

Copyright resides with Pete Simpkin, no reproduction without permission.

This audio slideshow of 1970s and ’80s photographs, was produced by Pete Simpkin, and used when he gave talks about the work of Radio Birmingham ‘Heart of the Nation’.  It dates from the time when Pete presented the Breakfast programme, and illustrates the daily routine of the Station, which was based at BBC Pebble Mill.

Radio WM – photo of Maggy Whitehouse


Copyright resides with the original holder, no reproduction without permission.

This photo is of Maggy Whitehouse, who was a BBC Radio WM breakfast presenter back in 1983.  She presented the Breakfast show for a year and then a lunchtime interview show for two years.

The 206 team, Radio WM – Viv Ellis



Copyright resides with the original holder, no reproduction without permission.

This Radio Times article from 1981 promoted the relaunch of Radio Birmingham as Radio WM, and 206.  The station enjoyed much improved reception due to two new transmitters.

The article interviews Viv Ellis and Stuart Roper of the 206 Team, who were on air for four hours a day, Monday to Friday.

Thanks to Viv Ellis for making the article available.

Radio WM relaunch – 1981 article by Nick Higham


 Thanks to Tim Manning for making this article by Nick Higham (now BBC News correspondent) available.

The article is taken from ‘Radio Month’ in November 1981, and talks about the relaunching of Radio Birmingham as Radio WM.  The station’s frequency was changed to improve reception sound quality, especially in Birmingham, and the schedule was revamped and streamlined.

Tim Manning was responsible for the publicity and promotion of the station, as well as presenting on Saturday mornings.