On Air Now: Just Great Songs
Monday
Spencer Davies
Spencer Davies is on the air weekdays from 10am til 2pm and Saturday afternoons from 2pm til 6pm.
"It's an education" : I was born in St. Saviour in Jersey in 1972 and spent much of my childhood living in St Saviour, Gorey village and St Aubin. The first school I went to was Beaulieu - a mixed school at the time (honest!). From there I went to De La Salle and finished my education in the island at Victoria College.
From an early age, I began to realise that music was a big part of my life. I played guitar from the age of 7 and played many concerts round the island as part of a duo and quartet in shorts believe it or not ! My parents had a guest house for many years, and I’d play guitar to the guests - thankfully to their delight!
The first record I ever bought was Adam & The Ants “Stand And Deliver” and saved for ages to buy the album "Prince Charming" - it was only about 4 quid at the time! I then started buying records by Nik Kershaw, Howard Jones and even Kajagoogoo, until in 1986 I became a big fan of Simple Minds and U2 who I’ve followed closely ever since and built up a huge collection of stuff along the way. Nowadays, I love a whole heap of stuff !
Anyway, knowing that being a rock star was probably unrealistic, (let's face it, I was hardly likely to be the next 'Bono' !), I started in radio in October 1988 at the BBC in Jersey on a 3 week Project trident course. If anyone wanted a tea or coffee I was first to the kitchen – the enthusiastic chap I was ! Gradually I was given more responsibility which included recording a 3 minute slot every Saturday called the “Bargain Basement”. At the same time, I was taught to edit tapes ready for broadcast, deal with phonecalls, file records, and generally help out around the station. After my three weeks was up, they wanted to keep me on and this is where I really began to learn more about what radio was all about. I was sent out to do reports on various island issues, speak to listeners, help out on the outside broadcasts and charity events like Children In Need and finally was offered the chance to be a fill in presenter. I actually ended up presenting virtually every show on the station.
In 1991, I left the island to study for a broadcasting degree at the University Of the West Of England, graduating with honours despite having spent a lot of time ‘researching’ the various bars in Bristol ! I still worked at the BBC during holidays which helped out financially researching those Bristol bars ! In 1994, I was offered the job of full-time presenter of the drivetime evening news programme and went on to produce and present both the lunchtime and evening news shows. In 1998, it was time for a change, so I left and went to work for Jersey Telecom where I progressed to becoming the head of mobile services. If you have a mobile phone, the chances are I may have spoken to you at some point ! At the same time, in April 1998, Channel 103 called me and asked if I’d present the Sunday show – of course I jumped at the chance! In November 2004, the radio station called again and offered me the Head Of Music position and 10 til 2 show presenter – how could I refuse ?! I then moved to the evening show in September 2006 and from July 2007 to November 2007 presented the afternoon show between 3pm and 7pm. I now present the mid morning show again between 10am and 2pm. From January 2009, I moved from being "Head of music" to "Audio controller".
I like to think I’m a friendly character. In my spare time, I love going out on the town for more of that bar and club ‘research’! I try to keep fit at the gym to lose some of that ‘research’ work. I have to admit I’m a bit of a chatterbox on the phone and can spend anything up to 4 hours having a natter with friends – shocking I know ! From time to time, I dabble in a bit of D.I.Y., design websites and of course listen to music – a lot of music ! I may see you at the next Glastonbury Festival if you're going (if I can get a ticket !) - you could say that after going in 92,93,95,97,2000,2002 and 2004, I quite like the place?!
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Getting to know Spencer Davies :
Questions :
1 Where were you born?
St. Saviour, Jersey
2 What was the first record you bought?
Adam & The Ants - Stand & Deliver on 7"
3 Who are your favourite groups/artists?
U2 / Simple Minds / William Orbit / The Killers / Jean Michel Jarre
4 What made you want to be a radio presenter?
I wanted to somehow be involved in the music industry but I knew being a rock star was slightly unrealistic! I'm no Bono!
5 When did you join 103?
April 1998
6 What is your favourite 103 moment (on or off air)?
Being on stage for the Summer Sizzler and Big Sure Party concerts - the audience were a lot of fun. Also, I chuckle at some of the texts we receive on a daily basis - keeps me amused, even if all comments aren't always broadcastable!
7 What is the best concert you have ever been to?
U2 on their Vertigo tour at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium 2005, Simple Minds in a Greek Amphitheatre in Taormina, Sicily with Mount Etna smouldering away in the background 2002 and having dinner with Jim & the boys afterwards, and David Bowie at Glastonbury in 2000.
8 What is your all-time favourite record?
Haven't really got just one - I love loads of stuff.
9 If you hadn't been a radio presenter what would you have been?
I'd like to have been a paid holiday researcher - travelling the world for a TV company maybe - in fact, any offers still greatly appreciated
