Radio talent

I'm a little anxious about this year's Radio Festival, which will be held once again at The Lowry in Salford Quays. No problems with the new hosts, Radcliffe and Maconie (despite Mark's description of the duo as "widely-acknowledged radio beefcakes.. delivering some much needed glamour to the proceedings").

The star, and only, guest announced so far is TV Dragon Duncan Bannatyne, who will apparently be on a panel talking about the best ways to manage and motivate talent.

Duncan was once part owner of a radio station, buying into A1 FM (Darlington, Aycliffe and Beyond - The Best Music, News and Local Views - 103.2  Just for You) in 1996, after its launch in November the previous year. In 1997, it became Alpha FM.   Duncan's vehicle was Radio Investments Ltd - he sold his interest in 2000. The company was bought by the Guardian Media Group and Caledonia Investments - and John Myers, current chief executive of the Radio Academy, was put in place as Chief Executive.

The 103.2 frequency is now used by Star Radio North East.

Duncan's on air experience is with Radio 2, with a documentary for ex-Radio Academy chairman Bob Shennan, last year, entitled "Can Money Make You Happy ?"