Radio
Having left the North East after spending over a decade at Metro Radio and TFM, Harrison’s dad was working for Capital Radio Group as a presenter on the mighty 103.2 Power FM when he was born before moving across to its sister station, Ocean, continuing until the station rebranded as Heart in 2009.
As a child, Harrison spent a lot of time at the Segensworth studios with top radio talent which inspired him to forge his own path in the industry.
Harrison’s first media appearance, aged 4, asking Bill Hall a “really hard” question as part of a special feature on Marwell Zoo.
Like many working in radio today, Harrison began by presenting and producing content at home for fun.
He taught himself how to use Audacity by playing around with the different tools/effects and used to record his days out before mixing them down into podcasts (before podcasting went mainstream).
Later, Harrison was lucky enough to co-voice several commercials for the Arqiva and Sony award-winning Andover Sound.
Harrison occasionally read travel bulletins on the breakfast show – and learnt how to pronounce every local street name correctly… well, almost…
Ever since presenting his first radio show in 2011, Harrison has gained experience in radio programming, radio technology/engineering and more advanced audio production.
Harrison worked as a voiceover and audio producer at Communication Generation between 2019 and 2023.
During the same time period, Harrison volunteered with Petersfield’s Shine Radio as a presenter, producer, programmer (overseeing our music library and scheduling systems) and training assistant.
Harrison was hired by Portsmouth’s Express FM as the station’s Content Manager in July 2023 where he oversees brand strategy, programming, music policy and talent development as well as managing the station’s RCS scheduling and playout systems.
Q&A
Who do you look up to in the industry?
It goes without saying my dad has been a huge inspiration and mentor, having introduced me to this life and industry.
There are many talented people, both on and off air, who I really look up to. Steve Wright and Pat Sharp spring to mind instantly – not just because of their personality-led presentation styles, but also the preparation and effort they put in beforehand to make their content engaging.
Admittidely, I’ve always been more of an avid speech radio listener. Ian Collins and Iain Lee, two people who’ve been incredibly kind and supportive to me in the past, are two of my favourite presenters… and add Tommy Boyd, James O’Brien, Eddie Mair and countless others to that list too – masters of their craft!
Despite the fact that I have my own style, listening to a wide range of presenters and formats has helped me learn new skills and always will – development is an ongoing process.
What are your hobbies?
When I’m not doing something radio/audio related (which is almost never) I like to walk, cycle and eat and drink cups of tea at my favourite cafes/restaurants, preferably in my favourite seat.
Favourite food?
If I had to pick a meal out, Pizza Express or a high quality pub burger and chips (don’t ever bother asking me to pick between them!)
Favourite snack = vanilla and butter viennese whirls or, if I can get hold of them, Diablo’s sugar free butter cookies.
Favourite song?
Sorry to give the classic answer, but you’ll never be able to pin me down to one song! I’m into all kinds of music from the last 50 years – pop, rock, dance, ballads, a bit of anything and everything really.
Favourite classic jingle?
I know you’re expecting something from Turbo Z or another hot rockin’ flame throwin’ package, but it’s actually the following County Sound PAMS resing from the late 80s (for the “Gold” service on 1566 AM) when it became the first station to split FM and medium wave frequencies. It happens to be my ringtone.
…and more recent?
Has to be the Disco cut from Wisebuddah’s 2010 package for boom 97.3 in Toronto, although the entire package is oustanding. WB’s Original 106 package from 2006 (used by 3FM on the Isle of Man until fairly recently) was also superb, especially the 7-note orchestral news logo.