Acceptable in the 80s? Ian Hood

Ian’s YO1 Radio bio...

What show do you present and what times?

I present the 80s show, Saturday night 8-10pm

What do you love about your job at YO1 Radio?

Love making people smile.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing instead?

Honestly, I’d be struggling with my mental health.

Name a little known fact about you?

I threw Eric Clapton out of his own concert.

What’s your favourite place in York?

Favourite place, West Bank Park, Acomb

Soundtracks...

IAN HOOD shares how the songs of his life help him when presenting an Eighties show on a local radio station that’s a big hit on the York airwaves

It’s 7.55 on a Saturday night. While most people might be getting ready to vote on Strictly Come Dancing or waiting for the Deliveroo to arrive, I am donning a head set and checking levels ahead of another night spinning the discs on Ian’s 80s.

I am of an age where, when I first did this, the carrying of boxes filled with favourite vinyl was the norm. There is, to me, no better feeling than the sanctuary music creates, the memories it stirs and the feelings it evokes.

It is said that everyone’s life has a soundtrack, with memorable occasions being associated with certain pieces of music – if that’s the case, my life fills a lot of CDs.

Sitting behind the control desk here at YO1 towers, dipping into the musical nostalgia brings up names listened to long ago but never forgotten.

A current feature lets the audience decide parts of the show, their favourite artists, songs, coupled with maybe forgotten tracks that all bring back memories of schooldays, discos and tape recorders that needed the pencil treatment.

Being on an Independent Local Radio station is hard work. This is a labour of love without the celebrity status many believe the job has, but most of all is FUN!

“Your City, Your Feelgood Station 102.8 YO1 Radio,” was awarded a radio broadcast licence in February 2018.

The station is based at the lovely Holly Tree studio in Clifton Moor. It has been broadcasting online since September 2017 and can now be found on 102.8FM across York and the surrounding areas. Chris Marsden, managing director and drive-time host, explains more about the station. “Over the last two-and-half years, we’ve been constantly contacted by people who still listen to FM radio, in places like their car or their

There’s no Smashy and Nicey on the schedule, but Ian asks other presenters about working on YO1...

workplace. Now finding us is as easy as doing a quick scan and re-setting their pre-sets.”

Director and breakfast show host Matt Lloyd adds: “We’ve been amazed by the reaction to our station. We know that the FM frequency is something our listeners still use, so we’ve opened up the ways people can be part of the YO1 experience.”

As well as the FM frequency, YO1 is available via Smart speaker, a free IOS and Android app, Tune-In, Smart TVs and online at www.yo1radio.co.uk .

It boasts a 24-hour mix of music from Swinging Sixties to new sounds and local artists, with specialist shows from 8pm on weekdays and 6pm at weekends.These include soul music, big bands, rock, show-tunes and the ever requested 80s and 90s shows.

YO1 now covers sport on a Saturday afternoon, with touchline news from local teams, and major events, with reviews of team performances first thing Monday. It offers free advertising to charities Deon Byworth (Rock):“I love playing the music that I grew up listening to which became the soundtrack to my life.”

Dougie Weake (Big Band and weekend breakfast show): “I love the chance to be able to bring the best music to our audience, combined with some cheeky chat.”

Emily Ramsden (Early afternoon):“I love the energy and pace you can create in the studio (that’s professional for having a laugh at work).”

And me? “Well I just love making people smile.Anyway, must dash – Tiffany is about to find herself really alone now.”

9 and social groups and supports local events, with most presenters making regular personal appearances. It also hosts local events on behalf of national charities and groups

Proud to be York’s local radio station.