LBC/IRN changed my life

Tim Crook

I’m very pleased to give tribute to the positive contribution LBC and IRN made in my life.

I was an enthusiastic teenage listener when it started in 1973 and would never have dreamed that I would begin my radio journalism and broadcasting career on the station five years later with a short feature on the history of the toilet for the Therese Birch ‘After Eight’ programme produced by Paul Easton.

After doing a pre-entry course at the London College of Printing and a couple of years in ILR at Radio Tees I started reporting from the courts- based at the Central Criminal Court and Royal Courts of Justice from 1981.

That was when my 23 year career at and association with LBC/IRN accelerated, and the amazing opportunities which followed. I became the UK’s first special broadcast legal affairs correspondent covering the most important trials and court cases.

There were so many highs including amazing scoops including the exclusive recording and broadcast of Lord Denning’s retirement ceremony from the Lord Chief Justice’s court. I also campaigned against courtroom secrecy establishing appeal rights for journalists after a legal challenge which went all the way to Strasbourg.

The chance to be a live presenter and LBC 1152 AM’s anchor at the end of August 1997. We were the first to announce the death of Diana, Princess of Wales on UK Radio with international awards for the best response to a breaking news story.

And my collaboration with Richard Shannon and Marja Giejgo at Independent Radio Drama Productions made LBC a thriving, pioneering and award-winning audio drama producer. There were co-productions with NPR in the USA and the privilege of working with leading directors, writers and actors.

I learned and was inspired by the very best of journalists, producers, presenters and editors and treasure every aspect of my time at Gough Square, Hammersmith and ITN until January 2002.

The LBC and IRN experience gave me confidence and opportunities that totally informed the rest of my career in academia, professional journalism, writing and drama.

I am really so very grateful and have the fondest memories. Thank you.