The British broadcasting world is in mourning following the death of veteran radio presenter Brian Hayes at the age of 87. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and listeners for the iconic broadcaster, whose career spanned more than five decades on the airwaves of the BBC and LBC.
A Transatlantic Broadcasting Career
Born in Perth, Australia in 1937, Brian Hayes first cut his teeth in the media industry in his home country, working in newspapers and broadcasting. He made the pivotal move to the United Kingdom in the 1970s, where his distinctive voice and style would soon make him a household name.
His rise in UK radio began at Capital Radio, where he initially worked as a producer before stepping into the presenter's chair. However, it was his tenure at London's talk station LBC that truly cemented his legacy. He joined LBC on January 6, 1976, and his first phone-in guest was none other than the newly elected Leader of the Opposition, Margaret Thatcher.
The Master of the Phone-In
Brian Hayes became synonymous with the live phone-in format, renowned for his sharp wit and no-nonsense approach with callers. His skill in this arena was formally recognised when he won a prestigious Gold Sony Radio Award for 'Best Phone-In' programme during the 1990s.
Reflecting on his long association with LBC in a 2003 interview with The Guardian, Hayes recalled that inaugural show with Margaret Thatcher. "She seemed most worried about whether the clumpy headphones she had to wear would mess up her carefully constructed hairdo," he said. "She was also very nervous. But then so was I."
Throughout his years at the station, he interviewed a vast array of guests, from political leaders and trade unionists to celebrated artists and writers, alongside the passionate London callers who defined the station's output.
BBC Tenure and Lasting Legacy
Hayes's career also included significant periods with the BBC. In the 1990s, he joined BBC Radio 2's Breakfast show, although his stint there lasted only through 1992. He later presented programmes on BBC Radio 5 Live until 2006 and made appearances on BBC Radio 4 on shows like 'Not Today, Thank You'. He returned to his iconic role at LBC in the mid-2000s after presenting on BBC Radio 5.
The news of his passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and fond remembrance from loyal listeners. On social media, one fan wrote: "Those of us old enough to have been listening to LBC from day one remember his wonderful put-downs. The phrase 'Not suffering fools gladly' must have been coined especially for him."
Another shared a personal connection: "A true master of the airwaves - listening to him helped me get through many asthma attacks I had at night as a teenager." A third simply stated: "Wonderful, brilliant broadcaster. Loved his style."
The death of Brian Hayes marks the end of an era for British radio, closing the chapter on one of the medium's most distinctive and enduring voices.
