From a very early age, Gary always had a fascination about radio and how voices and music could be sent across the airwaves.
Although this interest was of a technical nature, his real passion was for actual show presentation.
As a result, he started on Radio St. Helier in 1985, at the age of 18. This was a hospital radio station, serving three hospitals.
From there he moved to Community Development Radio, based in Shepherds Bush, London. This was a radio project focused on bonding different ethnic communities throughout the Greater London region.
Gary also presented on a number of other alternative stations, some of which had a significant influence on the direction of ‘FM’ radio in the late 80’s.
By the 90’s, he had taken up a regular slot on WNK 103.3FM, London’s first fully legal black music orientated station. Sadly WNK’s life was short-lived and Gary’s next move was to another new London station, Choice FM.
For the next few years Gary focused on his own business, only occasionally presenting radio shows and it wasn’t until coming to NZ that he felt the need to get back behind the microphone.
Like before, he was keen on radio that made some contribution to community issues and found like- minded people at the 14 year old LPFM station Radio Redwood. A new studio was built, in conjunction with Redwood at Wigram Manor, Christchurch and from there Gary presented a morning show focused on the Christchurch earthquake recovery.
Gary is now delighted to part of the Plains FM team and embraces the challenge of producing and presenting a new morning show for Canterbury set to launch in early 2012, contributing to our social media and driving special projects utilising The POD. If you see a flash of sneakers whizz past it may well be our Gary as he’s also the President of the Port Hills Athletics Club and very fit! If you haven’t met him yet make sure to pop in and say “hi”.
Contact email is: gary@plainsfm.org.nz