One of the BBC’s top brass became a Minster FM newsreader today (Tuesday).
But this wasn’t a permanent move. Helen Thomas was back at the station where she began her broadcasting career as part of its birthday celebrations.
Minster FM went on air for the first time 25 years ago.
The station launched on July 4th 1992, the first commercial radio service for the city of York, and Helen was a key part of the team.
Back in the hot seat
Helen read the very first news bulletin on Minster FM. She also spent time as co-presenter of the Breakfast Show.
Today Helen is the head of BBC Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. It was a case of many happy returns as she got back to her commercial radio roots to read the 2pm and 3pm bulletins in an awesome anniversary throwback.
Her job now includes responsibility for the two editions of Look North and five radio stations including BBC Radio York – which was also born on the 4th of July, but in 1983.
It was the first time she had read the news since 1999. Helen also met Harry Whittaker presenter of the Hometime Show.
Snail mail and dumb phones
The biggest difference between then and now? The tech, said Helen.
There wasn’t the same number of computers and our news came in the post in the morning. We used to have to ring up people to see what was going on.
She enjoyed her stint as Minster FM’s news reader. “It was great fun and brings back happy memories,” Helen told the station.
“It also reminds me what it’s all about. I don’t get to do that bit of the job anymore.”
To which YorkMix can only add: Happy birthday Minster FM! And here’s to 25 more glorious years.
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