3: Phil Riley - Executive, BRMB, Aire, Chrysalis (Heart,Galaxy, LBC), Orion, Celador

From  a lucky traineeship through to managing the purchase of that very station and its neighbours three decades later, via the creation of UK brand-led radio.

In this hour of 'Radio Moments - Conversations', Phil Riley opens up about his personal roots - and tells of his journey to BRMB. His business school spell in New York, prepared him for his first programme directorship as he created the new Xtra AM in the West Midlands. Poached to run struggling Radio Aire, he took that company to profitability and launched its successful Magic 828.

Joining Chrysalis Radio as it began its activities proper in radio, Phil launched Heart in Birmingham and London, the first mainstream competitor to the early tier of commercial radio, and the first to roll out that brand and its values in multiple regions - paving the way for brand-led radio we witness today.

Phil tells of the sale of Chrysalis Radio to become the foundation for Global Radio  and of his private equity-funded projects which, as Orion Media, were to result in the purchase of the stations in the Midlands shed by Global on their GCap acquisition. He opens up too about life since, including his role at Celador and in holding the reins at Bauer's newly acquired assets as they were instructed to hold-separate.

Research and evidence-led - and one of the most respected executives in UK commercial radio this is the Phil Riley story - in his own words.

Enjoy the whole Conversations series here. Music by Larry Bryant. (This edition is based on a fresh interview with Phil in May 2020)