Mark Dennison

The show

How would you describe your show in one sentence?

FUN, with an added dash of FUN.

What makes your show, your show?

Me? I think all the members of the Magna crew like to have fun on the radio, but we all have our own "quirky" ways.

Favourite features or games to do on air?

I love them all, but I'm especially fond of The Lincs Link (at 9.30am). Every day is a bit different and I love how listeners guess what I'm going to play next and some even send in their own suggestions for the show, too.

What kind of listener will love your show?

Only fun ones.

Their journey

How did you first get into radio?

I started doing hospital radio and loved it. I never planned on it being a career!

What's been your path to where you are now?

From hospital radio to summer work at TFM in the north east and Trent FM while I was at uni. Then back to TFM, onto Viking FM in Hull for a couple of years, back to Trent FM in Nottingham for 13 years, then 13 years at the BBC in Nottingham, then Virgin Radio. More recently, I've been doing some non-radio things, like TV and helping Father Christmas. Then Magna came along.

Did you always want to be on air?

I used to pretend to be on the radio while I was supposed to be doing my homework. My parents always had the radio on and I'd study what the presenters were doing and try to replicate it. When I got the chance to do hospital radio, it was amazing but I never dreamt it would turn into a full time job for most of my life!

Best moment on air so far?

I've been very lucky and done some incredible things but I've never launched a brand new radio station until I joined Magna.

Any interviews or moments you're especially proud of?

I used to present a show on lots of commercial radio stations, where there'd be a big name guest every week. We had Elton John, Oasis, Kylie and lots more. I even went to New York twice to record interviews there.

Toughest moment in radio?

Big occasions like The Queen's death and when Princess Diana died. It's always hard to know how and when to go back to "normal".

The listeners

What do you enjoy most about interacting with listeners?

When they quote things that I've said back to me (sometimes it's things I can't even remember, and it's usually the throw away comments!).

A message or moment from a listener that's stuck with you?

I was really touched by a lot of the messages I got when I decided to leave the BBC. I think although it was really tough and strange time, Covid re-established radio as a really unique medium and we were a crucial lifeline to lots of people.

Music & influences

Earliest memory of listening to radio?

In Mum and Dad's kitchen. Mum loved Terry Wogan.

Biggest broadcasting influences?

Steve Wright, Simon Mayo, Mark Goodier, Terry Wogan.

One song you'll never get bored of?

Roachford — Cuddly Toy.

What kind of music do you love off air?

Anything upbeat.

A track that always gets a reaction on your show?

The travel jingle.

Magna

What does being part of Magna Radio mean to you?

A huge amount. I wasn't planning on going back to full time radio, but I'm so pleased I did.

What excites you most about what we're building here?

It's a great team. We just want to do the best we can. Also, the reaction so far has been incredible.

Quickfire

Tea or coffee?

Coffee (please).

Early start or late finish?

I guess it would be really bad if I said late finish?!

One word to describe your show

FUN.

Guilty pleasure song?

I occasionally like the odd 70s banger.

Something people wouldn't expect about you

I've been Nottingham Forest's stadium announcer for over 20 years.

Hidden talents or unusual skills?

My John Marshall impression.

Looking ahead

What would you love to achieve on air?

To help make Magna as big as we can and to keep loving doing what we do (even at 4am!).

Where do you want to take your show next?

Back to New York?