First Beacon Radio DJ Mike Baker dies aged 65
The man who was the first voice ever heard on Beacon Radio has died.
Radio presenter Mike Baker opened the station in Wolverhampton in 1976 and worked in radio for four decades, including on Heart FM and Classic Gold.
The DJ was aged 65 and tributes have poured in from friends and former colleagues who say he was one of the great broadcasters. Mr Baker worked all over the country with stints in London with Capital Radio, as well as on offshore stations Radio Caroline and Radio Veronica.
After launching Beacon Radio in Tettenhall Road, he also worked at Lantern FM in Devon. Born near Chelmsford near Essex, he was originally a radio and TV engineer who made the switch onto the airwaves.
Mr Baker was also a presenter on Heart FM in the 90s and a manager at Classic Gold before joining SAGA Radio in 2001.
Since 2005 he had been a consultant, with clients including Eurostar.
BBC Radio journalist John Barnes was among those to pay tribute on Twitter.
He said: "Terribly sad to hear of the passing of Mike Baker. One of the great broadcasters. The man who made me want to work in radio. RIP Mike."
Former colleague at Beacon Radio Andy Swift added: "Sad news. First voice of Beacon Radio Mike Baker has died. An influence that led me to broadcasting. he'll be missed by so many."
Tim Beech, managing editor at BBC Shropshire, said: "Very sad to hear about the death of former Beacon Radio presenter Mike Baker. Helped to create a great local station. Listened lots to him."
The first track Mr Baker played on Beacon was Eric Carmen's Sunrise, at 6am.
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