John Peel's Home Truths. (17th October 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chignell, Hugh; Devlin, John
• Is Part Of: Radio journal. Volume 4:Number 1/3(2007)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 81
• Publication Date: 2007-10-17
• Subjects: Radio -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Radio audiences -- Periodicals; Radio stations -- Sociological aspects -- Periodicals; Sound recordings -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 384.54
• DOI: 10.1386/rajo.4.1, 2, 3.69_1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-4504

Abstract

Although widely regarded as the most influential British radio DJ of the last century, John Peel was also a presenter of speech radio. This article examines his career presenting two BBC Radio 4 speech programmes; Offspring and Home Truths. Research carried out included interviews with radio producers, close listening to selected programmes presented by Peel as well as reviewing the literature on radio presentation and broadcast talk. The evidence shows that Peel's success owed a lot to his ability to create a distinct radio persona, one which inspired a unique listening community. Themes of eccentricity, English nationalism, parenting and ageing were central to Home Truths as were nostalgic references to the past. The article begins with a consideration of some of the relevant literature on radio presentation and DJs followed by an account of Peel's early career. His experience writing for Radio Times is described and the influence this had on his selection to present on Radio 4. There are detailed accounts of the genesis of both Offspring and its successor, Home Truths which explain the roles of women producers in their creation. Peel's persona is discussed with reference to concepts of broadcast talk, discursive space and co-presence.