So here we are; my first blog on ThePips.co.uk. I’ll be honest; this is my fifth attempt to write these opening lines. I’ve tried a witty one liner, an inspirational piece and even a one word opener, but nothing has quite hit the mark. I suppose the best idea would be to sum me up who I am? and what gives me the right to have my opinion heard? Again I’m struggling. Let’s keep this simple then.
I’m Darryl Morris. I’m 19 years old and I’m a radio presenter for Global Radio and the BBC. I’m contracted to Global and work across XFM, Galaxy and Gold in Manchester. I host a daily show on Gold from 12-4pm. I cover for other presenters on mainly XFM and occasionally Galaxy. Global are also kind enough to allow me to work for the BBC, I currently present a show on Saturday mornings 3-6am that is pre-recorded as well as providing cover for other shows. Every week I’ll be talking radio, giving my opinion and giving an insight into life in the industry.
Nineteen isn’t very old by any standard. I’m very lucky to have made radio my full time job at a
young age and I never forget just how lucky I am. It’s not happened without a lot of hard work and dedication, but I’ve also been very fortunate to work with some very helpful and talented people. I sometimes get light hearted stick in the office for being so young. Gareth Brooks, who does weekend afternoons on XFM, spent many years in the RAF before getting involved with ‘British Forces Radio’. Clint Boon, who does Drivetime, was famously an Inspiral Carpet. Pete Mitchell, who does Breakfast, has done many jobs from electrician onwards. I think it’s important that you have lived a life. How can you be relevant to any audience if all you know is radio? I’ve been working since I was 12. I’ve worked in a chemist, a shop, a takeaway and worked in politics. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many places around the world from America to New Zealand. But with all this in mind, being 19 doesn’t mean I can’t relate to audiences.
Age in radio means nothing, you are ageless. Nobody can see what you look like. I tell tales on the radio all the time, almost every show you will learn something about me, and I make that work for a Galaxy audience, an XFM audience and a Gold audience. Three very different ends of the spectrum, yet just because I’m 19 doesn’t mean I can’t engage them.
Sam Walker of Key 103 and BBC Radio Manchester once told me something that has stuck in my mind. At the time Sam was 
working all over the place with shows on XFM and BBC Radio Manchester, she said that sometimes people can’t understand how she can talk to two very different audiences and they ask “Who is the real Sam Walker?” to which she replies, “Who is the real you? The person you are on Friday night, out with your friends, or the person you are when you visit your Gran on Sunday afternoon?”
Every single one of us behaves in different ways to suit different situations. It doesn’t mean you are fake or two faced. Its social awareness. It’s an ability to choose words carefully to appeal to different audiences, yet say exactly the same thing. And it’s a talent we all have and use in our daily lives. Harnessing that talent and taking it to the next level is an ability we all have too, but few choose to embrace it. And that is radio. Radio is all about communicating effectively; being entertaining, engaging and informative. Some are better at it than others and it’s not easy, but the only way to be the best is to work hard and practice. Make yourself the best!
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