I have to admit that it is always a joyous moment for me when I have a new presenter card in my hand. Over the years there have been a number of these and they rather remind me of very special moments in my life. The latest is from BBC Radio Manchester.

Back in the day the UK Radio industry had a weekly publication called the Radio Magazine. The issue for the week 6th - 12th July 2005 carried an interview with Mike Shaft, then Assistant Editor of BBC GMR/Radio Manchester. I am delighted to reprint that interview here in full. The photos are a new addition.

For the first time ever, the facts about one of the most exciting Radio Stations ever to come on air in the UK. If you are visiting this site from outside the North West of England, then you might not even know about Sunset Radio.

Well for the past 35ish years I have been broadcasting in the North West of England, starting off at Piccadilly Radio in 1978.

This story all began some years earlier when I received a new 12 inch single by a group called BLUEZONE which featured a young singer called Lisa STANSFIELD. It was a fantastic dance track and one which I featured heavily on my Piccadilly Radio Soul Show, 'TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS'.

Some of the many tributes I have received over the years. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me! If your comment has not made it into print here as yet, don't worry. We will be adding to this page as time goes on!

This week saw the 23rd anniversary of the launch of the UKs first legal Black Music station, Sunset Radio on the airwaves of Manchester. To celebrate this anniversary I am reprinting an article written by me and published in Radio & Music Magazine in June of 1984. I hope you enjoy it.

Over the years, there have been a number of people who have helped me along the way and others who have inspired me to try even harder. I know that I will not have remembered them all, but in this space I would like to pay tribute to just some of those people. Remember, I might have missed you for now but, new names will be added in the coming weeks.

Over the years, there have been a number of people who have helped me along the way and others who have inspired me to try even harder. I know that I will not have remembered them all, but in this space I would like to pay tribute to just some of those people. Remember, I might have missed you for now but, new names will be added in the coming weeks.

Mike Shaft is an Award winning broadcaster of some repute in the North West. He was born in Grenada in the West Indies and has lived in the North West of England since 1968. He began his broadcasting career as a freelance presenter at Piccadilly Radio, Manchester in 1978. Mike remained with Piccadilly for 8  … Read more