Midlands radio presenter Mike Baker dies

Tributes have been made to radio presenter Mike Baker, the first live voice heard on Beacon Radio, who has died suddenly at the age of 65.

Mike worked in radio for four decades, with early spells on Radio Caroline, Radio Veronica and Capital Radio. He then launched Beacon Radio and went on to work at different stations all over the UK including Lantern FM in Devon.

He was commercial production manager at Chiltern in 1988, a presenter on Heart in the 90s and a manager at Classic Gold before joining SAGA Radio in 2001. He’s been a consultant since 2005 with clients including Eurostar.

The sad news appeared on Twitter yesterday, with many tributes made, including BBC Radio journalist John Barnes: “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: “Sad news. 1st voice of Beacon Radio Mike Baker has died. An influence that led me to broadcasting. he’ll be missed by so many.”

Presenter Craig Butler: “Just heard about former beacon radio mike baker sad loss thoughts with family xx.”

Orion Media’s David Lloyd, who is now Director of Programming at Beacon Radio’s supplanter Free Radio: “Another sad loss. Mike Baker, whose voice launched Beacon in 1976, has died. Thoughts with family and friends.”

Here how he sounded thanks to David Lloyd’s Radio Moments:

Photos from beacon-radio-memories.co.uk where you can read more about Mike.