Station Profile: Talksport

Station fact file detailing the sport and news network Talksport, includes interview with drivetime producer Steve Morgan.

Head office: 18 Hatfields, London SE1 8DJ
No of staff: 90 full-time employees, plus presenters
Key presenters: Alan Brazil, Ian Wright, Andy Townsend, George Galloway, Jon Gaunt, James Whale
Key executives: Scott Taunton, UTV Radio managing director; Bill Ridley, programme director; Adam Bullock, sales director
Most recent Rajars: 2.3 million listeners per week
In a nutshell: The UK's only national commercial speech radio station. The first national commercial station to broadcast top-flight domestic football.
The verdict: "For the first time ever, 5 Live has a real hotshot competitor in Talk Sport" – Paul Chantler, United Radio Consultants

Behind the mic: Steve Morgan

Morgan started working in television producing sports shows for Live! TV, Sky and Trans World International. In 2005, seduced by the glamour of radio, he became producer of Talk Sport's drivetime show and has been there ever since.

What is the secret of  successful talk radio?
Having a good presenter, engaging topics and microphones that work. Also, the contributions of the listeners can never be underestimated.
 
In terms of talent, who do you rate most highly in speech radio?
Archie Andrews, from the 1950s radio show Educating Archie. Archie was a ventriloquist 's dummy.
 
When you imagine presenting to a typical Talk Sport listener, who do you imagine?
I always imagine I'm producing the show for the Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

What sort of content would you like to see more of?
Wall to wall coverage of Southampton Football Club.

Does the radio industry get too excited by technology at the cost of other things?
Great technology will not improve poor talent. Innovations should not be at the expense of the basics.

What would you do if you were in charge of Ofcom for a day?
Turn a blind eye.

What's the biggest technical glitch you've had?
Not so much a technical glitch, but James Max, our finance reporter, caused a stir when he struggled to pronounce the phrase "credit crunch".

What's your favourite radio programme?
Jonathan Ross' Saturday morning show on Radio 2.

If you weren't a radio producer, what would you do?
I'd use the talents that production has equipped me with and become a counsellor for people with delicate egos. Working with radio and sports talent has prepared me well for that.

Outline your typical work day at Talk Sport
Discuss topics with presenters, book guests and try desperately to convince Jon Norman, my assistant producer, to make a cup of tea.

What's your theme song?
When the Saints Go Marching In.