A Heartfelt Moment Behind the Mic
Receiving a WhatsApp message, I learn that his debut track—Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like The Wolf”—is ready to go and that the microphone levels have been meticulously checked for what feels like the hundredth time. The current DJ is wrapping up their show, announcing the name of the next presenter. My heart races faster than the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, and I can’t help but feel a wave of emotion wash over me.
The reason for my excitement? That next presenter on Radio Wey—a community radio station based at Ashford & St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, run entirely by passionate volunteers for the enjoyment of both staff and patients—is none other than my 18-year-old son, Joe. He has already messaged our family WhatsApp group to share that his hands are “literally shaking.”
Joe underwent several months of training, honing his skills until the station’s management felt confident enough to grant him the opportunity to host his very own program, The Joe Show, in the coveted Tuesday evening slot from 5-7 PM. This was to be his very first live show.
I felt an overwhelming sense of pride for two reasons. First, he achieved this milestone entirely on his own—he reached out to the station, offered his services, completed all necessary training, and crafted his own unique features and ideas. Second, he is stepping into a realm I know and cherish deeply, having grown up in a radio-centric environment.
Since his birth, Joe has lived in a home filled with the sound of radio stations playing in nearly every room. He has also inherited a profound love for music, frequently attending gigs and festivals. While he is still far from becoming the next Jordan North or Vernon Kay, and there is no assurance he will choose a career behind the microphone—he is, after all, only 18—it’s fascinating to see how our experiences shape our children.
Did my parents influence my own passion for broadcasting? As I reflect on this, I can only point to my mother’s remarkable amateur performances at Bolton Little Theatre during her youth. We were not exactly a “media family,” but I fell in love with the immediacy and thrill of radio, and as you can probably tell, I enjoy telling people’s stories.
My husband, too, comes from a non-media background. His father spent his entire life working diligently in an east London factory, which inspired my husband to seek a different path. Growing up in Billericay, he aspired to be a journalist, but his journey into radio began when he discovered commercial stations like Capital and LBC. For him, it was refreshing to hear voices with real regional accents—quite a contrast to the BBC of that era, which often seemed to represent only one elite region.
Reflections on Nepotism in Broadcasting
Neither of us has ever faced questions about whether our careers were facilitated by influential family members or connections—a common concern for so-called “nepo babies.” However, I do wonder how our children might be perceived should they choose to pursue careers in broadcasting. Ultimately, it will be up to them to demonstrate their worth through hard work and dedication.
Phoenix Chi, a DJ and TV presenter, and the daughter of Spice Girl Mel B, tackled the nepotism issue in a recent Channel 4 documentary. She stated that “everyone needs to prove themselves—when you’re in the limelight, you just have to do it times two.” While I do not compare myself to a Spice Girl—despite knowing most of their lyrics—I recognize that this topic arises frequently in media discussions. We can easily name famous broadcasting dynasties that often face accusations of having an “easier” route into the industry.
I also ponder whether similar scrutiny occurs in other fields where generational succession is viewed as a hallmark of stability and trustworthiness.
As a parent, I am incredibly proud of Joe for wanting to explore the world of radio, as it suggests he has absorbed a positive view of the medium—not just from his parents, but also from many of our friends. I can assure you that Radio Wey did not choose him for any familial connections, and he certainly isn’t poised to host Newsnight anytime soon—at least not before he finishes his A-levels.
Victoria Derbyshire is a journalist, broadcaster, and host of BBC Newsnight and Ukrainecast.
