Each month, we introduce listeners to different members of the Bedford Radio team. This month we meet Ant Fiorillo, presenter of Monday Drivetime.
Are you from Bedford?
I’m originally from the North, but I’ve lived here almost 10 years. My wife and I met overseas when I was working as an entertainer and then I worked at Tui in Luton. When we got married, we bought a house in Bedford. It was easy to get to and from Luton and I fell in love with the green spaces, Priory Country Park and all the great places.
How long have you been a Bedford Radio presenter?
About six weeks. I do podcasts for work, but I’d never done radio before. I’ve obviously been an entertainer and I’m used to talking and hearing the sound of my voice, which for some people makes them run for the hills.
How did you get involved in Bedford Radio?
Radio was one of those things that, as an entertainer, I was always itching to try. When we came to Bedford, I met John Kell in his Bedford Radio t-shirt at the River Festival halfway down the Embankment and we had a chat about Bedford Radio.
Then our children were born and life moved on. It was at the end of last year that I thought, either start a podcast or see about doing Bedford Radio. So, I went online and saw that Bedford Radio had openings for presenters.
Did you have a programme in mind when you started?
If I could, I would do Breakfast five days a week. If there was ever a job that would make me leave the one I’m doing now, it would be a paid Breakfast Show on a radio station.
I knew I didn’t want to do anything too specialist or niche because I haven’t got the capacity to produce something like that. The thing I want to do is have fun. It’s not so much about the music - I just want to do the talking bit. So, I do Drivetime on a Monday.
I wanted to promote things like the Community Noticeboard and remind people that the station exists for the community. One of the more recent features is the “would you rather..” stories. I try to keep it local with the news and topics, but it’s also nice to find something that’s a bit bizarre, just to bring a bit of a laugh. I want to try and keep it original, but also familiar. I also take inspiration from Suzanne who does Drive on a Thursday.
What’s next for you at Bedford Radio?
Something that came to light with the River Festival was doing more of the live event support. I really enjoyed working with Rebecca, Simon, Mark and Noreen. It was nice to get on the Community Stage and do a bit of live mic in hand entertainment.
What do you enjoy most about Bedford Radio?
I particularly like the link to the community. We call it the local radio for Bedford and I love that we try to keep a strong focus on the town. On Drive we try to keep it local and make it feel a part of Bedford. It reminds me that it’s a great town to live in.
In my research for the show, I look at what’s on and you start to uncover little nuggets, so I’ve started recommending things to friends. Its improving my quality of life in Bedford generally.
I like the station’s philosophy that anyone can give it a go. Training is there and with the WhatsApp groups we can share tips and technical support. It reminds me that it's all good fun and you can be a part of something with like-minded people.
Catch up on past episodes
You can catch up with previous episodes of Drivetime with Ant via the link below.
