DO YOU NEED A FLAME TO WORK FOR FIRE?

The 24-year-old presenter at Fire Radio station, Bournemouth is known to colleagues as the ‘best person to wake up to on a Sunday morning’. But to Daniel Baker, radio isn’t everything.

"I LIKE TO THINK PEOPLE KNOW ME FOR WHAT I’VE DONE BUT I NEED SPACE FOR MY LIFE TOO."

It is a rainy day that I meet Daniel. Somehow my message into the door answering machine sounded like a hoarse old man, so much so that I was left outside standing for a while. Luckily, the milkman came to my rescue. The door was finally opened and I got in, feeling a bit rough. Just then, a thin figure appeared from the stairs. That radiant smile immediately stole me away from the soggy moment.

Pleasantries indeed felt pleasant as Daniel's effusive welcome made it seem as though I was a special guest on one of his shows. Perhaps honing the skill of engaging with the audience while not being able to see anyone helps with real-life interactions. Just as my curiosity arose, the presenter began telling his "little self biography".

Daniel started with a one-year course in agriculture in Dorchester. He thought he would do gardening media at the time; “Just like what you see in Autumn Watch!” – he remarked. Following two years of studying for a National Diploma in Performing Arts, Daniel’s career focus became clearer: radio presenting. Meanwhile, he built up his confidence in the voice training, which was deemed necessary for working in radio. The then student decided to progress on to the next level in performing arts at Winchester University only to drop out after just two days. “After two years of feeling secure, I stopped to wonder will that get me to radio?, and I didn’t like the course that much.”

“The idea of working in radio just occurred to me, probably from my passion for music”. Why didn’t Daniel choose to work in TV? Because it was “overly structured, you read what you’re given, just like a puppet; whereas with radio, you have much more freedom to be a person, to express yourself”. He beams with eagerness explaining how fun it could be – “You got to be creative with radio, and it’s exciting coz nobody can see you!” Sometimes he has to “choke on” his slips of tongue whilst on air. Once when doing impressions of people on a show, he got mixed up between John Major and Prince Charles. Embarrassed but having no direct reactions from the audience, he just had to move on.

Despite being someone who chooses tunes to be played, Daniel admits: “I have a cheesy choice of music, and weird sometimes!” He likes a wide range, from pop, particularly Robbie Williams, to rock, Nickelback, from contemporary young band, McFly, to legendary group such as Queen. Daniel disclosed that James Morrison was his favourite star he’d ever got to meet as part of the job. “He was laid back, normal, just like anyone of us and so genuine”

Daniel’s best achievement in his own opinion is how he progressed and worked up to where he is now. “It’s bloody hard to get into radio, but Daniel has shown great dedication, he’s tenacious, hard-working...and we’re lucky to have him”, said Claire – the programme controller and Head of Music for Fire radio station. Being famous was nowhere near his aim though. “I like to think people know me for what I’ve done but I need space for my life too”. He recalls little moments of joy when some close friends texted him to say how amazed they were to hear him on radio.

Daniel was born and bred in Boscombe, Bournemouth. He was brought up solely by his mum as their parents divorced when he was only 4. Yet the presenter stressed that he had a very happy childhood. His mum - who used to be a carer - was not only a parent, but a friend as well. “I still see my dad at weekends, it’s just not a conventional type of family but I’ve never been affected by it”. Daniel has been living with his partner in their flat for over a year, but they wish to buy their own house and settle down in the near future, ideally by the sea in Bournemouth.

“I don’t have a lot of friends but I do have a handful of close friends who I can spend good time with”. Daniel is the sort of person who doesn’t need smoking or drinking to socialise. He loves computers, technology, gadgets, especially his Playstation. In his free time, a comedy or action film will do. Daniel would take notice and be concerned if one raised the eyebrow, or winced slightly. Dave - a colleague and also a friend for 3 years commented: “Daniel is always happy, kinda rare. He never moans; no bad words about anyone. He’s an ‘intaker’, a nice guy.” That might explain the warm, if not soft side of Daniel that one could see beyond his voice on radio.

Now hosting a breakfast show every Sunday, Daniel isn’t stressed out but admits being lonely at times, especially during late night shifts or early mornings. At one time he used to have butterflies before a show, which he soon dealt with by some special methods “A cup of coffee, a bar of Mars would give you a high sugar and energy level”. He also found a way to take the worry off his mind, “I’d phone mum for some comfort”.

Daniel showed great enthusiasm for seeing the world, for exploring different ways of life, even the weather. “I’d love to emigrate to Australia or America; I still love Britain of course but not being trapped in a place.” Whatever the future lays out for him, it’s certain that he has clear priorities. “Mum and my partner always come first, then friends, then work”.