Key103 is a quality radio station. Cool is what its not, but damn fun is what it is. Located on…read moreCastle Quay between Deansgate and Castlefield, Key103 is linked to MagicFM, whose Manchester branch is right next door. As well as classic r'n'b tunes and all the latest chart hits, Key103 also specialize in football. As they pride themselves on being Manchester's real local radio station, they always air both the Manchester United and the Manchester City games. They do this through their link with Magic, by airing one game on each channel, if they're playing at the same time. Located in a picturesque setting on the canal just across a bridge from the famous Dukes92 and BarCa, Key103 base is also worth a visit. Its next to a nice bar, called Lava, which is lesser known but in my opinion better than Dukes on a rainy day.

Key 103 is almost exactly like Real Radio. It's poppy, it's loud, it's happy and it's Real's worst…read moreenemy in the competition stakes. Come on, GMG and Bauer hate each other, we media-savvy geeks all know this. It runs so deep that radio jobhunters even leave Bauer and GMG stations anonymous on their CVs. I know this. Talk about going over to the dark side... Formerly Piccadilly Radio, it was born in 1974 and became the Key we know in 1988. It broadcasts in Manchester but covers pretty much the entire North West, as I found out on my coach trip from Liverpool Airport to Manchester. You'll get what's in the charts, that's for sure, with the occasional tacky classic thrown in for good measure. Not what I'd personally choose to tune into, but hey, if everybody looked the same, we'd all get tired of looking at each other. Wait, that doesn't quite work...

This local radio station started off a few years ago and has proved itself very successful…read more Listened by thousands around Tameside it is constantly providing up to date stories as well as features and a mix of all music. They have many presenters on the show all with different specialities and they also have a volunteer programme for any of you that are interested in radio. Its a good idea to get some experience here as jobs in media want experience. Tameside Radio go out and meet the people that listen to them and perform shows like party in the park. Take a look at their website for upcoming shows and talk to the presenters.

Community radio is 90% community, and 10% radio, so the saying goes. All FM is a valuable addition…read moreto Manchester, providing opportunity, support and development to well over one hundred volunteers. Over to the content that All Fm produces. You can tune into All FM all over Manchester on 96.9FM, and this means that although it's a community radio station, it has a real presence in Manchester and produces radio that many people all over the city enjoy. Variety is the name of the game at All FM. If you tune in at random times during the week you're likely to hear anything from chart to break beat, dance to reggae, Polish language programs and even a program dedicated to Manchester's transport issues.

Imagine FM is all about South Manchester and Stockport. There's a lot to be said for local radio…read moreand how it can help make people feel connected to their local area and community. Imagine FM does just that, with its news and sports updates focusing on the big national stories but also the news that matters to local people in its catchment area. Music wise, Imagine FM prides itself on playing "only the songs you love." If you love mainstream pop music from decades past and also today, then Imagine FM fits the bill. My taste is slightly more alternative, and as such I like listening to this radio station on a short car journey or whatever rather than in my headphones whilst I'm working at home on my computer.

Ahhhhhhh, Fuse FM. I have many a fond memory of Fuse. You see, in the 04/05 academic year, twas I…read morewho read the show proposals, and thusly decided who would be given a show. I'll level with you guys, I loved my Fuse times, and made a hell of a lot of friends through Fuse. I, too, had the pleasure of producing and presenting my own shows; Lady and the Tramp, a tongue-in-cheek Monday morning ramble through the minds of myself and Shambolic Friend, and Double Drop, a cutting edge electro show that took itself, and remixes, very seriously. The great thing about Fuse FM is the incredible mix of content and character. Fuse FM doesn't have a 'sound'; your 2-hour slot is your own. As long as there's no swears, you can say what you like and play what you like! Anyone joining Fuse should join the music team; you get free CDs and gig tickets, all in return for writing reviews. And let's be honest, evvvverybody likes writing reviews. If you're still a student at the Uni of Manchester, and you have any interest in music and want to share it, keep an eye out for the next broadcast. It's four weeks of fun and frolics, and you could very well make some awesome friends along the way.

Wahoo! The University of Manchester student radio station. I didn't get to listen much, because…read morethey were "off air" for half the year. This was before I went and got my own radio show at my home university and at an underground station. My friend the video game and music editor at Student Direct had a show, and I liked it. I took stills from the webcast of his show, from Santa Barbara, and sent them to him. He was kinda freaked out but amused.

# Oh oh oh it's magic, you know, never believe it's not so... #…read more Do you like cheesy bake with extra grated cheddar on top? Maybe stir a bit of brie into that bad boy, add some emmenthal, gruyere, camembert... do you realise I'm speaking metaphorically? Well then tune into Magic! Rather like rival Heart, Magic plays cheesy classics. Ballads from movies like Top Gun, cheery pop, fizzy frivolity, all brought to you by down to earth Mancunians residing at Castle Quay, the same pretty little block that also incorporates Key 103. Simple. On your way out to a hen party or some big gay fun in the Village? I can't recommend Magic more. It'll warm your heart, lighten your load and put a spring in your step. Also recommended before a depressing day at work. If you're a morning person, that is.

If you're a fan of all things smooth and relaxing from the 60s, 70s and 80s, then Magic Radio is…read moreprobably well worth a listen. True, at any given time you tune in, you're almost certain to find "Up Where We Belong" by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes playing. But then sometimes that's nice to listen. A good smooth and cheesy love song never hurt anyone did it?

Gold Radio's roots go all the way back to 1988 with London's Capital Gold. The formula of…read morebroadcasting "all-time classic hits" aimed at over-50s is a vastly successful one, as Gold Radio now broadcasts to Manchester on 1458 AM. Its output is still a bit retro for me. I mean, Status Quo aren't really that exciting are they? And I struggle to listen in an ironic way because it's not really like having fun listening to the rocking classics on Rock Radio. But if you're a bit older, and fancy relaxing and listening to some classic tracks, Gold Radio is certainly worth a go.

Broadcasting out at 1377 and 963AM, Asian Sound is the only 24-hour radio station in Manchester…read morethat is purely dedicated to Asian music. It's a true reflection of our multi-cultural society in Britain that a radio station on a mainstream frequency broadcasts in English, Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali and Gujarati. Not that I'm going to tune in and always understand what's going on, but then radio is one of my hobbies and I'm interested to hear the output of all kinds of different stations. Asian Sound has attracted controversy and even fines in the past from broadcasting overtly political content. Whilst staying away from these controversies recently, tackling and discussing important issues are still an important part of the station. True, Asian Sound's website is woefully out of date and listening online just doesn't work, but if they can sort these bits and bobs out it would mark a real improvement to the station. Online content is important you know!