The news of Michael Barton's passing at the age of 94 marks a poignant moment in the history of British broadcasting, particularly for BBC Radio Sheffield, where he served as the first editor. Growing up in the Hull area during World War II, Barton developed a profound appreciation for radio, affectionately referred to as the "wireless," as it became an integral part of family life in Britain.
By his teenage years, specifically at just 17, he was determined to forge a career in radio. However, his aspirations faced a significant setback when he applied to join the BBC and was met with discouragement due to his Yorkshire accent, which he was told would hinder his progress in the field. Nevertheless, Barton’s resolve remained unshaken. By 1967, he was appointed as the pioneering managing editor of BBC Radio Sheffield, which was only the second local station established in a nationwide network.
Initially broadcasting from a Victorian house located in the Broomhill suburb, Radio Sheffield flourished under Barton's leadership. He held the position until 1972 and subsequently spent another 13 years as the controller of BBC Local Radio. Sadly, it was recently confirmed by his family that Michael Barton passed away following an accident at his home in London.
Born in 1931 in Cottingham, Barton grew up in a world transformed by the end of the war. At 22, he had already made strides in his career as a studio manager in Leeds, where he produced live performances featuring brass bands and staged radio dramas. His career continued to evolve as he created current affairs programs and even contributed to Children's Hour from Manchester.
Throughout his life, Barton experienced personal milestones, marrying and raising two sons, Christopher and Daniel, who are now in their 50s. Christopher Barton fondly recalled, "He was the best dad you could imagine. He ensured we appreciated the value of everything while never letting us go without. He remained active until the very end of his life."
Reflecting on his tenure at Radio Sheffield, Michael Barton described it as the most exhilarating phase of his BBC career. During an interview in 2007, he reminisced about the supportive role played by the city council under Ron Ironmonger, which funded the station's initial two years. He credited the BBC for granting them the freedom to experiment and innovate, stating, "We could make mistakes without feeling the pressure from above."
Sue Murdoch, who served as Barton's secretary in Sheffield, remembered him as a remarkable leader, saying, "He was a stunning fella, widely respected in the local radio community. Everyone knew him, and he commanded great admiration."
Katrina Bunker, head of BBC Local for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and a former Radio Sheffield editor, hailed Barton as a true pioneer. "Without Michael Barton, we wouldn't be where we are today with our 39 local stations. He and his contemporaries took significant risks, pushed boundaries, and introduced diverse programming, including educational shows, folk music, and drama, breaking away from the previously dominant voices of London."
In his retirement, Barton enjoyed tennis, sang in choirs, and even organized a play reading group with friends. His wife, Jill, sadly passed away in 2022.
To catch up on highlights from South Yorkshire, you can listen on BBC Sounds or check out the latest episode of Look North.
