Ed James

One year today at BBC Radio WM. What a year. After so many years in commercial radio, walking into the BBC was a big change — new building, new audience, new way of doing things. But the thing that has made it feel like home is exactly the thing I hoped it would be: the people. The listeners who call, text, challenge, laugh, disagree, share their stories and make the show what it is every day. The guests who come in and trust us with their time, their opinions, their stories, their memories and sometimes some properly personal moments. And the brilliant producers and team around the show who work ridiculously hard behind the scenes to make it all sound effortless. This has been a revelation.. hugely talented and genuinely lovely people! Shout out to @brummieberni @lizgameson and @charlotteeharriman I genuinely feel lucky to have a platform that gets to talk about the West Midlands every day — the big issues, the daft stuff, the emotional stuff, the things that matter around the kitchen table, in the cab, at work, on the school run and everywhere in between. And next week is a big one. We’ve got all the leaders of the main political parties live on the show as we ask the questions that matter to people across Birmingham, the Black Country and the wider West Midlands. The 19 year old politics student at Newcastle Uni version of me is freaking out about this. One year in — and I feel like we’re just getting started. Thanks for listening. Means a lot. More than you know.

“It feels like coming home” – Ed James to join BBC Radio WM The award-winning broadcaster will present a new show 10am-2pm every weekday Hailed as ‘radio royalty’ in the West Midlands, Ed James is getting ready to front a brand new mid-morning show on BBC Radio WM from Tuesday 22nd April. With his trademark humour and undoubtable love of the place he calls home, his programme will celebrate the very best people and stories from across Birmingham and the Black Country. Ed started his broadcasting career on BBC local radio in York and for the last two decades he has been a top listener favourite on Heart West Midlands. Now he says returning to the BBC feels like coming home… Ed says: “Joining BBC Radio WM feels like coming home to the heart of something truly special. The West Midlands is like no other place – it’s the people who make it extraordinary. Their stories, passions, and that unbeatable sense of humour bring this region to life. There’s a unique energy here, a vibrancy that sets the Midlands apart, and we’re putting it front and centre. Our new show will be a celebration of everything that makes Birmingham and the Black Country incredible – from the big issues that matter to you, to showcasing local achievements and welcoming the stars who stop by. This is more than just a radio show – it’s about connecting, celebrating, and championing the very best of our region. Together, we’ll tell the stories that truly matter and shine a light on what makes the West Midlands unbeatable.” Chris Pegg, Executive Editor for BBC Radio WM says: “Ed is a great broadcaster, who has fantastic connection with Birmingham and the Black Country. I worked with him 20 years ago and I’m looking forward to working with him again. His passion for the area, humour and warmth with people is the perfect fit.” Kath Stanczyszyn who currently hosts the slot will return to her role as a Political reporter for BBC Local and national news. Listen to BBC Radio WM, celebrating the stories and people across Birmingham and the Black Country, on 95.6 FM and BBC Sounds.

I’ve never posted a photo like this. But it’s really important I do. Last week someone was viciously attacked and hospitalised in Birmingham for holding hands. Homophobia has no place in Birmingham. Everyone has the right to feel safe in our city. To walk home holding hands with the person they love. I can’t keep quiet about this and many other people feel the same. This is my friend Graeme. He’s also the editor of Birmingham Live and equally determined to call out the homophobic attacks we’ve recently witnessed. We need to do better. I need to do better. To be a better ally. I don’t have the answers but I want to listen and learn. If this encourages one share, one comment, one conversation… it’s been worth it. #Handsagainsthatred #handsnothate Picture @morgantedd Direction @benjaminpdkane Creative @hdy_agency Thanks to @elonexoutdoor @birmingham.live

Happy birthday Mum! @anniestirkmodel So many memories and so many more still to come.. Thanks for always supporting, encouraging and believing in all of us and for being the best example of totally embracing life and having fun. You’re the best and we love you so much xxx

This deserves a place on the grid! One of the best on the show today to chat about Eric Morecambe on what would have been his 100th Birthday! Great to see Nick back on the telly where he belongs too.

Here’s a great communication tip I learned very early all… don’t sweat the mistakes .. embrace them!

Throwback to the opening of the match last Thursday at the mighty Villa Park. What an atmosphere …

It’s been quite the week…

What a day. I’m genuinely blown away by some of the conversations I get to have at the moment. Today, I sat down with Robin Campbell, one of the founding members of UB40 — a band born in Birmingham that went on to sell more than 100 million records around the world. 50 hit singles, 2 number ones, Brit awards, Grammy nominations. These guys are the real deal and one of our finest musical exports. It could easily have lasted all day. In 90 minutes we covered how the band started, the butcher from Moseley who lent them money so they could go on tour with Chrissie Hynde, the success, the highs, the rough times, the splits, BCFC… and why, after all these years, they’re having more fun than ever. Still selling out arenas around the world. Still with their feet firmly on Brum ground. A bloody privilege to spend time with him today. Can’t wait for you to hear it. Coming soon to BBC Sounds and BBC Radio WM.

Most people think great communication is about sounding polished. I think it’s about sounding real. After 25 years in broadcasting, one thing is clear: The people who win attention don’t just speak well. They make people feel something. They bring energy. They tell better stories. They read the room. They connect. That’s why I built ENGAGED — a practical framework to help speakers, leaders and teams communicate with more clarity, confidence and impact. If you want the playbook, comment ENGAGED and I’ll send it over.

Stop trying to be the perfect presenter. Honestly, it’s where so many people go wrong. They try to sound polished. Professional. Corporate. Word perfect. And the more they do that… the less you can feel them. The best presenters I’ve worked with, interviewed, watched or learned from aren’t always the slickest. They’re the ones who feel real. They pause. They laugh. They lose their place for half a second. They say something in a way only they would say it. And that’s often the bit you remember. Plus it totally takes the pressure of you! Because most audiences aren’t sat there waiting for you to make a mistake. They’re asking one question: Do I believe you? So yes, prepare. Know your stuff. Respect the room. But don’t polish yourself out of the performance. The tiny edges, the natural language, the odd stumble, the moment you stop “presenting” and start being yourself… That’s not the weakness. It’s how you really engage!

What a bloody week! Exhausted but very happy!