Manchester radio icon James Stannage has died at the age of 76, ending a broadcasting career that made him one of the most recognisable – and controversial – voices in the North West.

Born in County Durham, Stannage became a household name after joining Piccadilly Radio in the 1970s, where his late-night phone-in shows quickly built a loyal following. His format was bold and unpredictable, tackling everything from politics to everyday issues with callers given free rein – often leading to fiery exchanges.

He later became synonymous with Key 103, where his nightly phone-in dominated local airwaves for years. Known for his abrasive, straight-talking style, Stannage gained a reputation as one of Britain’s original “shock jocks,” unafraid to challenge callers and push boundaries on air.

His career, however, was frequently surrounded by controversy. His outspoken approach led to repeated clashes with regulators, including numerous investigations by Ofcom. After a series of warnings and breaches relating to on-air content, he left Key 103 in 2005.

Despite this, Stannage remained a prominent figure in broadcasting, later moving into online radio out of the control of Ofcom, where he continued presenting and connecting with audiences in his later years.

Widely regarded as a pioneer of late-night talk radio outside London, Stannage leaves behind a lasting legacy in Manchester’s media landscape – a presenter whose voice defined an era and whose style ensured he was rarely ignored.