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Profile: Steve Penk: In 1978, Steve Penk began work for what was then Piccadilly Radio's commercial production department where he assisted with the creation of both commercials and station trailers during weekdays. Whilst doing this job, his potential on-air talents were picked up and he was given the opportunity to show them for real when he was given a few weekend shows.
After achieving widespread acclaim from the listeners, he found a more regular place on-air, albeit in in several different time slots, and this lasted until 1991 when he was lucky to be handed the reins of the flagship Key 103 Breakfast Show in 1991, thirteen years after first setting foot on station premises. After five years of presenting in the same slot, in which time he brought in three times more listeners than the local competitors, he left in 1996 to spend time with both Virgin Radio and Capital FM. In his time away from Piccadilly, his TV career launched. At first he was mooted to be the new host of 'It'll Be Alright On The Night', which has been presented by broadcasting stalwart, Denis Norden since the blooper series began many years ago, but eventually, Steve became the host of the late-night, more risque blooper shows such as 'TV Nightmares' and other spin-offs, and also held the host seat for 'The Way They Were' when Coronation Street celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Whereabouts: Now, he's going
back to his roots, live and exclusively on Manchester's (Piccadilly) Key 103
early in 2004, forming part of a new presenter line-up at the city's largest
radio station. Penky said "My heart has always belonged to
Manchester. It's where my career began and it's where I was given the most
freedom to do what I enjoy most - funny, lively and at-the-edge radio. I
wanted to return to Key 103 and (owning company) EMAP,
because I love the way they know how to properly use creative talent. Key 103 is
my spiritual home." Speaking on Steve's re-appointment, the
station's new MD, Gus McKenzie said; '"Some radio stations aren't brave
enough to use Steve's talents in the best way. That's not the case at Key
103. The people of Manchester have been begging us to bring Steve
back ever since he left. I'm delighted to be able to say that Steve is
coming home and we can't wait to hear how good he will sound."
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