The world of British talk radio has lost one of its most distinctive voices with the death of veteran broadcaster Brian Hayes at the age of 88. Known for his sharp, no-nonsense interviewing style and his long-running show on LBC, Hayes passed away on 2 December 2025.
A Pioneering Career in Talk Radio
Brian Hayes's remarkable career in broadcasting spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the medium. Born in London in 1937, he began his professional life not in a studio, but as a civil servant. However, the pull of the microphone proved irresistible. His big break came in the late 1960s when he joined the BBC's World at One programme as a reporter.
His true calling, however, was the live, unpredictable arena of phone-in radio. In 1973, he made the pivotal move to LBC (London Broadcasting Company), a station then in its infancy. It was here that "The Brian Hayes Show" was born, a programme that would define his career and become a staple for London listeners. Hayes pioneered a format that was both engaging and rigorous, famously using a "mood meter" to gauge caller sentiment and never shying away from challenging his audience.
The Master of the Airwaves
Hayes's on-air persona was legendary. He cultivated a reputation for intellectual rigour and a low tolerance for nonsense, which could unnerve guests and callers alike. His technique was not about creating conflict for its own sake, but about pursuing clarity and logical consistency. He was a firm believer in the Socratic method, using pointed questions to expose flawed arguments, a style that educated as much as it entertained.
Beyond LBC, his voice became familiar to millions across the UK. For 17 years, he presented "You and Yours" on BBC Radio 4, applying his incisive approach to consumer affairs. He also enjoyed a successful stint on BBC Radio 2 with his Sunday phone-in programme. His career was a testament to versatility, encompassing everything from light entertainment on Pebble Mill at One to serious political analysis.
A Legacy of Integrity and Wit
The news of his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and listeners, who remember him as a broadcaster of immense integrity and intelligence. He was a mentor to many in the industry, setting a gold standard for how to conduct a compelling and substantive conversation on air. Former LBC presenter Nick Ferrari described him as a "true giant of talk radio", whose influence is still felt in studios today.
Brian Hayes is survived by his wife, Jackie, and their two children. While the mood meter may have fallen silent, his legacy as a pioneer who shaped the very sound of British talk radio, challenging audiences to think more deeply, remains powerfully resonant. He demonstrated that the phone-in could be a forum for genuine intellectual exchange, cementing his place as one of the most important broadcasters of his generation.
