Local Legend Says Radio Changes Lives and Hopes His Panto Appearances Will Continue

Published on: 25 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 27 Mar, 2026

Dragon editor Martin Giles interviews Peter Gordon

By Isabelle Trubshaw

From play-acting the DJ using his grandmother’s cassette tapes to becoming the voice of Guildford-based Eagle radio, Peter Gordon is a local legend worth celebrating.

Last Wednesday (march 18), Guildford-born and bred “freelancer, media advisor specialist, broadcaster and journalist” Peter Gordon sat down with The Dragon editor, Martin Giles, for a public interview at The Guildford Institute, offering insight into his life both behind and beyond the microphone.

Spanning fond memories of his upbringing in Guildford, his education, stage performances at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, and his broadcasting career, the 60-minute interview explored the many chapters of Gordon’s life.

Although he initially dreamed of becoming an actor, Peter’s passion for radio took the front-seat when he joined the University of York’s campus radio station. Drawn away from his political studies, it was here that he first developed foundational broadcasting skills that would shape his 35-year career.

“The moment I went in, I was bitten by the radio bug. I was just practising all the time,” said Peter.

After working on County Sound he later he became a long-serving content director and presenter at Eagle Radio, where he spent 25 years on air.

Reflecting on his time there, he emphasised the importance of building strong relationships with listeners.

“The thing about live radio, is it is so immediate. We can change people’s lives. It is all about performance, and there is adrenaline to performance. The privilege to do it just gives you so much energy,” he said.

Through carefully crafted narratives and community-focused storytelling, Gordon used radio not only to entertain but to make a tangible impact – recalling a time when Eagle Radio helped a woman travel to America for life-changing brain surgery.

During the Q&A session, an audience member expressed disappointment over the closure of Eagle Radio in 2020, highlighting its impact on the Guildford community.

Gordon shared this sentiment, reflecting on the challenges facing local broadcasting in an increasingly digital world, particularly following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nonetheless, he remains pragmatic about the changes.

“Business is business. Things change,” he said, while also speaking fondly of the unique role local radio plays in people’s lives.

Looking ahead, Gordon sees this shift as an opportunity to focus more on his other passions. Alongside his broadcasting career, Peter has fulfilled his childhood ambition of acting, regularly stepping into the spotlight at the Yvonne Arnaud in numerous productions and pantomimes.

He noted that acting has enhanced his skills as a broadcaster, particularly in expression and performance, and to the delight of the audience broke the news that he intended to continue his involvement in pantomime.