Tony Fenton

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Tony Fenton
Born Anthony James Fagan
(1961-03-25) March 25, 1961
Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
Nationality Irish
Occupation Radio presenter
Employer Today FM
Known for Wall of Sound

Tony Fenton (born 25 March 1961), is an Irish radio presenter and DJ, works with Today FM. He has been with Today FM since 2004, having previously presented shows for 18 years on RTÉ 2fm, which he left in 2003. Fenton is "one of Ireland's favourite pop DJs".[1] Louis Walsh has described him as one of "the kings of Irish broadcasting".[2] Fenton won Music Broadcaster of the Year at the 2008 PPI Radio Awards. He has also appeared on television, including a 2007 guest appearance on The Panel,[3] plus a four stars from five meal cooked on The Restaurant.[4][5]

Early life

Fenton hoped to become a radio presenter from a young age. Aged deep within his early teens he would listen to the pioneers of commercial radio on stations such as Radio Luxembourg, Radio Caroline and BBC Radio 1. Benny Brown, Rob Jones and the BBC's Simon Bates were his childhood idols.

Fenton grew up in Glasnevin. On completion of his education, Fenton began an apprenticeship as a carpenter in his dad's building company. During this time he set up as a mobile DJ with friend Barry Lang doing birthday parties at weekends, their first gig being at the local scout hall. Later, Ian Dempsey joined the duo and they traveled all over Dublin spinning vinyl at various weddings and birthday parties.

Fenton always wanted to try radio broadcasting. He noticed an advertisement by his local pirate station Alternative Radio Dublin (ARD) who were searching for some new "jocks".

Besides radio, Fenton also involved in soccer in his early years, playing alongside Ronnie Whelan at Home Farm.[6]

Career

In 1979, ARD employed him in his first radio job after a number of approaches. His prominence in local radio led to attention from the more powerful pirate stations. Throughout the early 1980s, Fenton was pursued by Dublin's growing radio industry. During this time he moved from ARD to Sunshine Radio and onto Radio Nova.

In 1985 Fenton returned to Ireland. RTÉ 2fm (then known as Radio 2) had begun in 1979 and Fenton's reputation and the vast audience he received whilst working with the pirates enhanced his attractability. During his early days with Radio 2 he helped grow the station's audience as presenter of a multitude of different shows throughout the schedule, including The Hotline.

Fenton left RTÉ 2fm in March 2003 to pursue other interests but, missing the buzz of radio, he joined national independent station Today FM in September 2004. There he was given a new lunchtime show to present. His show was one of the most popular lunchtime shows as well on Irish radio. A revamp of the station took place in November 2006, which saw his show move to the 14:30 to 16:30 slot. During his time at Today FM he has interviewed many famous musicians including, Noel Gallagher, Arcade Fire, Liam Gallagher, Kings Of Leon, Jessie J, Maverick Sabre, Emile Sande, John Lydon, Al Green, Elbow, Carly Simon, Tinie Tempah, Debbie Harry, Steve Van Zandt,

Current show

Tony's award winning afternoon show broadcasts from 2.30pm - 4.30pm. Monday to Friday on Today FM. A music driven show with features including "On This Day". "The Daily Download" and Tony Fenton's "100 TO ONE "

Tony's Daily Download

Each day at 15:30, Tony plays a downloadable tune as suggested by listeners. An archive of the chosen songs is then stored online.[7]

Personal life

In summer 2011, Tony Fenton revealed that he had been battling prostate cancer. Just one month after losing his mother to cancer in October 2010, Fenton discovered what turned out to be a malignant melanoma on his leg. Following treatment, the melanoma receded and he was given the all clear in March 2011. The cancer returned in May, however, and Fenton travelled to Germany for surgery. The surgery was a success and Fenton took spent the remainder of his six week break recuperating.[8]

Fenton is unmarried. He is a fan of Chelsea F.C. and owns an autographed football signed by the team.[9]

Awards and nominations

Fenton received the Music Broadcaster of the Year Award at the 2008 PPI Radio Awards.[10] He was nominated in the category of Best Radio DJ — National at the 2009 2010 Meteor Awards.2011 PPI awards.[11][12]

Year Recipient Award Result
2008 Tony Fenton Music Broadcaster of the Year Award style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won
2009 Tony Fenton Best Radio DJ — National style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2010 Tony Fenton Best Radio DJ — National style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated

2011 PPI Music Broadcaster of the Year. Nominated.

References

  1. ↑ Horan, Niamh (6 November 2011). "DJ Fenton to file for bankruptcy with €750,000 debts". Sunday Independent. Retrieved 6 November 2011. 
  2. ↑ Jackson, Joe (3 February 2002). "Six things about Louis". Sunday Independent. Retrieved 3 February 2002. 
  3. ↑ "Monday, 10 December 2007 - Tony Fenton on The Panel". RTÉ Television. Retrieved 27 October 2008.
  4. ↑ "Five things you might not know about Tony Fenton". JOE. 7 November 2011. Retrieved 7 November 2011. 
  5. ↑ "Tony Fenton" on The Restaurant". RTÉ Television. Retrieved 16 November 2008.
  6. ↑ http://www.hotpress.com/features/interviews/Hi--I-m-Tony-Fenton/8031313.html?new_layout=1&page_no=3&show_comments=1
  7. ↑ "Tony's Daily Download". Today FM. Retrieved 26 November 2008.
  8. ↑ http://www.independent.ie/national-news/dj-fenton-in-cancer-battle-but-colleagues-in-the-dark-2836082.html
  9. ↑ http://www.hotpress.com/music/interviews/At-Home-With--Tony-Fenton/2749991.html
  10. ↑ "GROUP E: PERSONALITIES". PPI Radio Awards. 
  11. ↑ "Meteor Music Awards nominees revealed". RTÉ. 29 January 2009. Retrieved 29 January 2009. 
  12. ↑ "Meteor Ireland Awards Nominees". RTÉ. 7 January 2010. Retrieved 7 January 2010. 

External links

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