Phil graduated from the University of Southamption in 1995. His entire professional career to date has been spent in broadcasting. His first job was with BBC Radio Bristol, where he was a presenter and producer (December 1993 – March 1998). He also presented and produced on BBC Radio Solent (April 1997 – August 1997) and on BBC Southern Counties Radio (May 1998 – December 1999).
In September 1997, he took on an out-of-vision television role – as a network BBC announcer, working initially on BBC One and BBC Two. He was trained by Patrick Walker and started the day after Diana, Princess of Wales died. Twenty years on, in September 2017, via his Facebook page, he recalled: “I arrived for my first training shift and of course the entire schedule had changed (and did for about three weeks). I think Neighbours was still on though, on that Monday. That would have been my first link.”
Phil had the privilege of being the duty announcer for the final airings of the 1991 – 1997 BBC One globe and clock (link below) on 4th October 1997. Other noteworthy continuity shifts included 30th March 2002 – the day the Queen Mother died: Phil was on duty during an evening of schedule changes (clip included below).
Phil also worked as an announcer on BBC Knowledge (2000 – 2002) and he popped up occasionally on BBC Choice.
Phil speaks about some of the tasks associated with his announcing role in his LinkedIn profile: “Writing and delivering links between programmes as diverse as EastEnders on BBC One and The Culture Show on BBC Two. I act as key contact between our team and BBC Marketing/Media Planning. Developing new strategies for targeting audiences across different platforms. Concise and creative copywriter balancing client interests with editorial and audience considerations. Responsible for training new colleagues.”
He appeared in front of the camera, with fellow BBC announcer Sarah Gentry, on Ready, Steady Cook (season 15, episode 107).
Phil rekindled his relationship with radio in 2005, taking on a presenter/producer role with Play Radio UK (March 2005 – July 2009). He was also their head of music.
Personal information
Clips of Phil on The TV Room
Phil may be featured in video/audio clips on our other websites. Click the links below to display a listing (a 404 error will appear if no clips are found):
Online presence
Acknowledgements
PICTURED: Phil Vowels. SUPPLIED BY: Online. COPYRIGHT: BBC.
Phil Vowels was also on duty for the last handover to the BBC News channel from BBC TV Centre and the first evening from New Broadcasting House.