Duncan Barkes
Duncan Barkes is a British broadcaster, columnist, and journalist who currently presents on BBC Radio London. He has worked on a number of talk radio stations and occasionally makes appearances on Sky News and elsewhere to talk news and politics. Barkes has also written for various newspapers.
Writing career
He has written columns for many newspapers including the Daily Express, where he wrote articles on a number of political and social issues. He has also written a syndicated newspaper column. It started off as the "Barkes At Large" column and it ran for seven years in various newspapers across West Sussex. The column tackled a wide range of issue and often sparked controversy. Barkes has also written his own book titled The Dumbing Down Of Britain. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists.
Broadcasting career
His broadcasting career spans over 20 years and includes regional and commercial stations such as Spirit FM, Jazz FM, BBC Southern Counties Radio, Radio City, Radio City Talk, Talksport, and LBC. Barkes did not renew his contract with LBC; he instead decided to join BBC Radio London on 5 July 2015 and present "London's Late Night Radio Phone-in" on BBC Radio London. In 2015, Barkes was nominated in the ‘Radio Programme of the Year’ category as part of the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards facing competition from BBC Radio 4 and BBC Five Live. He often stands in for Stephen Nolan on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Campaigning career
Barkes has a long history working as a campaigner and media consultant managing various press offices and PR departments. He has also campaigned on numerous issues that range from social campaigns protecting local health services to national campaigns conceived to raising awareness issues. During his time campaigning he has worked alone side several politicians, these include Ken Livingstone and UKIP leader Nigel Farage. Whilst working with Ken Livingstone on his successful independent bid to become Mayor Of London, Duncan had the future Mayor pictured with Paddington Bear who was the mascot of a leading children's medical charity at the time. These pictures with Paddington Bear made all the national papers the following day. Barkes has also worked with Nigel Farage on the run-up to the 2001 General elections. He also acted as a spokesperson for Farage after he was involved in a near fatal plane crash of which he freed and dragged Farage from the wreckage. Other media work that Duncan Barkes has undertaken whilst working as a media consultant and campaigner, has included placing clients on a variety of news programmes including Question Time. He's also worked with a number of campaigning groups to offer strategic media advice. He has never been a member of any political party despite his past work as a political media consultant.