Humber Wave Radio’s breakfast presenter Chris King has died

Humber Wave Radio has announced the death of breakfast presenter Chris King, known on air as Steve Smith, following a short illness.

The former British Army soldier first discovered broadcasting through BFBS before becoming a much-loved voice on West Hull FM, later renamed Humber Wave Radio.

Chris, who was sixty seven, built a loyal following across Hull and East Yorkshire with shows that mixed music, humour and offbeat features. Listeners knew him as “The Loon”, a nod to his energetic style and the influence of his radio hero Kenny Everett.

Humber Wave director Richard Moore said Chris made a lasting impression from the moment he joined the station in the early 2020s. He said Chris brought “energy, humour, and an unmistakable voice” to mid-afternoons and later to his evening feature The Extra Slice.

Richard added that Chris stepped into the weekday breakfast slot in last year and quickly made it his own with a mix of wit, warmth and unpredictability that resonated with listeners across the city.

Richard said Chris was more than a colleague and described him as a friend and a character whose presence shaped the sound of the station. He said his “laughter, his chaos, and his heart” would remain part of the memories of those who tuned in.

Tributes have continued on the station’s Facebook page, where listeners have shared messages of appreciation and personal stories. The Lord Mayor of Hull, Cheryl Payne, wrote that he would be remembered for his character and for bringing joy to many.