Summary
Steve Penk, who began his radio career at Manchester institution Piccadilly Radio in 1978, has created a new animated series with ITV Studios' Creative Network. The show reimagines his archive of prank calls in a fictional pirate radio station operated by animals from a crumbling tower block.
The series was produced by Abadi Films using AI image and video generation technology, and is being distributed across YouTube, TikTok and Zoo 55's digital platforms. Penk, who previously owned Oldham station 96.2 The Revolution and currently appears on North West radio station Happy Radio, said the animated format brings his decades of broadcast material to a new audience in an unexpected way.
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Common questions
- What is this article about?
- Veteran Manchester radio prankster Steve Penk has partnered with ITV Studios' Creative Network to launch Steve Penk's Animal Radio FM, an animated digital-first comedy series featuring his classic prank calls reimagined in a surreal world run by animal radio hosts. The show launches today across YouTube and TikTok, distributed by digital specialist Zoo 55.
- When was this published?
- This article was published on 22 July 2026.
- Who published this article?
- This article was published by Prolific North.