Former Head of RTÉ 2fm John Clarke is to bring his “Ireland’s Biggest Jukebox” show to Radio Nova for a one-off, after finally departing national broadcaster, RTÉ.
Clarke made his views on the recent changes implemented at 2fm since Dan Healy took the reins very clear when his popular Sunday morning programme was removed from the national broadcaster’s schedule in February of last year but he later moved to digital and online station RTÉ Gold when they revamped their weekend schedule.
Now, according to a post this Sunday (July 19th) morning on Clarke’s unofficial facebook fan page, the hugely popular presenter “has left the building for the last time”.
Adding that Aidan Leonard is expected to be Clarke’s replacement, the post goes on to say:
“On behalf of myself and the hundreds and thousands of listeners who tuned into the wonderful music, memories and fun in the car, kitchen or nowadays on the phone or tablet, thanks for bringing that special moment on Sunday mornings to generations on RTE 2FM and on RTE Gold”.
RTÉ Gold, however, posted to twitter at around the same time, saying that Aidan Leonard was simply filling in:
Aidan Leonard fills in on Irelands Biggest Jukebox from 11 – listen live – http://t.co/LKknha5HjV
— RTEGold (@RTEGold) July 19, 2015
However, as Phil Fagan – who runs the facebook page – told RadioToday, the much-loved presenter will be back on air as soon as next Sunday morning, replacing his former RTÉ 2fm colleague Mike Moloney’s “Classic Gold Sunday” slot for one day on Dublin-based rock station, Radio Nova.
Nova CEO & Programme director Kevin Branigan confirmed this move to RadioToday this evening, saying that Clarke will be bringing his old show to the commercial station for a “one-off” broadcast on Sunday July 26th from 10am to 2pm.
He added: “I’m chuffed to bits that John’s coming on air with us. I’ve always been an admirer of him as a broadcaster. He’s in a class of his own – he really connects and develops loyalty with listeners, a quality undervalued all too often in radio these days. and I know our listeners, and the tens of thousands that used to listen to him on 2FM, will love hearing him back on air once again”.
John is well-known for his 30 years at 2FM. Prior to that, he was one of the mainstays of the original Radio NOVA, being with the station from its early days in Herbert St. until departing to join RTE in 1985.
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