John Clarke is leaving Radio Nova three and a half years after he joined to host his Biggest Jukebox show.
An announcement was made on-air this morning by John, saying next Sunday, 17th March, will be his last programme. He said: “Basically, during the week a decision was made, and we just don’t fit, and they said “you’re gone”… so I said “fine, thank you”.
He continued: “So when the girlfriend doesn’t like you, you just go – and it’s as simple as that. As I said before, the only people who actually like this show are the listeners! It has to be said!”
Management at Radio Nova say his show has fewer listeners today than the show did when he took it over, so a decision was made to end the programme.
Today was his last live show as next weeks will be prerecorded due to a family engagement.
The former head of 2fm joined Radio Nova on September 27th 2015, bringing the title of his show across with him despite legal objections over use of the name.
Kevin Branigan, CEO at Nova told RadioToday: “It’s been great to have the Biggest Jukebox on Nova. We wish John the very best and thank him for his efforts over the last 4 years.”
Former 2fm presenter Colm Hayes was appointed Programme Director at Radio Nova in May 2017.
News of John’s departure is also being discussed on social media:
From 1st track 'Turn your radio on' to last song 'The last Dj' that's why we listen.
It's the music – all about the music..
Sundays are just not gonna be Sundays with John Clarke on #IrishRadio
Catch ya soon JC ? pic.twitter.com/a2pOC4goR4— Rob Garvey on NearFm (@theelectricwave) March 10, 2019
Very sad to hear the legendary John Clarke's "Biggest Jukebox" is coming to an end on @radionova100 next weekend, with today's show being the last live transmission; thanks for the great musical memories John!
— Tony Burke (@tonyburke62) March 10, 2019
John Clarke’s last biggest jukebox. A sad day. Sunday mornings won’t be the same @radionova100
— David Fogarty (@fogarachi) March 10, 2019
11.3.19: Article updated to ammend an official statement.