JOHANNESBURG, November 10 (ANA) – Veteran radio broadcaster John Robbie on Thursday announced that he would retire from Talk Radio 702 at the end of the year, 30 years after joining the station.
Robbie, who turns 61 later this month, has been steering the 702 breakfast show for nearly 15 years.
Primedia Broadcasting, the owners of Talk Radio 702, said the station had evolved into one of South Africa’s most respected media platforms during Robbie’s tenure.
“John has been a part of the fabric of the station since 1986 and has guided audiences through some of the most tumultuous stories and changes in our recent history,” Primedia chief executive, Terry Volkwyn, said.
“He’s gathered legions of fans, gotten into plenty of trouble and done an extensive amount of good for listeners and communities around Gauteng. He has become a part of hundreds of thousands of Gautengers daily lives and we are all going to miss him.”
Reflecting on his time at 702 and his decision to leave, Robbie said he knew that this was the right moment to switch off his microphone.
“Just as I ended my rugby career, I knew when it was time to go and informed my bosses. Thirty years at 702 has been a blast,” Robbie said.
“I am proud of my contribution and proud of the station. It is one of the most transformed businesses in SA and has a massive role to play going forward.”
Robbie also thanked the people he had worked with throughout the years, and wished the best to those he leaves behind.
“In thirty years, many on the morning show, I was never late once. Good luck to my dear colleagues and friends who are listeners and advertisers and to my family who have shared the journey. It has been a privilege to serve,” Robbie said.
702 station manager, Thabisile Mbete, said they were sad to lose Robbie to retirement.
“When John first discussed his plans to retire, earlier this year, we were saddened by his loss to the line up but are in an exceedingly fortunate position to have the depth of talent on our station that we do,” Mbete said.
Due to Robbie’s retirement, the 702 line-up has been shaken up.
From 9 January 2017, current afternoon drive host Xolani Gwala would be taking over the breakfast slot from 6-9am.
Redi Tlhabi, who has been with 702 in the mid-morning slot for 10 years, would take over afternoon drive from 3-6pm.
Her current show, 9am-12pm would be permanently hosted by Eusebius McKaiser who has been filling in for Tlhabi for the past three months while she has been on maternity leave.
Another change is veteran journalist Karima Brown who would be hosting Talk @ Nine on Sundays, a current affairs show that would discuss and analyse the stories and issues that come out of the Sunday newspapers from 20 November 2016.
– African News Agency (ANA)
