Ireland’s Biggest Jukebox is no more, as 2fm presenter John Clarke bid his listeners adieu in a revealing show on Sunday morning.
Clarke told loyal listeners that he had “seen the signs” and decided to end the show. His announcement came mere days after several other changes at the station were revealed, among them the move of drivetime host Will Leahy to a weekend slot.
Clarke, who produced Leahy’s evening show, told listeners that he had found out about the change through a press release.
In a revealing hour of radio, Clarke used several links to tell his listeners that stations “don’t play music anymore”, and instead just talk about celebrities or tell jokes.
Clarke told listeners yesterday that the show would be his last
In recent weeks 2fm have announced Bernard O’Shea, Keith Walsh and Jennifer Maguire as replacements for former breakfast show host Hector Ó hEochagáin, and former Westlife singer Nicky Byrne has been given a mid-morning slot on the national station. Colm Hayes will move to drivetime in place of the ousted Will Leahy, while station stalwart Larry Gogan will also be moved to a weekend role.
The changes come as new boss Dan Healy looks to counter ailing ratings at the station.
Clarke said yesterday; “I’ve survived in this industry knowing when it’s the right time to move. So the station evolves and so it should and I think my interest in music cannot be accommodated here so that’s the simple and honest reason. I trust you understand, thanks for your concerns for the show, it’s as much yours as mine.”
