John Clarke, the former boss of RTÉ 2fm has joined Radio Nova – at least on a pop-up basis. And he is bringing his 'Ireland’s Biggest Jukebox' brand – a long-time favourite on RTÉ – with him.
Clarke, who began his career on Chris Cary’s original Radio Nova, will bring his highly-popular ‘Ireland’s Biggest Jukebox’ show to the new Nova on Sunday July 26, running from 10am to 2pm. He is covering for his old 2fm mucker, Mike Moloney, who presents Classic Gold Sunday on Nova each Sunday morning. Clarke presented the Sunday morning show on RTE 2fm for many years until early last year. His request show became legendary amongst listeners.
Clarke, who was head of 2FM for 11 years until 2009, announced on-air in February 2014 that this would be the final outing for his popular request show, as a result of a shake-up overseen by station boss Dan Healy. His Nova appearance will be his first time on FM radio since his final show with the national broadcaster.
Nova’ s CEO and Programme Director, Kevin Branigan, welcomed Clarke to Nova. “I’m chuffed to bits that John’s coming on air with us,” he said. "I’ve always been an admirer of him as a broadcaster. He really connects and develops loyalty with listeners, a quality undervalued all too often in radio these days. 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."
For his part, John Clarke was also enthusiastic about the opportunity.
"I'm so looking forward to filling in for Mike next Sunday,” he said. "The new Radio Nova and the legendary station Nova have a common denominator – they play/played great music – so it was nice to be asked to give an outing for 'Irelands Biggest Jukebox' on FM once again.
"I hope you'll find the time to join me,” he said to prospective listeners, "it's all about playing your favourite music without the BS, simple as that!"