‘Irreplaceable’ head of BBC Radio Shetland to retire in October
ONE OF the most prolific voices in local journalism is to retire later this year after 33 years on the Shetland air waves.
BBC Radio Shetland editor John Johnston has confirmed to Shetland News that he will host his last Good Evening Shetland programme on 9 October.
Having cut his radio teeth in his native Northern Ireland, John – or JJ as he is usually referred to – arrived in Shetland in 1993 to report on the aftermath of the Braer tanker oil spill.
He never left again and quickly became a familiar voice on local radio and news reporting.
As BBC Scotland’s main representative on the isles, he reported on almost every local story that made the national BBC News for both radio and television.
As the station’s editor for nearly 20 years, he’s also helped to mentor the next generation of journalists, including Phil Goodlad and Jonathan Sutherland – who both report on sports for BBC Scotland.
Fifty-nine year old Johnston said he’ll be sad to leave, but feels the time is right to put down the notebook, microphone and camera and hand over the reins to the next generation.
“Radio Shetland has a special place in the community, and it has been an honour and a privilege to bring the news each weeknight at 5.30pm,” he said.
“I’ve had the best job in the BBC, but don’t tell anybody. I wish the team in Pitt Lane all the very best for the future.”
Paying tribute, deputy editor of BBC News in Scotland Gerry Gay said: “John always maintained he had the best job in the BBC. If that’s true, he’s deserved it.
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“Using his own journalistic art, and his ability to manage, coach and motivate those around him, he’s kept our audience in Shetland engaged for decades.
“More than that, he’s contributed to some of our biggest stories over the years such as the Braer oil disaster in the 90s, to the recent Peter Murrell scandal.
“John is irreplaceable, and although we’re sorry to see him go, we hope he enjoys years and years of deserved happy retirement.”
Shetland News will publish a longer feature on John’s role in local journalism and the wider community nearer to his retirement.
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