WATCH: ‘Same route, different bus’ - Ray Clark on life after BBC Essex and his future with Radio Caroline

By Ben Shahrabi 15th Oct 2023

Local News by Ben Shahrabi 15th Oct 2023

Legendary broadcaster Ray Clark has hung up his headphones at BBC Essex but plans to take his signature "cracking tunes and witty comment" to Radio Caroline.

After nearly a quarter of a century at the Beeb, Ray revealed earlier this month that he would be leaving for good. His departure comes amid controversial cuts to local radio being made by the BBC over the last 12 months.

However, Ray insists there is no bad blood between him and his old bosses.

"I have no problem with the BBC," he told Nub News.

"I've worked for them, and we've had ups and downs, but who hasn't in most jobs? It's time for them and me to move on."

Ray is set to return to his roots with a permanent show on Radio Caroline from Sunday 22 October. He started his 40-year broadcasting career on the pirate radio station, even occasionally broadcasting from the 'Ross Revenge' ship on the Blackwater Estuary.

Ray Clark pictured aboard the radio ship Ross Revenge in the Blackwater Estuary. (Photo: Radio Caroline)

Despite moving stations, Ray's show will bring his familiar brand of wit and music to the Caroline audience. He hopes his loyal BBC listeners will join him, too.

"It's the same route, just a different bus," he says.

"It's Sunday evening but instead of 6pm until 8pm, it'll be 5pm until 7pm. As far as I'm concerned, Caroline is the future."

Last month, Ray's former colleague Dave Monk left BBC Essex after nearly four decades. He told Nub News his days of broadcasting were likely over, as he looked forward to pursuing voluntary and charity work.

Meanwhile, Ray feels the loss of many local radio presenters over the last few months shows the corporation's shifting focus.

"If they're getting rid of all these long-standing presenters, the gist is they're moving on and changing - so they won't want the listeners who are attracted to those presenters," he said.

WATCH: Ray Clark and musician Rick Wakeman took part in a ceremony to unveil a special 'Radio Caroline' locomotive at Mangapps Railway Museum earlier this month:

Radio Caroline Station Manager Peter Moore said: "Ray is just one of many loyal and competent BBC presenters who have been dismissed or placed in a position where they felt obliged to resign. But their loss is our gain..."

Ray's new Caroline programme will be broadcast across East Anglia and the South-East, plus the rest of England and Europe, on 648 AM, on DAB, online and Freeview Channel 277.