Station manager goes off-air

If you think of Park Radio, the chances are you’ll think of Chris Moyse too. The two have become synonymous over the years, ever since Chris joined the project back in 2010. But like all the best partnerships, it’s important to know when it’s time to move on. And, for Chris, that time was in March this year.

Time to change After 12 years at the helm, Managing Director and Station Manager Chris Moyse hung up his headphones at the end of March this year. From broadcasting intermittent test broadcasts under Candies shoe shop to providing a 24-hour service from bespoke studios in the DYCC, Chris’s input has seen the station grow and thrive. And it’s this that has prompted his departure. “I’ve lived and breathed Park Radio since 2010,” says Chris. “But during the pandemic, I started to think about moving on. While in lockdown, I realised (like many others) how precious life is. And I knew that, however much I loved managing Park Radio, there were still other projects and personal goals I needed to pursue. But I also knew that I couldn’t go anywhere until I’d secured the station’s future. And this meant getting the licence to 2027 approved, seeing the station through COVID, ensuring business sustainability, and restructuring the business. Once all of those were in place, I felt ready to hand over the reins. “And, of course, having a great team to pass the baton onto makes all the difference. I know that with Jono Woodward in place as new Station Manager, an experienced and committed Board of Directors, and a whole host of talented presenters and hardworking volunteers on board, the station is in safe and supportive hands.”

Time to reflect Since making his decision, Chris has had time to reflect on what he’s achieved. The challenges he’s led his team through. And some of the many highlights. ''For me, helping to establish a truly local radio station in my hometown has been a dream come true,” says Chris. “And it has surpassed all of my expectations over the last 12 years. There have, of course, been challenges. But I’d like to think I've helped hold it together during those tricky times. “My biggest challenge (and one of my biggest achievements too) was keeping the service going throughout the pandemic. I can’t deny it was tough. But it was so worth it. The feedback we received from residents reminded us how important having a community radio station is, particularly in times of uncertainty and hardship.”

Time to travel So, what’s next? Well, it seems all that time in the studio has given Chris itchy feet. “I plan to travel around Europe,” says Chris. “I’m going to take some time out and see a bit of the world. But I’ll be back. And, when I do, one of the first things I’ll do is turn on the radio! ''It’s been a real privilege working with everyone at Park Radio. I'm so very, very proud of what we’ve achieved for our communities. And I’d like to thank our many volunteers, listeners, advertisers and supporters, without whom there wouldn’t have been a radio station at all. “Park Radio has an on-air sound that’s varied and full of personality. It’s upbeat, positive and contemporary. And I know the station is going to go from strength to strength.

“Long live Park Radio!”