OFF AIR…Radio presenter Sean Coyle told listeners is show was now axed
On Friday, Sean announced that it was his last show telling his 82,000 listeners that BBC chiefs were pulling the plug on his 10.30 am to midday show.
He had been with the BBC for 35 years and was known for many years for his double act with legendary presenter Gerry Anderson.
Sean took over from Gerry Anderson after he died five years ago after a battle with cancer.
He told his fans on Friday: “This is my last programme, on Monday of this week I met with bosses in the BBC and they told me their plans for the future,” Coyle told listeners.
“There’s a whole new plan for the future on Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle and they’re making changes and I didn’t figure in the changes. I wasn’t there.
“They told me that this show would end in six weeks time and in fairness they offered me other work.
“They are bringing on another programme, what it is I don’t know. Whoever it is I wish that person every success.”
The veteran broadcaster thanked his crew and listeners for their support over the years.
“I have enjoyed it, I don’t want to go, but the decision has been made and I must abide by it,” he said.
Figures have revealed that his Sean Coyle show was the third most popular non-news programee on Radio Ulster behind Stephen Nolan and Good Morning Ulster.
Sean’s army of listeners reacted with anger and disbelief at his bombshell news.
Many said that they would never listen to Radio Foyle again unless Sean was reinstated.
One said: “Disgrace BBC. At least Sean Coyle played lovely music. He was a pleasure to listen to instead of bickering politicians wont be putting it on no more good luck Sean and all the best for the future.”
Another wrote: “I’m heart broken for poor Sean it must have come as a shock to him after all his years of service.
“Shame on the BBC for taking off their best presenter.
“So do us all a favour and reverse this stupid decision. Good luck and best wishes Sean I’ll really miss listening to you in the mornings.”
One woman said: “And Stephen Nolan is still there, got rid of the wrong person.
“Sean was always polite mannerly and funny.
“Nolan could take a leaf out of Sean’s book. Well it’s highland or downtown for me From Monday. Hope radio ulster are proud of themselves.”
Another listener added: “Considering it’s the BBC and we, to a certain extent, pay the decision makers wages surely they are duly bound to take account of their listeners’ opinion so let them know where you stand on this decision.”
The axing of his show will be a big loss to his many elderly listeners who tuned in to his show every day for a bit of company, good music and a laugh.
One woman said: “Why? I know an elderly lady who lives on her own and the show is the highlight of her day.”
So if you want the BBC to do the right thing and reverse their decision sign the online petition below and get Sean back on the Radio Foyle airwaves:
https://www.change.org/p/bbc-ulster-reinstate-sean-coyle-on-bbc-ulster
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