Johnny Owen on air six days a week at the Hitmix

Popular local radio presenter Johnny Owen has returned to weekday radio broadcasting on community radio station The Hitmix.

Johnny has been doing a regular Sunday slot at The Hitmix for around seven months, and is now also broadcasting throughout the week – Monday to Friday – after studio bosses set up a home studio for him.

Hitmix Station Manager, Robbie Benson said: “We were thrilled when Johnny decided to join our team. We have all listened to him and admired him over the years. Johnny has had health problems and it has been a very worrying time for him. Being back on air doing what he loves has been a real tonic.”

Mr Benson added: “We set Johnny up with the necessary equipment to continue doing his shows from home as part of our new procedures to keep everyone safe during these uncertain times.

“We are all overjoyed that his latest scan has shown things have stabilised and of course the subject of weekday work was soon a hot topic! So, for the foreseeable future, in addition to his very popular Sunday show, you will be able to listen to Johnny Owen between 11am and 1pm, Monday to Friday!

“With 45 years of broadcasting under his belt, Johnny is not only well loved by his many followers but also highly regarded in the industry. When he is on air it is obvious that he was born to entertain – he enjoys it as much as the listeners.”

Johnny, who worked for Signal Radio for many years, joined the the Hitmix 107.5FM in August 2019, and has not only celebrated his 65th Birthday, but also 45 years in the radio industry, launched his new book – A proper job? Living on the Radio . A brand new broadcast studio at the Newcastle-under-Lyme station has also been named “The Johnny Owen Suite” to commemorate Johnny’s 45 year milestone!

Speaking on his facebook page recently, Johnny said: “I got a call from Robbie at The Hitmix and he was delighted with my good news and even more so because I’ve decided to do a two-hour request show every weekday for the time being. The station are a few staff down and Robbie is doing a splendid job keeping everything going so I hope you can all join me for some cracking tunes throughout the week.”

Tune in to the Hitmix on 107.5FM or via www.thehitmix.co.uk