‘Take It Easy” takes time out

‘Take it Easy’, Downtown’s Sunday night show, is taking a break as its third series celebrates 10 years on the air on September 27.

John Rosborough, who presents the programme as an Independent production from his company Nocturne Media, said: ‘Little did I know when starting to regularly host late night programmes in November 1976 that these would continue across six decades! It’s also been amazing to have a number of listeners who have been tuned in throughout that time, and always willing to share their interest in the music being played.

Over the years ‘Take it Easy’ has had a distinctive sound, paying special attention to singer-songwriters and giving early airplay to the likes of REM, Dire Straits, Eurythmics, Gerry Rafferty and Passenger; with local artists also being consistently supported on the show. Features in the pre-Internet days of the 80s that will be recalled are ‘Sound Advice’ for audiophiles, Student Scene and the World of Radio. Technology has progressed apace, and in more recent years there have been regular online listeners in Scotland, England, Spain and as far away as Canada and Australia.’

Now, after 10 years with this series, John will be freeing up time to work on new digital developments, and he added ‘It’s been great to return to Downtown at a time of continuing innovation, and I’ll be keeping in touch with the team there. I’m also looking forward to coming back to present the New Year’s Eve show, which will be my 40th time bringing in the New Year on Radio. After all that’s happened with the worldwide pandemic, it’ll be a particular pleasure to bid farewell to 2020!’

Downtown Content Director Stuart Robinson said "John has had a long rich relationship with Downtown since it first launched in 1976 and the role he has played for almost 45 years within the commercial radio industry in Northern Ireland has been remarkable, unrivalled and speaks for itself."

"When John does sign off this Sunday he will be leaving behind an incredible legacy which has seen his popular programme broadcast on multiple stations and platforms across 6 different decades – another unrivalled feat in NI."

Listen to the latest episode of 'Take It Easy':