Suffolk: Anger as BBC Radio Suffolk move Mark Murphy to mid-morning slot

Many have posted comments on www.eadt.co.uk, Facebook and Twitter detailing their surprise and disappointment about the controversial reshuffle confirmed yesterday.

This has also resulted in popular presenter James Hazell being moved from the weekday mid-morning slot on to the weekend rota.

One of our online readers said the shock removal of Mr Murphy from the breakfast time show seemed like a “strange” decision.

They wrote: “Mark has done that show so well for so long with ever-improving listener numbers that surely bringing someone else in – even if it is a nationally known name – isn’t going to improve it, unless the thought is that Mark waves his magic on the mid-morning show?”

Another suggested it was simply “reorganisation for reorganisation’s sake.”

Therese Coffey – MP for Suffolk Coastal and avid listener of Radio Suffolk – was also quick to react to the news.

She said: “It is sad that it’s the end for the Mark Murphy breakfast show. However, it’s great he’ll still be on the air keeping us all smiling.”

Peter Cook, managing editor of BBC Radio Suffolk, said Mr Murphy’s move to take over the mid-morning show was a decision he and the presenter made together.

“Mark and I have agreed that, after 11 years on the breakfast show, he’ll take over the weekday mid-morning programme where he’ll bring his unique style, his campaigning and his profile to the listeners at that time of day,” he said.

“He’s an outstanding presenter and I think he’ll make that show a great success.” Mr Cook added a new breakfast show presenter would be revealed “soon”.

Mr Murphy was unable to comment on his move, which is due to take place in early autumn.

Mark’s show has won numerous national and regional awards over the years. Just last week, he was presented with an award by Suffolk police for his contribution to the community.

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