John Rosborough - Northern Ireland programmer

Clutching a soldering iron, he arrived in commercial radio at the launch of Downtown Radio, in troubled times in Northern Ireland, rising to lead the station’s programming for an era.

In this hour of ‘Radiomoments Conversations’. John Rosborough tells of his childhood dreams, the early days at Downtown Radio, building the studios, hosting early shows - and the challenges of the station’s newsroom in unprecedented times. He tells the story of his graduating through the programming ranks, its first jingle package, the varied programme schedule, early regulation and, ultimately, becoming a station for the whole of Northern Ireland – and splitting frequencies. John talks too about Irish radio heritage, winning radio licences – and his subsequent management roles at Citybeat, U105, Belfast 89 and life since.

In his own words, this is the John Rosborough story.

Hear the whole ‘RadioMoments Conversations’ series here – and sign up for the regular podcast for this ongoing series. Music by Larry Bryant.