John was born in Carlisle. He was a familiar face on Border TV (1980s), as a continuity announcer and programme presenter. However, it was in that other broadcast medium – radio – where John truly shone. He was a leading figure in the radio industry, with an association with many stations. He also penned a number of reports on radio – for the government and the BBC.
His radio career started with BBC Radio Cumbria and Red Rose. He later launched a range of radio brands: CFM, Century, Real, Smooth and Rock Radio. He is also a former chairman and chief executive of the Radio Academy, and was founding chairman of TeamRock.
In 2018, John was treated for cancer, following the discovery of a tumour on his tonsil and tongue. Later in the year, he revealed he had been given the all-clear.
John Dies Aged 60
In the early hours on Sunday 2nd June 2019, John’s son Scott published the following statement on social media:
Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of John Myers.
Loving husband. Incredible dad. Grandad. Brother.
Amazing friend. Biker. Golfer. Our hero.
He went through life with a smile, his glass was always half full and no matter how much life got you down, he always found the homour.
We hope your memories are filled with as much joy as ours.
We love you. We miss you.
John Myers: 11.04.59 – 01.06.19.
Scott Myers
There were many tributes from friends, colleagues and industry figures:
TV and radio presenter, Jeremy Vine: “John was one of the friendliest, funniest people in the radio industry. He was a close and loyal friend to me and many of my colleagues. He had a hugely successful career as a broadcaster and radio entrepreneur. This news is completely unexpected.
“You would never leave an encounter with John Myers without a huge smile on your face. After his ‘retirement’ from radio, his deep passion for the medium emerged even more powerfully. He was constantly fascinated by presenters, their shows, their moods, their managers.
“He was hugely supportive of the BBC, even though he was a commercial guy through and through. Above all he was kind and thoughtful. It is impossible to describe John in a way that captures even 5% of his greatness but I would like to send deepest sympathies today to his family, especially to his wife Linda, whom he constantly told everyone he ‘loves so much’, and his children and grandchildren. Above all this is their loss. RIP John Myers, family man, radio man. Taken far too soon. Best controller Radio 2 never had.
“Best story he told me. John ran a radio station while also doing the breakfast show as ‘John Morgan’. A furious listener rang to complain about the breakfast show, saying ‘Morgan should be fired’. John Myers told the listener: ‘I will tell him he’s on a final warning.’
“In this book John describes how, as a breakfast DJ, he would ring and ask listeners questions out of the blue. He rang and asked one: ‘Tell me Hitler’s first name.’ The listener went next door to ask a neighbour. After a few minutes she picked up the phone and said ‘Heil’.”
BBC group managing director, Bob Shennan said: “I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news. I worked alongside John in radio for two decades, sometimes as opponents sometimes as allies – always as friends. John was the greatest champion for radio, a wonderful colleague and a brilliant executive. I will miss his wisdom, friendship and enthusiasm greatly. My thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.”
Global’s founder Ashley Tabor said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear the news of John Myers’ sudden passing. John was a true radio man, pioneering some of the best radio in the UK. I saw John only last week and this has come as a shock. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time.”
EXTERNAL LINK: Friends and colleagues leave tributes to John Myers.
Later on Sunday 2nd June 2019, Scott Myers issued the following statement on social media:
Thank you for all your messages of condolence, love, support – but most of all, the funny stories and happy memories you have of dad. Reading through them has been a great comfort and we are truly bursting with pride as we remember him.
It’s not quite sunk in yet that this is real. After last year where he conquered the dark days of cancer, he had found his mojo over the past few weeks and was BACK, with his trademark zest for life in full flow.
He was in Scotland with mum as part of his 60th birthday gift from us. They stayed in Edinburgh overnight and had dinner at The Dome, before touring Britannia in the morning. They had fun, laughed lots, took pictures and spent valuable time together before heading to Gleneagles.
Dad made sure he arrived for a last-minute tee time on the PGA course (that he conveniently forgot to tell mum about) and chose to walk round and really savour the experience of a course he was excited to play.
Like a true northerner, he got value for money and made it to the fairway of the 18th hole, moments away from being reunited with mum, who was waiting for him in the hotel reception.
Despite the fantastic efforts of Police Scotland, Gleneagles staff and Air Ambulance paramedics, he didn’t make it back – and left us at Gleneagles after what we suspect was a heart attack.
There is a such a huge hole in our lives and we know there are so many people who would like to join us in saying goodbye. We’ll be sure to let you know all of the details when we’ve planned a send-off worthy of dad.
Thank you for everything. Team Myers. xx
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Clips of John on The TV Room
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Acknowledgements
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