The Hitmix 107.5 has announced that presenter, Johnny Owen, has died from cancer.
The veteran presenter worked across the North West of England during his career, which began in the 1970s in Greater Manchester. He then moved to stations including KFM, Century 105 and was the longtime host of Signal’s breakfast show from 2002.
He joined Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Hitmix 107.5 in 2019, but was diagnosed with cancer and told by doctors that he had months to live.
After deciding he wanted to continue working, engineers at Hitmix built him a home studio, so he could still present a 2-hour weekly show. His last one was on Sunday and he was taken to hospital later that day.
“It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of our dear friend,” wrote The HitMix in a statement.
“Everyone here at the Hitmix is devastated by this news. He was a husband, father and to us a valued work colleague and for thousands of listeners a friend on their radio.”
Hundreds of listeners have also paid tribute to him.
Signal Radio, now Greatest hits Radio Staffordshire and Cheshire stated on Twitter:
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Johnny Owen. Johnny was a well loved voice across Staffordshire and Cheshire and the soundtrack to our mornings for over 14 years.
“We send our deepest sympathy to all his family and friends at this difficult time. RIP Johnny”
