BBC Radio Merseyside stalwart Andy Ball has passed away after more than 30 years at the station, during which time he served as a reporter, presenter and latterly part of the management team.
Radio Merseyside announced the news on social media:
A former Radio Merseyside news editor, Ball more recently ball spent most of the week operating as part of the BBC Radio Merseyside management team, although he still kept his hand in on the mic and was a regular favourite on the on the Lunchtime Phone-In, Mid-Morning and Breakfast Shows, and on special programmes like the station’s coverage of the Sea Odyssey Festival in Liverpool in 2012. He also frequently put busman’s holiday shifts in on his local community radio station, Radio Lymm, over the course of his career.
Ball’s journey as a journalist began on local newspapers in Wirral and, after a stint on commercial radio, he joined the BBC, serving as a member of the Morning Merseyside team before graduating to the role of Radio Merseyside’s news editor in 2005.
Fan responses to the enws included one who wrote: “Such sad news…..and quite a shock. Andy was always good to listen to and a true gentleman. My condolences to Lynn, and Andy’s family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.”
Another said: “Very sad news, an excellent all round broadcaster, condolences to his family, colleagues and friends,” and one user said: “He allows came across as a friend on the air, a very knowledgeable and cleaver friend but always a friend. My condolences to his wife, family friends and colleagues.”
Daily Express, Glasgow Guardian and Glasgow Live showbiz reporter Alexandra Bullard described Ball as “huge”:
Main Image: Radio Merseyside/Facebook
