John Clarke

Your Man With The Hits

John Clarke - Hits Radio

John Clarke is one of radio's journeymen in a career that's longer than the Beatles but shorter than Rolling Stones.

It was a humble beginning for the teenager from Dublin 12.

So when Pirate Radio was in its infancy many a music lover got involved to shake up the state-controlled broadcasting across Ireland.

John moved from Radio Dublin through Big D Radio, ARD, Radio 257 & K.E.L.O. And in the early 80' s was given his big break when Chris Cary handed him a dream job of presenting the breakfast show on his Radio NOVA 88fm. As the 1st DJ on the station he moved to afternoons before becoming head of music. Eventually moving to KISS fm 102.7 to jock the drive time shift.

5 great years followed, where the talent of those involved expanded & fun was had by all.

RTE came knocking in the mid 80's and a national radio career followed, initially as a weekend breakfast show jock. He then became the Senior Producer In Charge of the no 1 breakfast show ( Ian Dempsey on 2fm)  for 10 great years. His love of music was rewarded when he was made Head of Music at the channel.

In the late 90's John was given the challenge of leading 2fm into a very competitive phase of broadcasting in Ireland. For 11 years as Head of 2fm, the channel was the No 1 music station in Ireland.

John's always kept his love of music, his late-night Album Show ran for 15 years & Ireland's Biggest Jukebox which topped the listener's rating on Sundays for the 15 years is aired.

As digital radio became important in the broadcasting landscape, John created the brand 'RTE Gold', his creative programming saw the digital station rise to become the No.1 listened-to digital station in Ireland.

John’s love of radio continued on Radio Nova 100 & following 3 successful years presenting John Clarke’s BIGGEST Jukebox on the Station. The then clock went full circle as he went on to become the ( Sunday Morning) Dj - on Nova doing a breakfast Show, having done the same job in the early 80s with a few detours along the way. Another twist with the Global Pandemic, broadcasting from home became a possibility & a reality. Now he compiles & presents a variety of Shows John Clarke’s Biggest Jukebox - The All American Music Show - Clarke’s Classic Countdown, All heard on a number of On-Line Radio Stations, including Radio Nova Smooth Hits from Belfast, St It’s Hospital Radio & Real FM in Spain. With the advances in Technology broadcasting from his ManCave Home Studio Clarke’s Classic Countdown is now on HITS Radio. 

If JC is one of radio’s journeymen “ it seems the road goes on forever & the party never ends”

Interesting Fact .

I once asked a Station Manager what my future was at the Radio Station. I was told “You don’t have a future “ - I eventually became Head at that same Radio Station. ( remember the only person who gives up is you - so never give up )