Veteran broadcaster John Berks has died at the age of 80, reportedly after a long illness.
Regarded by many as the pioneer of talk radio in SA, Berks was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.
Born in Krugersdorp on September 24 1941, he worked for talk radio station 702 for many years, having started his broadcasting career at LM Radio in Mozambique in the 1960s after a stint as a reporter at the Germiston Advocate.
He also worked for Swazi Music Radio, Springbok Radio, Capital Radio 604 Transkei and Radio 5.
His prank show segments Fun Calls and Telephone Time on radio were among the country’s most popular shows.
In a statement carried on EWN, Primedia Group CEO Jonathan Procter paid homage to the legendary broadcaster.
“Primedia is sad to hear of the passing of John Berks, one of 702’s most legendary morning talk show hosts, loved and respected in '702-land' and across the nation.
“John was regarded by many as the pioneer of talk radio in SA. His passion for and dedication to SA was celebrated when in 2010 he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
“On behalf of the Primedia Group I would like to extend our condolences to his family and friends.”
The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
Veteran broadcaster John Berks dies aged 80
Image: Twitter/ @ewnupdates
Veteran broadcaster John Berks has died at the age of 80, reportedly after a long illness.
Regarded by many as the pioneer of talk radio in SA, Berks was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.
Born in Krugersdorp on September 24 1941, he worked for talk radio station 702 for many years, having started his broadcasting career at LM Radio in Mozambique in the 1960s after a stint as a reporter at the Germiston Advocate.
He also worked for Swazi Music Radio, Springbok Radio, Capital Radio 604 Transkei and Radio 5.
His prank show segments Fun Calls and Telephone Time on radio were among the country’s most popular shows.
In a statement carried on EWN, Primedia Group CEO Jonathan Procter paid homage to the legendary broadcaster.
“Primedia is sad to hear of the passing of John Berks, one of 702’s most legendary morning talk show hosts, loved and respected in '702-land' and across the nation.
“John was regarded by many as the pioneer of talk radio in SA. His passion for and dedication to SA was celebrated when in 2010 he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
“On behalf of the Primedia Group I would like to extend our condolences to his family and friends.”
The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
READ MORE
‘He interviewed me from time to time’: Tito Mboweni wants to know where Phat Joe is
Mark Pilgrim shares scans revealing shrinked tumors
‘This is not an industry matter, it’s about economics’: Redi Tlhabi slams Penny Lebyane’s view on R22m flag
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos