Radio presenter left devastated as she reveals her show has been AXED after 22 years on air
A TOP radio presenter has been left devastated after her beloved breakfast programme has been axed after 22 years on the air.
Hits Radio star Leanne Campbell confirmed the sad news today that her show had been ditched by station bosses.
Leanne has been at the helm of Hits Radio’s local output in Liverpool and the Merseyside region for 22 years.
Before being branded as Hits Radio by Bauer Media to be in line with the rest of the region’s radio station, the channel was known for many years as Radio City.
However, it has now been confirmed that Leanne’s show has been axed for good as part of Bauer Media’s plans to use national networked programming across the country.
Leanne can currently be heard between 6 and 10am on the station alongside her co-star Joel Ross but they will disappear from the air when the changes take affect on June 9.
All local and regional programmes will be binned from that date as part of the new initiative to streamline Hits Radio as one network.
A heartbroken Leanne has now broken her silence in an Instagram statement addressing her axe and admitted she only knew as much as the public did.
Addressing her loyal fans in the post, Leanne wrote: “I know what you know.
“Our show will be replaced by a national show.
“To every single one of you who has woken up with me in Liverpool for over 22 years, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“It has been the greatest privilege to be part of your mornings, to share the laughter, the stories, our lives and all the moments that have made this job so special THANK YOU!
“Your support has always meant the world to me and without it we wouldn’t have smashed those glass ceilings together.
“What a journey! The scouse ‘travel girl’ is forever grateful for what we achieved! X.”
As part of the move, Hits Radio will now only include local news bulletin updates on the hour as part of national programming aired across the country.
Addressing the decision, Simon Mycinuka, the CEO of Bauer Media Audio, said: “We continually evolve to meet audience behaviours and advertiser needs and by launching one single national Breakfast show across Hits Radio, we are supercharging our efforts to provide a more unified, engaging experience across the entire schedule while also retaining local news and information.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to our Hits Radio Breakfast teams in England and Wales as they embark on their final run of shows. Their significant contribution has played a hugely important part of the Hits Radio story so far and we wish them well for the future.”
Fleur East is currently the host of Hits Radio Breakfast’s London output alongside James Barr and is expected to continue as part of the national show.
Reacting angirly to the news of Leanne’s axing, one fan said: “Biggest mistake they’ll ever make!!! However your star is always shining&will take you to bigger&better!!!”
Another added: “Sending love to you! This is shocking news!!! Mornings will never be the same.”
Before a third shared: “My gorgeous prin, I am absolutely gutted that this is happening although anticipated. I am excited for what the future holds for you my beautiful friend.
“Your dedication and passion will shine through in whatever comes your way. Proud of you!! Love you lots.”
As well as her radio show, Leanne is a live events host and a local fashion influencer with almost 70,000 followers.