BBC Tees Mid-morning presenter Mike Parr is to take a six-month break from the radio station to spend time with his family and go travelling.
The move means a number of changes to the schedule – as John Foster, who currently presents the afternoon show, will cover the mid-morning programme. Bob Fischer will replace John on the afternoon show.
Mike Parr joined BBC Tees in 2011 and has presented the mid-morning show for the last five years. He will return to the station in April 2017.
Mike Parr: “I’ll really miss talking to listeners every day. It’s something I’ve been doing for over 30 years, but I think it’s important to try new things. Radio will always call me back though and I look forward to telling you all about my adventure on BBC Tees in April!”
John Foster has been presenting on BBC Tees since 2002. He said: “I’ve covered some of the biggest stories in the area over the last few years, from the steel crisis to Middlesbrough’s promotion-winning season – so I’ll relish the chance to talk every morning to our fantastic listeners about what’s happening in their lives. I’m really thrilled to be stepping into Mike’s shoes – it’s going to be fun, emotional, and essential listening.”
Bob Fischer has been regularly covering the afternoon show when John has been on leave and is looking forward to sitting in the hot seat for the next six months. “I’ve had enormous fun over the last year sitting in regularly on the Afternoon Show, and the listeners have been incredibly kind to me – and sent me some wonderfully funny contributions! I’m now looking forward to getting my feet properly under the desk for the next six months, and getting to know them even better,” he said.
Dan Thorpe, Managing Editor of BBC Tees added: “I am thrilled that John will be moving to cover the mid-morning show for the next few months while Mike takes a well-earned break. John is a well-loved presenter and I think Bob will be fantastic replacing John on the afternoon show. He is an accomplished presenter who is able to make a special connection with the BBC Tees audience and brings a real depth of experience and knowledge.”
