Neil Andrews presented Time 107.5’s breakfast show for 18 years until the station was taken off air on August 1 following the takeover by Nation Broadcasting.
Neil told this paper that he was not even aware of the takeover until he finished his final show.
He said: “Nobody had any idea it was happening.
“I finished my breakfast show at 10am on August 1, came off air and was told that was it – it’s over and the programmes were coming to an end at 2pm that afternoon.
“It was as abrupt as that.
“I’ve worked in radio for almost 30 years and I know everything comes to an end.
“But it would have been nice to have said goodbye to the loyal listeners who rung us up on a daily basis.”
Neil explained that the presenters are all freelancers so were never direct staff of former owners Lyca Media II Ltd, but said the disappearance of the work opportunities would still have a profound effect.
“We’re our own bosses and it’s a real shame when those opportunities go,” he said.
“Everyone in Romford was passionate and loved what they did – they were such a lovely team.”
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Neil enjoyed working with his direct colleagues but believed the station was run poorly by Lyca Media II Ltd.
“It was shockingly run from above,” he claimed.
“They never gave us a chance in my opinion – we were underfunded.
“I have nothing but admiration for everybody – everyone working there including all my colleagues worked really hard to make the station what it was.
“It was just a shame we never got the support from the former owners.”
Lyca Media II Ltd has been contacted for a response.
Lyca chief executive Raj Badhan previously said: “Whilst we continue investing in our south Asian radio stations, our time as owners of 107.5 is ending.
“We wish the station’s employees and clients well as it becomes part of the Nation Broadcasting Group.”
Romford MP Andrew Rosindell has written to Ofcom and the government expressing his concern about the takeover and the loss of local programming.
Nation Broadcasting’s founder Jason Bryant previously said: “London is an increasingly important market for Nation and holds significant growth potential.
“The ability to launch Nation Radio on FM to a large part of the capital alongside DAB, presents an attractive opportunity to increase the reach of the station and to market our wider range of services, including the Nation Player app, to London.”
Nation declined to comment further.
“I know the listeners were absolutely devastated to hear the (takeover) news and so were we,” added Neil.
“They weren’t just listeners – they became friends.”
