The broadcasting community and listeners across the Channel Islands are mourning the loss of a cherished voice, as BBC Radio Guernsey presenter John Randall has died at the age of 68 following a short illness. The station confirmed the sad news on Monday morning, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and community organisations who remember him as a warm, generous, and dedicated figure.
A Quarter-Century of Broadcasting Excellence
John Randall had been a familiar and beloved presence on BBC Radio Guernsey for an impressive 25 years, joining the station in 1999 when it launched its first local afternoon show. In recent years, he hosted the evening slot on Mondays and Fridays, alongside a popular Sunday afternoon programme, becoming a regular fixture in the lives of countless listeners. His career in radio began much earlier, starting on Offshore Radio in 1988 before he played a pivotal role in establishing Island FM in Guernsey in 1992.
Tributes from Colleagues and the Community
Michelle Danielle, the executive producer of Radio Guernsey, described John as "one of a kind" in a statement to BBC News, adding that "a huge part of us will always be missing." The station's social media announcement highlighted his warmth, generosity, and tireless support for local causes, noting that he would be "greatly missed by colleagues, listeners and the community he loved."
Fellow presenter Isla Blatchford emphasised John's remarkable charitable efforts, revealing that he had helped raise an astonishing £40,000 for various charities over the past two decades. "I think one of the best things about John was his ability to get people on board to help raise money for all sorts of causes," she said. "He could talk anyone into anything it seemed."
A Legacy of Service and Smiles
John Randall's commitment to community service extended far beyond the radio studio. He served as the president of the Burnham-on-Crouch Carnival Committee, with a connection dating back to 1967—an extraordinary 58 years of dedicated involvement. The committee paid tribute to him as "truly Mr Burnham Carnival," praising his supportive smile, words of wisdom, and countless stories from carnivals past.
In an interview with the BBC last year, John expressed his passion for helping others, stating, "I love helping people, I really do." He enjoyed meeting people and "putting smiles on faces," a philosophy that defined both his professional and personal life. Born in 1942, John married his wife, Marlene Groom, in 1961, and his legacy is one of profound impact on broadcasting, charity, and community spirit across Guernsey and beyond.
