JACKfm’s News Editor, Jo Summerbell has gone on maternity leave after over 10 years at JACKfm Oxfordshire.
Most recently Jo has been co-hosting the new breakfast show with local comedian and presenter Matt Richardson.
Andrea Fox is now covering Jo’s role which includes reading the breakfast news bulletins, co-hosting JACKfm breakfast and hosting the Saturday local What’s On show The Scoop.
Jo’s written a special blog on the JACKfm website about her experiences so far and pending motherhood.
She says: “I can’t believe it’s been just over 10 years since I started as JACKfm’s newest Broadcast Journalist! I had an awful lot to learn back then, but I got to know the patch incredibly quickly as I was tasked with covering everything from a general election to a high-profile murder case – reporting live (in my purple wellies) from flood waters in Oxford or up in the skies on an RAF air-to-air refuelling mission.
I’ve been lucky enough to work with so many amazing local charities and fascinating people overthe years. Sharing some of their incredible stories and helping them raise money and awareness is probably the most rewarding part of my job.
As News Editor I’ve also been blown away by what our tiny team can achieve, consistently bagging countless industry awards and nominations from the likes of the ARIAS, the IRN’s and the British Podcast Awards.
But it’s time for me to hang up my headphones and sign off (it’s goodbye for now, not forever) from the JACKfm Breakfast Show to prepare for a whole new challenge … being a Mum.
I won’t miss the 4am alarms. Although I’m very aware I’ll still be getting woken up nice and early, albeit for a very different reason.
A huge thank you and good luck to the wonderful Andrea Fox who is stepping in to read the news and present the show alongside the brilliant Matt Richardson on weekday mornings.”
Andrea Fox has previously worked for Brighton’s Juice FM, Heat Radio and can still be heard on Atmosphere Radio and ITV1 where she is a continuity announcer. She is also a podcaster and voiceover artist.
Andrea said: “They’re big boots to fill, but Jo, Matt and the whole team at JACK have made me feel so welcome. And the scenery here in Oxfordshire is the icing on the cake!”
Steve Simms, JACKfm’s Programme Controller said: “We wish Jo all the best and thank her for growing our audience! It’s great having Andrea on board, she’s a great fit with our team of local and big name personalities!”
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk