Jenny Collins was part of the team that launched BBC Radio Merseyside in 1967 and served as Senior Producer for many years, presenting programmes including Junior Spin
A beloved BBC radio legend has passed away, prompting heartfelt tributes from colleagues. Jenny Collins was part of the pioneering team that launched BBC Radio Merseyside in 1967, dedicating many years to the station.
The station holds the distinction of being the third BBC Local Radio service to hit the airwaves, commencing broadcasts on 22 November 1967 from Commerce House in Liverpool.
BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Roger Lyon shared his sorrow on Facebook: “Very sad to hear today of the passing of one of the founding members of Radio Merseyside, the lovely Jenny Collins.
“She was there at the start in 1967 and performed many duties both in front of and behind the mike. I still have letters that we swapped in the mid-90s when I was living and working in Oz, and she was acting Programme Controller, planning what shows I could do on RM when I returned.
“The last time I saw her was about 4 years ago when she was my guest on RM chatting about her career working there. She was married to Steve Voce who for many years presented a Jazz Programme called Jazz Panorama.
“She had a great broadcasting voice and was a genuinely lovely person. RIP”, reports the Mirror.
His post quickly garnered responses from followers sharing their own memories. One fan lamented: “Oh sad I remember listening to Jenny,” while another penned: “Very sad news RE Jenny Collins, she had a “radio voice” one of the first presenters I heard when RM opened.”
Another listener chimed in: “The lady with the most incredible voice ever – an integral part to the station. So sad to hear this news.”
One person reminisced: “Nice words Roger. Remember in the early 90’s, Jenny packed me off to London for a week on a Presenter course. Always believed it was the leg up to my 30 years with BBC Merseyside. RIP Jenny.”
A fan shared their sorrow on a Radio Merseyside fan page, posting: “Sad news as I note the death of an original Radio Merseyside stalwart.”
Jenny Collins was a key member of the team that launched the station back in 1967 and served as Senior Producer for many years, hosting shows including Junior Spin. She was married to the station’s former jazz show presenter, the late Steve Voce.
Her husband, Steve Voce, a renowned jazz critic and broadcaster, passed away in 2023.
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