Shock as Alex Jay axed

2002-11-12 15:26

Pieter Redelinghuys

Cape Town - The news that veteran broadcaster Alex Jay had been given the boot by 5FM was greeted by shock and disbelief in the South African music industry.

Jay will have to leave by the end of the month. The news comes barely a month after controversial 702 Talk Radio host Gareth Cliff was appointed by 5FM.

Johan Langford, the station's acting manager, said Jay's image no longer fitted the station. "Alex's presence has made a huge impact since his first day at the station. However, his image no longer complies with ours after 17 years."

News24 contacted well-known musicians, a promotor and a former colleague of Jay who have come to know him well in the past 17 years.

Their reaction varied from total disbelief and shock to quiet optimism.

Arno Carstens, lead singer of former South African rock group the Springbok Nude Girls, said he read about 5FM's decision and "could not believe" what he saw.

"The station had lost its sense of humour. Alex has a stunning personality, he is a great guy. I don't know who will be able to fill his shoes," said the former Nude Girl.

"He was the last guy I would have let go. He knew what he was doing, he supported South African artists. It is a very sad day for radio," Carstens said.

Industrial rocker Paul Rieket of the band Battery9 said he would remember Jay as one of those unique DJ's who listened to answers when doing interviews.

"You often find in radio interviews the presenter simply fires away, not listening and reacting to what you are saying, just waiting to get on with the next track. Alex was not like that. He knew what he was talking about.

"I think he was the best 5FM could offer listeners. He was funny, clever, above the average DJ. And, besides that, when he still presented the Breakfast Show it was nice to wake up with something like Frank Zappa or Stevie Wonder instead of the crap they play nowadays."

Lead singer of Cape Town band the Dolly Rockers, Greg Donnelly, said Jay's departure was a huge disappointment. "He had a geniune interest in music. He put in effort to source information before presenting his programmes. He made it interesting and entertaining to listen to 5FM."

When Donnelly heard that Jay's image "no longer fitted" the station he said such a statement was "ridiculous".

"Is he too old for 5FM,?" asked the Dolly Rocker, "have they heard of John Peel?" (Peel is a well-known BBC radio personality)

Music and festival promoter Dagga-Dirk Uys believes Jay is "one of the legends" of SA radio. "I've known him for 10 years - he made us laugh and he made us proud to be involved in SA music. It's a great pity that he won't be on 5FM any more."

The last word belongs to Neil Johnson, P4 Radio station manager and a former 5FM colleague of Jay's. He believes the whole thing has been blown out of proportion.

"Alex was not booted or fired - they did not renew his contract. It happens to DJs worldwide, no matter how long you've been with a station.

"I can absolutely understand 5FM's decision. They cater for a 16-24 market and Alex does not fit that profile any more. End of story. It is a business decision."

Johnson added that he'd known Jay for 11 years. "He is one of the few competent DJs in South Africa. It is not often you find a talent like his, a natural, intellegent broadcaster, at ease behind the microphone.

"Innovative as well - he was the first guy to start making use of sound clips and mixes on air.

"Just think what value he can add to a regional station, something like a KFM or GoodHope FM. They will benefit incredibly by getting him on board," Johnson said.

- News24