Real Radio Farce as Wiggy Departs

This follows the decision of Real Radio Wales to not renew the contract of Steve "WIGGY" Wiggins, who hosts "Wiggy's Little Bit in the Afternoon", between 1 and 4pm.

As someone who gave up listening to Radio Pembrokeshire when Ceri Jones left, in some respect, I can understand why they made the decision, as without change, a radio station can become stale. I'm NOT saying Wiggy was stale, but Radio Pembrokeshire in my opinion, had become stale and Ceri Jones' unique brand of humour, bordering on sarcasm was what floated my boat.

I found Real Radio when on holiday near Criccieth and Porthmadog. Presumably the signal went across the sea and we had a clear signal in the car, and it is a nice mix of music and chat.

Well, Wiggy is unique amongst the radio presenter fraternity in that with his own characters, I fell in love with his Aunty Mavis, but equally, I would turn over the radio to another station when Elvis T Clutterbuck came on. You cant win them all!

Wiggy, also had excellent communication skills with his listeners via his Facebook group and we would all have a giggle at his subjects and his "Wiggy's Big Number". Some of the replies could even be read out on the radio, though the vast majority were there as we would have a bit of a laugh as we pushed the boundaries of comedy.

Wiggy made it clear that he was a radio presenter and didnt have any real say in the songs that were played, but his banter and jovial manner made an enjoyable 3 hour show for us to pick up, 5 days a week, between Monday and Friday.

It became a family almost and I and others have made some good Facebook friends through the show.

Also, it was Wiggy who played a lot of Michael Buble before he became the big name he is now and I am proud to say it was Wiggy who introduced me to "Michael Bubbles" as he called him!

I was told by a Facebook friend in confidence, about 10 days ago what was happening to Wiggy and I retained that confidence. Firstly, because I keep confidences and I hear a fair few when I am out and about in my work, and secondly, I couldn't believe it and as it involves a person who gives me hours of entertainment on the radio, I believe anyone leaving their job, should leave in dignity and with their head held high.

Well, about 2 days ago, the cat got out of the bag and Facebook became a minefield of comments about Wiggy leaving today and a campaign has been led by a few and the Facebook Group Save Steve "Wiggy" Wiggins on Real Radio Wales, was set up. There is even a group about the Real Radio switch off, at 4pm today.

So whilst this revolution doesn't quite match that going on in Libya, the powers that be in Real Radio Towers are sure learning that the listeners are not a happy lot.

I have messaged Wiggy myself and am quite sure that in due course there will only be one REAL WINNER and that will be Wiggy himself. You can't keep a good man (or woman) down and he will be back on the airwaves or doing a job that he will enjoy far more than the knife that was stuck in his front, by the faceless individuals at Real Radio.

If I was to list a DJ at Real Radio who I would like to see go, Wiggy would have been at the very BOTTOM of my list and I could name one that is the Weakest Link in my opinion, but I won't name him.

Some listeners say they will be switching to other radio stations after 4pm today. Will that work and have any effect on listener figures? I somehow doubt it and I know that the powers that be wont care, anyway. They have made their decision and won't back track. But at least with Facebook, Twitter and blogs, we, the mere listener DO have the power to let our feelings be known and they wont miss that.

So its shame on the faceless bigwigs and my best wishes go out to Wiggy, the consumate professional to the end. And to his radio colleagues still in their posts, they must be wondering where the knife will be stuck, next.

Here's to a great future to Wiggy, Mrs Wiggy, the Milk Monster and the Bump. And as Abba said "thank you for the music", oh....... and the humour and the banter. That will certainly NOT be there from 1pm, next Monday.

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