Newcastle’s Mr Radio Dies

30May07

Legendary Newcastle radio announcer Pat Barton,  popularly known as “Mr. Radio”, has died early yesterday aged 92.

Barton spent 55 years on the air, mainly in the breakfast slot at Newcastle station 2KO (now KOFM). Barton’s career started at Young’s 2LF in 1938, later moving to 2KO in 1941, before spending four years in the army in World War II. His show on 2KO was so successful, rival 2HD lured him away in 1952, before returning to 2KO in 1957, staying there until 1993.

In his time, he interviewed such stars as Buddy Holly and Nat King Cole, and even took in then in-experienced 22 year old John Laws, introducing the top 40 format to the Hunter. His on air trademarks included witty ad-libs and precise time calls (e.g. “it’s twenty-eight and a half after eight”).

He is survived by his three children and two grandchildren, as his wife Margot passed away in 2003.

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