Veteran broadcaster Rob Chandler returns to Suffolk radio roots

The big picture: Chandler will host a new weekday show from 12:00 to 14:00, starting Monday 20 January. The veteran broadcaster brings over 40 years of radio experience back to his home county, where he first began at Radio Orwell before achieving record-breaking listening figures at Radio Broadland's breakfast show.

What they're saying: "Quite simply, in a time where local radio seems to be all but dead and the big radio groups are networking from London or Manchester, or who knows where, the team at Gen X should be applauded and supported for keeping radio alive in Suffolk," Chandler said.

James Hazell, Managing Director at Gen X Radio Suffolk, said: "We are thrilled to have Rob join Gen X. He has been a 'radio great' for over forty years and brings a unique wealth of talent and experience to the airwaves of his home county, Suffolk."

Commercial support: The new show has immediately attracted sponsorship from local commercial cleaning firm Vivo Clean. Managing Director George Pennell said: “We are so proud to be sponsoring the brilliant Rob Chandler and his new show at a true local radio station. Vivo Clean is at the heart of Suffolk, just like Gen X Radio – it’s the perfect fit!”

The bottom line: For listeners, Chandler's return represents a homecoming for one of the county's most experienced broadcasters and a win for local radio in Suffolk, where commercial stations have faced many headwinds since Radio Orwell first launched in 1975. Tune in at Gen X Radio Suffolk on Monday at 12:00.