Longest serving GB2RS newsreader forced off air

The 10am 40m GB2RS news reading from Northern Ireland has temporarily ceased.

In the early hours of Saturday 15 March the antenna system of newsreader Jimmy Porter, GI3GGY, collapsed during gales that swept Northern Ireland.

The antenna was a huge log periodic, weighing over a ton. It originally served at the nearby US Clooney Base radio station as part of the Cold War 'hot line' between Kruschev and Kennedy. The antenna, plus two complete spares, were given to Jimmy in 1977 when the base closed.

Fortunately the antenna's lattice tower was not seriously damaged, but repairs are unlikely to be completed for at least two months.

Jimmy is the longest serving GB2RS newsreader, having broadcast the news for over 50 years.

Source: RSGB