Clarence Ford thanks Heart FM listeners for more than two decades of cherished memories
Cape Town - Shortly after Clarence Ford was fired by Heart FM, in an exclusive interview with Weekend Argus the legendary radio man had a special message for his loyal listeners as he was not afforded the opportunity to bid them farewell.
Heart FM fired radio veteran Ford, one of their longest-serving employees on Monday, 40 minutes before he was about to go on air for his daily radio slot.
He said he was enroute to Heart's studios in Green Point for his lunchtime show, when he got a phone call from programme manager Vernon Nel informing him of his dismissal.
Weekend Argus asked the heartbroken radio personality what he would like to say to his loyal listeners and everyone involved in his journey?
A very emotional Ford responded: "It was a really special thing and we made lots of memories. And I think we were in the musical moments often and we had great parties and enjoyed friendships and enjoyed laughter with the music. And it is no more on Heart."
Ford is a walking bank of memories, and he has shared plenty of them with Weekend Argus.
"Just on Thursday I spoke to (listeners) Maureen and Rafael and they told me their son Caleb had just graduated from college. He is around 21-years-old. And when he was born, mom and dad shared a very precious moment with me, and I welcomed him into life as the youngest listener of P4 radio at the time. And now he's a graduate.
“That does speak about the time I've done at Heart. Of course it is sad because there's a lot of great memories, all of which I cherish. And these are the kinds of things I hold onto for a lifetime."
Ford leaves huge shoes to fill. He enjoyed legendary status at Heart FM. The man who delivered the Friday lang arm segments, the off-key sing along sessions to the golden oldies, the man whose sultry voice made everything okay, will focus on his business projects from now on.
Ford's dismissal stems directly from his revelations in a Weekend Argus Sunday exclusive that bullying by a senior manager resulted in his decision to leave the station. His departure from the station was only meant to happen at the end of February next year.
Heart FM put out a statement on Monday saying Ford had been “an integral part of our establishment since 1997 ... has played a huge part in growing Heart FM as Cape Town’s favourite station, through both its music architecture and listening experience.”
The station acknowledged that Ford was one of the longest serving stewards in the radio broadcast industry but “with an ever-changing radio landscape over the past few years, and constantly changing listening patterns, we have had to consider options around retaining existing audiences as well as growing for the future, with a view to remaining one of the top radio stations in the province – this has resulted in refreshing our line-up,” said the statement.
The statement said Heart FM would have liked to retain Ford’s services through his Sunday show. “But he has elected to make a clean break from Heart FM sadly, which we have had to accept, respect, and support that he makes this decision for his own best interest at heart.”
"Ford will always remain an integral part of our station, and will always be remembered for his eclectic taste in music. While we are sad to see him leave, we must also thank him for his support and dedication over the many years to help grow this great brand, “ said the statement.