markgriffiths.name

Dear Listeners

It's almost four years since I left the UK's biggest commercial radio station Classic FM after several years, to begin a new phase of my broadcasting career at China Radio International in Beijing.

I enjoyed every moment of my time at Classic FM and worked alongside some of the legends of British broadcasting while I was there. I'm pleased to have left the station on a positive note; the listening figures for the show I was asked to present rose consistently every year I was at Classic FM, from a starting point of 20,000 when I joined the station, to 500,000 when I left in search of adventure in the Far East(source: RAJAR).

A few days after I left Classic FM, I took a large cake to the radio station as a way of showing my friends and former colleagues my appreciation for their support over the years. They are among the most professional people it's been my pleasure to work with.

The station director for most of the time I was at Classic FM was Michael Bukht, who gained my respect from the outset and made me a better broadcaster in the process. His part in the success I now enjoy at China Radio International can never be overstated. I created the weekly classical music programme I now present in China, based on Michael's wisdom and insight into what people want to hear on the radio.

Michael had a saying that he repeated over and over again to all the presenters at Classic FM, "Smile. Segue. Shutup." He also stuck a note next to the microphone that said, "Open mouth. Talk. Shut mouth." and was known for his catchphrase, "Don't prattle." By sticking to this simple advice I've seen the classical music show I present on China Radio International rocket to first place in the list of "most listened to programmes" across all of China Radio International's FM radio services, reaching a weekly audience measured in the hundreds of millions. Thank you, Michael.

And thank you too, for all your support over the years. I hope to hear from you in the future, especially if you're one the loyal listeners who used to listen to, or contribute to my programmes on Classic FM. I couldn't have done it for so long without your energy, enthusiasm, interaction and feedback.

Keep in touch, and good luck with everything you do in the future.

Please click here if you'd like to visit my new website, where you'll find details of what I'm up to in China. There's also an email feedback form that you can use if you want to contact me.

Mark Griffiths