John Clarke is one of Irelands best-known radio DJs. From his humble beginnings, the teenager from Dublin 12, he has become an institution, a font of music knowledge, a music lover, and an all-around nice guy.
John was at the forefront of Pirate Radio in Ireland. From the back garden sheds and bedroom setups, John has worked with Radio Dublin through to Big D Radio, on to ARD, Radio 257 & K.E.L.O. From this, he was given his big break when Chris Cary handed him the dream job of presenting the breakfast show on Europe’s biggest Pirate Radio station, NOVA 88fm. From being the station’s first on-air DJ, he progressed to the afternoons before becoming head of music.
When Irish radio “came a-knockin’” in the mid-’80s, John moved to RTE, and from poacher to gamekeeper, carved out a successful career with the national broadcaster. He started as a weekend breakfast jock. His experience and abilities saw him rise amongst his peers where he became the Senior Producer of the “No. 1” Breakfast Show (Ian Dempsey on 2fm) for 10 great years. His love of music and the industry was rewarded when he was made Head of Music at 2fm.
In the late 90’s John was given the challenge of leading 2fm into a very competitive phase of broadcasting in Ireland. As Head of 2fm John took the station to No 1 music station in Ireland.
Not satisfied with climbing the corporate ladder, John’s love of music has kept his ear sharp, and he continued with very successful shows such as his late-night Album Show which ran for 15 years, and of course, “Ireland’s Biggest Jukebox” which topped the listeners rating on Sundays for the 15 years.
As digital radio became an important medium in the Irish broadcasting landscape, John created the brand ‘RTE Gold’. His creative programming saw the digital station rise to become the No.1 listened-to digital station in Ireland.
John’s love of radio continued with Radio Nova 100 and following 3 successful years presenting “John Clarke’s BIGGEST Jukebox”, as faith would have it, the clock then went full circle where John presented “The Sunday Morning Show” on Nova 100.
When the pandemic hit, broadcasting from home became a possibility and a reality. John now compiles and presents a variety of Shows heard on several “On-Line Radio Stations” including HospitalRadio.ie.