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Livingstone signs as radio talk show host
20.05.08
Ken Livingstone is to host his own live radio chat show.
The former mayor has signed up for an undisclosed fee to talk radio station LBC to present his own afternoon phone-in.
He will have a practise run at the end of June when he stands in for regular afternoon presenter Jeni Barnett.
Mr Livingstone, 62, will then go on to present his own regular show, although he is still in talks with bosses about the format.
Left-winger Mr Livingstone said today: "I'm delighted to be joining LBC. I'll be the perfect afternoon antidote to Nick Ferrari. You can detox with me."
LBC said it was thrilled to welcome Livingstone after his eightyear reign as London mayor ended earlier this month following his defeat by Boris Johnson.
Jonathan Richards, the station's programme director, said: "Ken brings unique insight to LBC 97.3. After eight years as mayor of London, no-one knows this city and its people better.
"He has seen London through the best and worst of times.
"Love him or hate him, Ken Livingstone is never boring."
A spokesman added: "Ken was very eager. Having been mayor for eight years, he wanted to continue being a voice for the city.
"He said that many listeners might not like him to begin with, but he was looking forward to eventually persuading them round."
Reader views (8)
I don't think I will listen, he will probably start bitching and feeling sorry for himself.
- Jean Matthews, London England
I for one will be tuning in. For one to get a deeper insight into the man and secondly he cannot fail to raise the quality of LBC's output no matter how good he is at the job.
- Michael, Colindale London
I am sure LBC will soon drop the show, when no one tunes in. Ratings will decide.
What has this man got to say, that is worth listening to?
- Samuel Lewis, London
Why would anyone wants to listen to a hypocrite?
- Joe Sardena, Swanley Kent
I know I'm going to be wanting to listen to it. Beneath the "whiney"ness, he might actually have some good stuff to say!
- Alii, London, UK
Good lord! the man is like herpes. You just can't get rid of him.
- Jimbob, Kensington
OK, so I'm a cynic.
I can just picture his show being an on-going critique of anything and everything Boris, and of how he would have done it differently. He's got plenty of 'rabidly red' supporters who will feed him questions and comments that would suit such a long term program to a "T".
I might be wrong of course - who knows? Leopards can change their spots - can't they?
- Rogan, DFW Texas
Is this some kind of gimmicky hotline for Lee Jasper & Co to keep in touch with their old boss Ken Livingstone?
Are the public really going to want to listen to Ken's whiney voice?
Is LBC really that desperate?
- Fraser, Telford Park
