The local radio station has seen a number of high-profile exits in recent months

The Liverpool Live Radio studio is located at Queens Dock Business Centre on Norfolk Street

Liverpool Live Radio veteran presenters Roger Lyon and Frankie Connor have said they have both left the station with “immediate effect”, bringing an end to their popular Retro Shows. The local radio station, which launched in 2020 and broadcasts on DAB+ and online, has seen a number of high-profile exits in recent months, including Billy Butler, Linda McDermott and Pete Price.

According to Companies House, the station director is Rodney Keay, who hosts the mid morning show from 10am to 1pm from Monday to Saturday. Roger, a former BBC Radio Merseyside DJ who hosted the Sunday night Retro Show from 7pm, announced the decision in a statement posted on Facebook this evening (April 29).

He said the decision to leave the station with “immediate effect” was made with “genuine regret” following recent disruption to broadcasts and growing concerns about the station’s operations.

The post said: “It was clear last weekend when we were unable to access the studio that all was not well. It is now apparent that the studio has closed and the station is continuing on a ‘work from home’ basis.

“Both Frankie and I agree that this is not for us. We believe radio is best presented from a studio with the ability to interact with listeners. Therefore we have called time.”

The announcement follows confusion among listeners after several scheduled programmes, including Roger’s Sunday night Retro Show, were unexpectedly replaced with pre-programmed music. Fans had initially hoped the disruption was temporary, but Roger’s statement pointed to a more permanent change behind the scenes.

The ECHO tuned into today’s listed Liverpool Live Drive with Andy Dev episode and the show was programmed songs and jingles, without any DJ.

One jingle directed listeners to contact the station at 0151 640 0100. However, the number was inactive when the ECHO tried to get in touch.

The ECHO visited the studio at Queen’s Dock Business Centre, but nobody from the station was on site to provide a comment. The ECHO has also reached out for comment via email.

The station departures mark the end of an era for the Retro line-up, which had attracted a loyal audience since Roger and his colleagues joined the station after leaving BBC Radio Merseyside.

Roger thanked listeners in his statement, adding: “We both want to thank all the loyal Retro listeners who have supported us since we moved from Radio Merseyside, and we know how disappointed many of you will be. We share your disappointment.

“When Billy Butler, Linda Mac and Frankie and I first lined up together at LL, we had high hopes, so it is a great shame that all of us have had to leave.

“We wish all the volunteers who remain at LL, the very best of luck for the future. Keep it Retro.”

Legendary DJ Billy Butler was one of the first faces to join Liverpool Live when it launched. However, the 84-year-old’s departure from Liverpool Live was confirmed in January and was announced in a post on the station’s Facebook.

It said: “Broadcasting legend, Billy Butler’s career spans more than five decades across stations including BBC Radio Merseyside, Radio City, and most recently here with us at Liverpool Live.

“His wit, warmth, and unforgettable shows including ‘Hold Your Plums’ have made a lasting impact on Merseyside Radio. Billy was the first voice heard on Liverpool Live when we launched at 10am on Sunday, July 26, 2020.

“Like all good things…they must come to an end…We would like to thank Billy for his knowledge, dedication, and the valuable time he has given to Liverpool Live.”