Ipswich: Mark Murphy’s last show at BBC Radio Suffolk

Hosting his final show, the presenter told his listeners: "BBC local radio is going through some big changes at the moment, with more to come. 

"I looked at what is happening in the future, and it's going in the direction I don't particularly want to go in, so I've decided I'll go in a different direction," the broadcaster said.

He added: "I was standing on the picket line for the NUJ a week ago.

Mark Murphy during the strike, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"It's the reason I'm leaving, because of the changes that have been made and it's the reason that other great broadcasters and colleagues will be leaving other stations as well.

"I firmly believe in local radio and local radio should be local."

BBC Radio Suffolk team during the protest, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

The 58-year-old revealed he was to leave the station after more than three decades in his weekly column in the East Anglian Daily Times on Saturday March 25.

He announced he was to leave ahead of what he yesterday described as "seismic" changes being made to BBC local broadcasting. 

The changes will mean local programmes will be replaced by regional shows at weekends, apart from local sports coverage.

Mr Murphy recently moved from presenting BBC Radio Suffolk's breakfast show to hosting a Saturday and Sunday morning show.

READ MORE: Mark Murphy's future plans after last BBC Radio Suffolk show

Mr Murphy’s listeners called in to thank him for his 33 years service at BBC Radio Suffolk, his support for the county and to wish him well for the future. 

Mr Murphy also recalled some of his happiest memories during his time as a broadcaster at the station.

On his Saturday show Mr Murphy said: "There still will be Radio Suffolk here, maybe slightly different, but there will still be one."

On his decision to leave, Mr Murphy has said: "I won’t kid you; it’s been a big decision to walk away from the job I love but I believe the time is right."