We’re lucky to have Joy in Nairobi who’s a regular texter and similarly astute. Joy is always first with the news that our transmitter in Nairobi has dropped off air or that we’ve scheduled a presentation link an hour early because someone has got muddled up between East Africa time, GMT and BST. (it’ll be *exactly* an hour early of course - there’s always an element of precision involved).

Joy’s life beyond her texts remains a mystery though. Being in text contact means we cannot see her surroundings. But the contact is valid and Joy’s love for the BBC is one of the reasons I spend a few minutes each week texting listeners back to say thanks for getting in touch. Radio stations can no longer pretend to be friends with their listeners unless they behave that way.

By the way, Marty will be able to follow you by enjoying a range of BBC programming on WNYC 93.9FM, 820AM or via Sirius or XM. One day, I’d love for Marty and Joy to meet.

No worries, James. I’ll be happy to continue to cc you with Virgin Radio matters once you join the BBC. I wouldn’t want you to miss anything.

Seriously, it is only through your expertise at giving Virgin Radio an internet platform that I became a listener (a compulsive one at that). I am so grateful to be a listener that I feel a special rapport with the people at the station and try my best to let people know when something appears to be amiss.

I will miss your presence at the station. Hopefuly your successor at Virgin Radio will have the requisite patience to cope with the multitude of my emails (including those bereft of rational thought).

I am sure you will be successful at the BBC but I will wish you good luck nonetheless.

I hope it’s ok if I send you an email once in awhile there.

best,

Marty