BBC Radio Jersey presenter Phil Taylor has died, aged 71, after a 35-year career with the broadcaster. Taylor retired 18 months ago, best known for his Sunday show By Special Request and Saturday morning programmes.
Tributes have been paid by colleagues, including Matthew Price, BBC Radio Jersey executive producer, who worked with Taylor for 25 years. Price said: 'Phil developed a wonderfully warm relationship with listeners, first on Sunday lunchtime with an extended show called By Special Request, and then later to the time-slot with which he became synonymous – Sunday Afternoons.'
As well as presenting, Taylor worked behind the scenes as a technical operator for Royal Outside Broadcasts, Liberation Day, Election nights and the Saturday Sports Show. Following his retirement in July 2024, he thanked listeners in a poignant message, writing: 'It is a privilege that I never took for granted, ever. Until next we meet, wherever, whenever, please be kind, tolerant, understanding and accepting of each other.'
The BBC said Taylor considered it a privilege to be on the radio and be part of people's lives, achieving record audience figures during his tenure on Saturday mornings. His funeral is due to be held on Friday in St Helier.
