JazzFM have just put out this statement:

“It is with great sadness we announce that Richard Wheatly died earlier this week, following a short illness. Richard had been an integral part of Jazz FM for many years and is responsible for shaping the brand.”

Having been Managing Director of the station in its initial existence (2000-2005) Richard was the main person responsible for the re-launch of the station after buying the brand back from Guardian Media Group in June 2008. Passionate about the muusic, he raised the money to make the station work, survive and prosper as an independent station in a market populated by much larger groups. He gave us an extensive interview just after the move from National DAB in Febrary 2014

In the past year he took on another role he cherished, and to which he had started to bring his energy and enthusiasm, as Chair of the National Youth Jazz Collective. This news is as sad as it is sudden. He will be sorely missed.