China Radio International: July 2007 Archives

It is rare that hosts are relieved of their duties at China Radio International's English Service, but unfortunately longtime radio host Joe Edwards has earned that dubious distinction.

Edwards was most recently heard on 91.5 in Beijing (and other Easy FM stations around the country) as the voice of News & Reports, the half-hour newscast run periodically throughout the day. Unfortunately, according to top CRI brass, Edwards struggled with journalism as his background is primarily as a disc jockey. He has been let go as a result. (No word on why he wasn't considered for the many music or education programs also offered on the station.)

Joe Edwards has been a long-time fixture on radio in Canada, and was recently an instructor at Columbia Academy, a broadcasting school, in Vancouver, Canada. In that post, he was able to share his rich experience with some of the west coast's up-and-coming broadcasters.

Joe has every intention of staying in China at the moment, and is considering sending off a resume to CCTV 9 to join the revolving door of staff at China's leading international television broadcaster. If that comes to fruition, we may hear Joe's dulcet tones on state-run TV stories in the near future.

Rick O'Shea could be found in the hallowed halls of China Radio International's English Service for 11 years. He went on the air each night, serenading listeners with “Ni hao are you?” and his host Yuan Yuan. Unfortunately their popular show, Joy FM, was canceled by CRI brass a few months ago and replaced with a show which hasn’t yet found its legs.

Rick, however, remains in Beijing and is a regular reader of China Media News. Since leaving his office in Shijingshan, Rick has taken up writing duties with 21st Century as a music columnist.

Congratulations to Rick, and we wish him continued success.