Radio Netherlands celebrates 23 years of great work by Jonathan Marks
Today, as Jonathan Marks' career as a full-time employee of Radio Netherlands officially ended, friends and colleagues had the chance to say thanks to Jonathan for everything he has done in his various roles with the organisation. This was not a farewell, as Jonathan will continue to act as a consultant to Radio Netherlands while running his own company, Critical Distance. But it was a watershed moment for both Jonathan and Radio Netherlands.
Jonathan was presented with various gifts, including a special DVD featuring contributions from many of the people he has worked with, both at Radio Netherlands and around the world. A video compilation of highlights from the DVD was played to the audience who packed into the reception area of Radio Netherlands. We were fortunate to have the "voice of Media Network", Jim Cutler, do the linking commentary. There were plenty of amusing anecdotes. Everyone who has interacted with Jonathan has a favourite story to tell!
An audio CD featuring an edited version of one episode from the memorable Hitchhiker's Guide to DXing series, and a selection of contributions from Jonathan's colleagues, was presented to each guest. We learned from RN Director General Lodewijk Bouwens that Jonathan first showed his talents for the media at the age of 6! Well, I can beat that, as I was on the stage at 4. The problem is, I retired from show business at 7, while Jonathan is still going strong 38 years later. Indeed, by the time you read this he'll be on a plane to Sri Lanka to make a video for the EBU.
What's great for those of us living in the Hilversum area is that Jonathan is staying put, and we'll still be seeing much more of him both socially and in his role as an advisor to Radio Netherlands. The Jonathan Marks era at Radio Netherlands may have changed in character, but it's a long way from being over!
8:13:00 PM 
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