By JONATHON HOWARD
CAPTION: Rainbow FM announcer Michael Parris has walked away from his breakfast program after a war of words with the new committee.
LONG-TIME radio announcer Michael Parris has announced his shock retirement from Rainbow FM.
Mr Parris had presented his breakfast show on Mondays and Wednesdays for the past decade, and was an active member of Rainbow FM’s management committee.
This week he spoke passionately about his time at Rainbow FM and apologised for the not being able to say “goodbye” to his listeners.
According to Mr Parris, a recent change of committee at the station, and the imposition of new rules and regulations had prompted his retirement.
“My decision to resign was brought on by some very unpleasant dealings with the management,” he said.
“I had thought the new management committee would be better communicators, but instead it turned into a bit of a dictatorship – so I knew it was time to go.”
Mr Parris said he had enjoyed his time at the station and left with no hard feelings.
“I have enjoyed entertaining listeners over the past 10 years, Julie and I thank you so much for your friendship and support,” he said.
Mr Parris said he would travel from Emuvale to Warwick every week to perform his show.
“During that time I hit three kangaroos and one cow – which totalled my ute,” he said.
Mr Parris was also famous for his “taboo jokes” which contain no swearing – but were mostly for adults.
Rainbow FM committee president Don Maher said Mr Parris was always welcome back at the station.
“It was his own doing in this case – but we would always welcome Mr Parris back,” Mr Maher.
Mr Maher said the committee was simply unable to fulfill an unreasonable request.
“The station has certain boundaries and codes with the CBAA (Community Broadcasting Association of Australia) that are required for us to meet,” he said.
