John Robbie reflects on life after 702 and why he still misses the station

Legendary broadcaster John Robbie has returned to the 702 studios nearly a decade after retiring from the station, reflecting on his career and the influence of talk radio in South Africa.

Robbie featured on 702’s Clement Manyathela Show, where he spoke about his years behind the microphone and the role the station played in shaping public debate.

“It’s fabulous to be here,” Robbie said as he returned to the studio where he spent years broadcasting to loyal listeners.

Nearly a decade since leaving 702

Robbie said it has been nine years since he retired from 702, a station where he became one of South Africa’s most recognisable radio voices.

“I can’t believe it,” he said when reflecting on how long it had been since he stepped away from the station.

During the conversation, Robbie spoke about the impact of radio and how it allowed broadcasters to engage directly with listeners.

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“I missed the platform,” he said. “Especially with some of the nonsense that's going on in the world at the moment.”

He explained that the power of radio lies in its ability to challenge public figures while also highlighting positive developments.

“Keeping that balance and having an opinion and having this platform was a huge, huge privilege.”

Early days of talk radio at 702

Robbie also reflected on the early days of talk radio at the station.

He explained that 702 was originally a music station before it shifted toward talk programming.

According to Robbie, the move came as competition increased and the station looked to reinvent itself.

“We made it up as we went along,” he said.

He said he was initially placed on the late-night talk slot, which quickly gained popularity among listeners.

“They had to move me to talk at nine because too many parents were saying their student kids weren’t going to bed because they were listening to the radio programme.”

The discipline behind breakfast radio

Robbie also shared insight into the discipline required to host breakfast radio.

After learning from radio professionals overseas, he adopted an early preparation routine that became legendary among colleagues.

He said he would arrive at the station extremely early to prepare for the show.

“I got up at quarter to three every morning for seventeen years,” Robbie said.

“I’m proud to say I was never late once.”

Despite stepping away from the microphone, Robbie said the experience of broadcasting and connecting with listeners remains one of the great privileges of his career.

To listen to Robbie on 702’s Clement Manyathela Show, use the audio player below: