Martin to step down as Mighty Live Sounds presenter

Southport journalist Martin Hovden is to retire as presenter of Mighty Radio’s Live Sounds show, which showcases music by local bands and singer/songwriters.

He explained: “After a great deal of thought, I’ve decided to step down as presenter of Live Sounds – but the great news is, the show will continue under the stewardship of my brilliant co-presenter Cameron Maerevoet (right).

“Live Sounds celebrates two anniversaries this year: it’s15 years since I started it as a column in The Champion and Southport Visiter; and 10 years ago I began hosting a radio version of Live Sounds with Southport Community Radio, Dune FM and now Mighty Radio. And I thank all of them – including my Live Sounds co-presenters past and present – for that opportunity.

“I’m extremely proud of those two anniversaries, but I think now – at the age of 67 – is a good time to hand over the reins to a younger person.”

He added: “I suffered a stroke last year which really scared me and I’m a lot more aware of my health than I used to be.

“I’m fine now, but although I love presenting the four-hour show, it’s a weekly commitment (plus booking guests, last minute changes etc) which is a pressure I feel I need to remove – my mum’s 96 and she had a stroke in her thirties, so hopefully I’ve got many more years to go.

“I want to give a huge thank-you to the hundreds of local bands and singers who either appeared in the column, on the show or both.

“We have so many wonderful, talented musicians of all ages out there and they deserve the support and encouragement of their local community.

“The simple premise of Live Sounds is to give them that support by providing a platform for them to share their amazing music with a wider audience.

“I’ll be presenting two more editions of Live Sounds with guests Uncle Gregory and Andy Harrison (this Tuesday from 6pm) and the following Tuesday with Some Time Today. Then after a short break Cameron will return with a new series of the show.

“I’m so grateful and pleased that Mighty Radio is a community radio station which truly believes in supporting its community, including our local musicians.

“As a journalist I spent 40 years in the print media (local newspapers), 10 years in local radio. Now I’m really enjoying the challenge of social media, especially Youtube. I’m determined to start making short news videos (at my pace) about the wonderful area we all live in. So watch this space.”