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Those of you who have already visited the RBI website will know that my personal motivation for starting Radio Beaujolais International was to relive a passion for radio, born from my younger years.

Many of our French listeners remember the days of ‘radio libre’ in France in the 1970’s and 1980’s, with thousands of unlicensed radio stations transmitting from secret sites around France.

For British people, like myself, the days of ‘pirate’ radio or ‘free’ radio began in 1964 and had their origins not on land but on ships anchored in the international waters of the North Sea.

The first station attempting to break the monopoly of the BBC was Radio Caroline, which still exists to this day, and has finally been given a broadcasting licence. But in the mid-1960’s, listeners in the United Kingdom were able to tune in to a total of eleven radio stations broadcasting either from ships or fixed maritime wartime forts.

UK government legislation was introduced on 14th August 1967, making it illegal for any British citizen to work for, supply or advertise on the offshore stations. By 3pm on 14th August only one station, Radio Caroline, refused to recognise the new legislation and continued broadcasting.

One of the best-loved pioneers of Caroline’s resistance was British disc-jockey Johnnie Walker, who was looked on as a cult figure of resistance by millions of young and not-so-young listeners.

Sadly Johnnie Walker died on New Year’s Eve 2024, following a fight against pulmonary fibrosis. I feel it only right and fitting that RBI recognises Johnnie’s inspirational determination and bravery in the fight to break the monopoly of the BBC.

This final recording was made by Johnnie in October and provides a fascinating insight into his time on board Radio Caroline.