Founding father of Radio Borders dies

Rod Webster, the founding managing director of Radio Borders, died shortly before Christmas at the age of 69.
Rod Webster was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.Rod Webster was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.
Rod Webster was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.

He was recognised as a highly successful radio executive who delivered high ratings, major awards and commercial success at a string of stations.

As an inspirational manager, commercially-savvy salesman and talented broadcaster, Rod was ideally suited to the world of independent local radio.

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He helped set up Moray Firth Radio in Inverness and also served as managing director at Northsound in Aberdeen and as head of training for Scottish Radio Holdings.

But his greatest achievements arguably came at Radio Borders, which celebrates 25 years on air this month.

Rod set up the station from scratch and led it to instant success. The first set of ratings showed 68 percent of potential listeners tuning in – a record audience reach for any UK radio station that stands to this day.“Rod was a great innovator and mentor, a commercial radio genius,” said Danny Gallagher, the first Radio Borders breakfast presenter who succeeded Rod as managing director and also went on to run Moray Firth Radio.

Rod lived in Galashiels with his family while he ran Radio Borders.Rod was diagnosed with lung cancer two years.

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Rod is survived by his wife Anne, a close partner in all their endeavours who was also a key member of the Radio Borders staff; by their three children, Sharon, Stuart and Colin; and by 10 grandchildren.

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