Ian Watkins is celebrating 25 years at Mansfield 103.2

Mansfield 103.2 is celebrating a remarkable milestone as one of its most familiar voices, Ian “Watko” Watkins, marks 25 years at the station.

Since first stepping into the studio in Nov 2000 as a Breakfast tea boy, Watko has become a fixture of Mansfield 103.2 – and a much-loved part of daily life in his home town. Known for his warm personality, quick wit, and passion for local life, he has helped shape the identity of the station, which remains one of the last truly independent local radio stations in the UK.

Watko who was born and grew up in the town, has always had his heart firmly rooted in Mansfield. Alongside his broadcasting career, he has spearheaded many heritage based community projects over the years including his popular Granada cinema website, which celebrates and preserves the history of one of Mansfield’s most iconic venues that once played host to The Beatles. His efforts have extended well beyond the studio, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the town he calls home. He’s taken part in many charity activities for the station over the years, including sleeping under the stars at numerous Big Snores for the homelessness charity Framework and memorably raising money for the John Eastwood Hospice after accepting a bet to present his Breakfast show in a bridal gown on the day of the Royal Wedding back in 2011.

Watko said: “I never dreamed when I first joined Mansfield 103.2 that I’d still be here 25 years later. It’s been an incredible journey sharing music, stories, and local life with the people of Mansfield and Ashfield. This station is part of the community, and I feel honoured to have been a part of it for so long. I have worked with some incredibly talented people over the years and I want to say thank you to Tony Delahunty and the team for putting up with me for so long. I spent a lot of my childhood pretending to be a presenter in my bedroom and became a radio fanatic at an early age thanks to people like Steve Wright, Martin Kelner, Tommy Boyd and Kenny Everett – so to follow in their footsteps in my home town has been a dream come true for me”.

Mansfield 103.2, launched in 1999, continues to thrive as an independent broadcaster, providing a unique voice for the area at a time when many local stations have merged into national networks. Watko’s quarter of a century of service is not only a testament to his dedication and loyalty but also to the enduring spirit of truly local radio.

Managing Director Tony Delahunty, who has been with the station since its launch in Feb 1999, added: “Watko has been at the heart of Mansfield 103.2 since he arrived in Nov 2000. His energy, humour, passion and connection with our listeners are second to none. Reaching 25 years at the same station is a rare achievement in today’s radio industry, and we’re incredibly proud to celebrate this landmark with him.”

Watko, who has presented Watko In The Afternoon on 103.2 for almost 10 years, will mark the occasion on his show on the day of his anniversary, November 27th. .He says the celebrations will be low key on air but he will be celebrating the landmark with family, friends and colleagues.

About Mansfield 103.2

Mansfield 103.2 is an independent local radio station serving Mansfield, Ashfield, and surrounding areas. Broadcasting since 1999 on FM, the station is dedicated to providing music, news, and features that reflect and celebrate the local community.

About Watko

Ian has been Programme Controller at the station for almost 20 years and has presented regular shows on the station since Feb 2001, including a 5 year stint on Breakfast between 2010 and 2015. Ian was born at Kings Mill Hospital in May 1978 and attended Sherwood Hall Upper School he also studied at the University of East Anglia. He has been the on stage host at many events over the years including the Mansfield Christmas Lights Switch Ons in both 2022 and 2023. He has also represented the station at hundreds of outside broadcasts during his 25 year stint. Outside of work Ian has a keen interest in local history running thegranadamansfield.co.uk website and is the host of a new podcast called Name Droppers.