BCfm Blog

10 Years and Counting for The Old Gits

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Bristol Radio stalwarts Chris Criddle, John Ford and David Southway are celebrating 10 years
since starting their radio show – Old Gits and Hits.

It started on Bristol community station BCfm in January 2015 as a bit of fun following a
chance conversation between John and BCfm station manager Pat Hart. John pulled
together some old radio friends who had all worked together professionally at various
commercial stations including Radio West, GWR and STAR Radio.


Between them they have almost 150 years of radio experience having broadcast on many
commercial radio stations as well as for the BBC. Infact, David was one of the first voices on
BBC Radio Bristol when it started in 1970 and John has been with the BBC since 2007.
Their passion for the Old Gits and Hits Show has seen them broadcast the show from Spain,
from a prison, a pie factory and plenty of other places.


The show is basically an improvised two hours where they each introduce a subject without
the others knowing, who then quickly chip in. John says “The premise of the show is to have
some fun, not taking what we say that seriously. However we are not afraid to tackle tricky
subjects and speak about things that, these days, some people are uncomfortable
discussing. Then again, we’re Old Gits!”

Since starting the show 10 years ago, they have never missed one of their weekly slots. If
one is away the others carry on. If they are all away then a “best off” or a repeat of one of
their specials is broadcast, something that David says they are very proud of.


Since starting on BCfm, their show is broadcast around the country on some 20 radio
stations as well as in Spain and a podcast version on Podcast Radio in the UK and USA.


They also continue to present shows separately. Chris is the co founder, programme
manager and Breakfast Show presenter of Thornbury Radio. David presents “Soul Vaults” –
which is syndicated around the world on 50+ stations and John can be heard on BBC Radio
Bristol presenting sport.