Channel Islands journalist and broadcaster Gary Burgess is swapping the TV screen for the radio airwaves and a surprise stint as guest editor of Business Eye CI.
It comes as the St Helier-based TV reporter retires from his reporting and editing role at ITV News, after nearly seven years, for health reasons.
“It’s been a tough year for me, but it’s time to look to the future,” said Gary who was diagnosed with Myalgic Envephalomyelitis last October. “ITV have been brilliant, holding my position open to me, but it’s time to focus on what I can do – which is a ‘pick n mix’ of work that fits with my focus on my wellbeing.”
The first two roles in Gary’s new freelance career couldn’t be more different.
Starting next week, he’ll be editing Business Eye CI, where he’s been invited to oversee the choice of business stories the team covers through the daily subscriber email and growing website.
He’ll also, from Monday, be presenting the Breakfast Show on Jersey’s commercial radio station Channel 103 for a few weeks.
“When I was approached by Business Eye CI to work with the team, I was delighted. And the contrast of that with the chance to get back to my radio roots means this new chapter in my career is beginning in a suitably eclectic way!”
Gary also writes a fortnightly column in the Jersey Evening Post, is working on a series of podcasts for the national ME Association charity, is prolific on social media, and says he’d also like to offer media training services in the coming months.
“I’m a great believer in serendipity so I am allowing one thing to lead to another rather than following some pre-determined grand plan. The whole purpose of going freelance was to focus on the things I enjoy in a way that works for me.”
