After 17 years at BBC Radio 1, legendary host Annie Mac has announced she will depart the station in July.
“It’s all about time, really,” Mac wrote in an April 20 statement regarding the departure. “I need more time in the evenings to see my kids now that they are both in school. I would like more time to write fiction and to create podcasts. I also love the idea of leaving the party (and make no mistake working at Radio 1 does feel like a party) with a huge smile on my face, while I’m still having the most fun I can.”
Mac started at the station in 2002 as a production assistant on Zane Lowe’s program, getting her own program two years later and then moving into the Friday night slot which she’s occupied since. During her tenure at the station, Mac (born Annie MacManus) championed dance music, welcoming scene legends and helping break rising stars.
“Thank you for everything Annie. We wouldn’t be where we are today without your support,” Disclosure tweeted in response to the news, with Mark Ronson, Fatboy Slim, The Blessed Madonna, Pete Tong, Ed Banger Records, Defected Records and more also offering well wishes.
In her statement Mac notes that she’ll be returning to radio broadcasting “when the time is right.” Mac’s debut novel, Mother Mother, (published under her given name) comes out on May 27. Mac also hosts the podcast Changes, for which she talks to creatives about the concept of change. Mac’s last day on air will be July 30, 2021.
“I really believe in radio as a medium and I believe that the most beautiful thing about radio is that you are essentially investing in a person and investing in that person’s tastes. It’s about believability and trust,” Mac told Billboard in 2013.
Programming formerly handled by Mac will be taken over by Radio 1 hosts Clara Amfo, Jaguar and Danny Howard.
On Wednesday (April 20), Radio 1 also announced the Diplo’s long-running Diplo and Friends show will be leaving the station. It’s not yet clear if the program, which features mixes from genre-spanning dance acts, will be moving to a new home.
