John Berks

Today’s familiar voice belongs to South African radio legend: John Berks.

John started his radio career in 1964 when he was employed as a disc jockey on LM Radio. He moved onto a couple of other radio stations including Swazi Music Radio, Radio 5 and Capital before starting at Radio 702 in 1981.  John soon became the most popular voice on South African radio.

John was known for his fantastic sense of humour while he hosted the morning show on 702, until he retired from the station in the late 90′s. John is still very much in demand as a public speaker and currently lives in Johannesburg.

Website: http://www.johnberks.com
Facebook Fan Page
Location: Johannesburg

John was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: If you were asked to give a talk at a local school, How would you like the principle to introduce you?

A: Many years ago, he too as sent to us by a judge.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I fell in love with Audrey Hepburn when I saw her in Breakfast in Tiffany’s a total of 7 times.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you want it to be?

A: Very much like Hugh Hefner’s… plus the trimmings, in Klerksdorp.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property. Not exactly the Play Boy mansion, but how about this R5.5m prestige home is situated on a hill overlooking Klerksdorps Northern suburbs?

Radio in South Africa

Q: You were with Radio 702 for almost 21 years, having first joined the station in 1981. What are some of your fondest memories from your career at 702?

A: Talking to Larry King. No one knows, Save me! What bad breath he has.

While interviewing Tom Jones, he dropped a dart-fart. He apologised on air from fright.

Q: What are your thoughts on the current state of talk radio in South Africa? Why do you think it is that there are not more talk radio stations?

A: A wiser guy than I once said quantity does not have to mean quality. Does that answer your question? Talk Radio is expensive and every darn music station in the country forgets their format it music.

Q: What advice would you offer those wanting a career in radio?

A: It’s the most wonderful medium ever! I know I lived the dream from the age of 10.

Q: South Africa has a rich history when it comes to radio and radio personalities. If you were to establish a South African Radio Hall of Fame, who would be your first inductee?

A: Clarke Mckay, Daryl Jooste and David Davies.

Q: If you were to start your own radio station, who would you contact for your morning and afternoon drive shows?

A: Hell, that’s a tall one!

Life in South Africa

Q: How would you rate the performance of the current government since the last general elections and what areas would you like them to improve upon?

A: This country needs to get a awake up. Lead by example.

Q: If you were tasked with commissioning a postal stamp depicting the beauty of South Africa and it’s people, which image would you select?

A: Meerkat holding paws. (No not mating)

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?

A: Mandela, Player, Tutu and Table Mountain.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Johannesburg?

A: Not much. I really don’t find Johannesburg an exciting city. Give me New York, now that’s a city. So nice. Why, they even named it twice.

Q: Favorite restaurant in or around Johannesburg for lunch with a group of friends?

A: Yet to find one.

Q: What are Johannesburg’s must-see attractions for visitors to the Soccer World Cup?

A: A live high-jacking or bank robbery. For tourists, that could be more exciting than the big 5.

General

John and Sol Kerzner

Q: If you had a request to select one of your prank phone calls to be made into a movie. Which one would you pick and who would like seen cast in the lead?

A: Sol Kerzner and Indian Waiter applying for a job.

Link to audio of the infamous Sol Kerzner prank call

Q: Which book would you make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: Adult Education… by life-long learning.

Q: If you could invite any three of today’s current radio personalities to dinner, who would you invite and what would you ask them to bring?

A: None. Only their wives, far more interesting.

Q: Which of your interviews do you wish you had the opportunity to redo? What would you ask differently the second time around?

Q: Walter Sisulu. More intelligent questions.

We’d like to thank John for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future.