JAMAICA MOURNS LOSS OF BROADCASTING LEGEND
Kingston, Jamaica – The Jamaican media landscape has lost one of its most distinguished voices with the passing of veteran broadcaster Walter Charles “Bob” Clarke. The renowned media personality, whose career spanned an impressive five decades, departed early Tuesday morning at Port Maria Hospital in St. Mary.
Clarke, celebrated for his immensely popular Sunday program “Memories” on IRIE FM, had been receiving medical treatment at the facility for an undisclosed condition. His contributions to Jamaican culture and broadcasting were formally recognized when he was honored with the prestigious Order of Distinction, one of the nation’s highest civic awards.
The broadcaster’s distinctive voice and curated musical selections on his long-running program made him a household name across the island. His Sunday broadcasts became an institution for generations of Jamaicans, blending nostalgic music with cultural commentary that preserved the nation’s audio heritage.
At 75 years old, Clarke leaves behind a legacy that transcends mere broadcasting. Colleagues and listeners remember him not just as a media practitioner but as a cultural archivist who understood the power of radio to unite communities through shared memories and musical traditions.
The Jamaican media community has begun paying tribute to Clarke’s remarkable career, noting his unwavering commitment to quality programming and his role in shaping the island’s radio landscape over half a century.