When aspiring broadcaster Richard Burgess joined the staff at Radio Jamaica (RJR) over 40 years ago, it was one of two major radio stations in Jamaica. The other was the government-run Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation.

The media landscape has expanded considerably in the Caribbean country and Burgess, known as Richie B, has been one of its most influential players. After decades on traditional radio, he recently started richiebradio.com which is helmed by ‘The Richie B Morning Show’.

That programme airs in Canada on reggaenorthradio.com, Mondays to Fridays from 7 AM to 10 AM. It can also be heard on New Jersey-based Roadblock Radio, which began broadcasting May 1 as 101.1FM HD3 on CBS.FM.

In the United Kingdom, The Richie B Morning Show is on silkradiouk.com Wednesdays and Fridays.

“The concept of establishing richiebradio.com originated when I recognised the potential of digital radio and decided to create a platform to share my content and engage with listeners online. I started to fasttrack the concept when I separated myself from another media entity in August of 2023,” Richie B explained.

The veteran DJ left The Bridge 99 FM last summer. Richie B joined that station two years earlier amid much fanfare; there was similar excitement when he moved to Mello FM and The Edge 105FM but while he remained popular, his stints were not as impactful as his RJR heyday.

Richie B is keen to capitalise on the dynamics of digital radio, especially on platforms geared toward the massive Jamaican Diaspora in Canada, the tri-state area and United Kingdom.

“In addition to music, the show delivers up-to-date news to keep listeners informed about current events. The popular segment ‘The Big Story’ dives deeper into key news topics, providing insightful analyses and discussion, on matters of interest to Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora. Entertainment enthusiasts can also enjoy ‘Entertainment Scoops and Trendz’, where the latest happenings in the world of entertainment are highlighted and discussed. Additionally, from veterans and icons to new artistes trying to get a break, are featured in interviews and in song,” he disclosed.

From rural Portland parish in eastern Jamaica, Richie B moved to Kingston and attended the University of the West Indies as a business major. At the time he went to RJR, the country’s airwaves had several maverick DJs including Errol “ET” Thompson, Barry “Barry G” Gordon, Michael “Mikey Dread” Campbell and Winston “The Whip” Williams.

Williams, who died in 2023, was a big influence on Richie B’s career.

Among a handful of survivors from Jamaican radio’s golden age, Richie B embraces technology and the evolution of broadcasting.

“The Richie B Morning Show is not just about information; it’s about fun and interaction. Listeners can participate in games, giveaways, and interactive segments, enhancing their overall experience. The aim is to ensure that listeners feel connected and entertained throughout the morning…essentially, to get their day started off on the right note or the right footing,” he said.

(Photos contributed)