Singaporean radio legend Joe Augustin is back on Class 95’s Morning Express after an absence of 13 years.
Augustin has been heard on practically every English language station on the island since 1990.
He is perhaps most remembered for hosting the original Morning Express for four years with co-host The Flying Dutchman (FD).
But he left in 2000 to become PD and to host the Morning Show on Power 98 and later joined WKRZ 91.3 (now known as Hot FM).
Returning to MediaCorp last year, he joined Lush 99.5FM and then Gold 90.5FM to host Mornings.
Last week, by moving back to Class and the Morning Express show, Augustin replaced FD who had stayed on the show for a further 13 years.
FD has taken over as co-host of the Morning Show on sister station Gold 90.5FM.
Asia Radio Today spoke to Joe to find out more about the return to Singapore’s number one English station, Class 95.
1. How does it feel to be back on Class 95 after all these years?
It’s mostly excitement flavoured by apprehension. I always believed I’d be back, but it’s all happened a little faster than I thought it would. 23 years ago, I started my professional radio career (as in, I got paid) as part of the original Class 95 team – so it’s very special to me.
2. It’s ironic that you returning means your former partner The Flying Dutchman has moved off the show. Uncomfortable?
Just a little. I wish FD and I could work together again and pick up where we left off, but FD has grown so much as a personality since we were last on the air together, I’m not sure if that’s even possible. He chose to stay when I left and stayed on for another 13 years and in that time, he’s developed his relationship with the audience. So when I was moved in to take his place on the show, a good part of the audience not only suddenly lost their daily fix of FD and Glenn, they also had someone to blame for it.
3. At the same time, you’ll be working with Glenn Ong who has a 10 year heritage with the show. Isn’t that a little bit daunting?
Technically that makes us equals I guess, only I’ve had a break of 13 years. 🙂 I was there from 1990 to 2000. Glenn’s really been great about welcoming me to the show. That said, it’s not just a little daunting. It is A LOT daunting. Not because of Glenn, but because to the listeners I’m seen as the new guy in the party that no one invited.
4. The English radio landscape in Singapore has changed quite a bit in the past year with new players and SPH/NTUC taking radio a lot more seriously. Do you think it’s making all stations raise their game?
It’s good that the English radio landscape keeps evolving as that keeps us on our toes and makes us want to bring our A game.
5. You are hugely popular and we know you love radio because you keep coming back to it. Could you imagine your life without being on the radio for long?
Fish gotta swim. I gotta do radio.