After 55 years in Radio, KLFM’s Ian Nicholls is hanging up his headphones. Well known locally in his role as breakfast program announcer and news reader with Bendigo community radio station KLFM, Nicholls, now aged 71, has decided it is time to smell the roses and hand over the reins to Brad Geier from next Monday, the 24th August.

Ian Nicholls came to KLFM after a brief stint with ABC radio in Bendigo. Prior to that he had an extensive career in radio, beginning as a youngster in 1954 with 2LF in Young. From there Ian moved to Melbourne where he worked with several commercial stations including 3DB, 3XY, 3UZ and more recently 3AW. He also worked with 3GL in Geelong.

Nicholls says the invitation from KLFM’s General Manager Brad Geier 10 years ago, to take on a full time position at the station was irresistible. It offered him “an opportunity to do what he likes best, conducting his own program as he had for so many years on commercial stations, and provided the challenge of trying to succeed in the community arena.” This, in particular, has proved most rewarding says Nicholls.

General Manager, Brad Geier, says KLFM and Bendigo have been “fortunate to have such an accomplished broadcaster anchoring the weekday breakfast shows. Ian’s input has been pivotal in bringing the station to its current level of expertise. With his extensive experience in news, Ian was instrumental in leading KLFM to deliver 7 bulletins of local news each weekday.”

Ian Nicholls has told radioinfo that the support he received both on and off air made his time with KLFM extremely worthwhile. While sad to be leaving Bendigo, where he has family and friends, Ian says he is looking forward to a sea change on the surf coast. He admits that KLFM will always be part of his life, and from time to time, will be producing and airing specials.

Listeners are being invited to attend a special outside broadcast this Saturday, 22nd August, at the St John’s Ambulance hall, High Street Bendigo, from 10am to 2pm to farewell Ian Nicholls.