Long standing Director and Station Manager of Oldham Community Radio, David McGealy has died at the age of 74 years old.
Dave, who had recently stepped back from his duties, died from Alzheimer’s. He was known as a pioneer and advocate of the community radio and hospital broadcasting sectors.
He became president and chairman at the first Royal Oldham Hospital radio service, Radio Cavell in the 1970s, and founded Oldham Community Radio 99.7 fm in 2007.
Posting on X, the station said: “We are saddened to bring you the news that our long-standing Director, Station Manager and long-time advocate for Oldham, pioneer and advocate of the Community Radio and Hospital Broadcasting sectors David McGealy passed away peacefully last night. RIP Dave.”
The Community Media Association said: “The CMA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dave McGealy, founder of @OldhamCR, a long-standing member of our organisation, and a passionate advocate for #communityradio. Dave leaves an impressive legacy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
We are saddened to bring you the news that our long standing Director, Station Manager and long time advocate for Oldham, pioneer and advocate of the Community Radio and Hospital Broadcasting sectors David McGealy passed away peacefully last night. RIP Dave. pic.twitter.com/zIP3CQQdsG
— Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm (@OldhamCR) October 24, 2023
The CMA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dave McGealy, founder of @OldhamCR, a long-standing member of our organisation, and a passionate advocate for #communityradio. Dave leaves an impressive legacy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him. pic.twitter.com/Z6REqOvtip
— Community Media Association (@community_media) October 26, 2023