The Bowen departs 2GB after 20 years

After 20 years working for 2GB, studio producer Chris Bowen left the building yesterday. His most recent role was as studio producer for Ben Fordham's 2GB drive show.

Better known to 2GB listeners as The Bowen, he will now be focusing on freelance work. Bowen is a contributor to Trevor Long's EFTM website where he is a motoring correspondent.

Bowen worked for Ray Hadley for 15 years as studio producer and regularly as his own-air sidekick. Bowen also produced for the weekend Continuous Call program and more recently hosted The Great Escape on Friday afternoon.

Bowen told Mediaweek he was excited about the career change and looking forward to the challenges of building a new career. He said career highlights included producing 2GB coverage from the Beijing and London Olympics.

Paying tribute to The Bowen, Trevor Long told Mediaweek:

"Having known Chris since the late 90s when he first came to 2GB on work experience and pretty much never left, I'm really proud of what he's achieved – more than many could have in that time.

"Chris has been contributing to EFTM's motoring pages for many years, and I'm delighted he will be able to drive more cars, attend more launches and write more for EFTM than ever with his newfound freelance life!

"Personally, I'm also looking forward to seeing what other exciting new things he will apply himself to at other radio stations and businesses in the media industry he knows so well. And most importantly, can't wait to see him as a dad, with wife Gillian expecting their first child in just two months."