Shock departure for radio veteran
Speculation is rife about Fred Botica's next move after the voice of mix94.5 announced his shock resignation yesterday.
The camera-shy 67-year-old told his boss Linda Wayman, Southern Cross Austereo Perth general manager, on Friday he was considering quitting Perth's top-rating station after almost 21 years, a decision he finalised on Monday.
"So difficult to make the decision to leave. But I feel it's time to move on. Time for another chapter," Botica, who moved from the breakfast shift to drive after returning from long-service leave recently, said in a statement, deciding not to discuss it further, leaving speculation open he was going to sign with another station.
But Ms Wayman said his choice not to elaborate about his resignation was simply that he "hates publicity". "Fred is a really private person. (That's why he covers his face)," Ms Wayman said.
"He hates publicity.
"It's not that he has anything to hide . . . he feels he has said it all - he literally wants to move on and can't see any reason for further discussion.
"He has said he is not going anywhere else, he has a restraining period, he won't be able to go anywhere until mid-August.
"Fred has a lot going on in his life in terms of projects, writing a memoir - he has a lot happening."
Channel 7 Perth confirmed that Botica would continue in his role as the network's main local voice-over artist.
Botica's last day with mix94.5 will be May 9.
