Roy Plomley by the guest's choice of music. His contract was renewed for a further 15 shows. In the end he presented 1,791 editions of the programme stretching over 43 years. Its success was attributed to his skill as an interviewer and to his meticulous research. Plomley was succeeded as presenter by Michael Parkinson (1985–1988), then by Sue Lawley (1988–2006), and most recently by Kirsty Young. "Desert Island Discs" is the second longest-running radio programme in the world (after the Grand Ole Opry), and it is still running. Until late September 2009, unlike many other BBC radio programmes, "Desert Island Discs" was
Paul Martin (radio presenter) Paul Martin (radio presenter) Paul 'The Axeman' Martin was a DJ on the New Zealand rock music radio station called The Rock. It began in Hamilton and later moved to Auckland. Over the years the station has been networked around New Zealand. The station broadcasts rock music from "the '80s, '90s and now". Martin was one of The Rock's longest serving jocks, presenting, programming and producing his weekly metal show The Axe Attack on the Rock since 1992. He has interviewed Slayer, Metallica, Fear Factory, Sepultura, Megadeth, Anthrax, Suicidal Tendencies, Lita Ford, Deftones, Rob Halford, Steve Vai and Max Cavalera.