Latest news about Hits Radio

Bauer gains approval to network breakfast shows

Ofcom has granted Bauer a number of Format changes to allow all of its stations to network all but three hours each weekday rather than the previous seven. UK commercial radio stations have been allowed to submit Format changes since the Localness Guidelines were amended last year, but Bauer has only just taken the steps required to allow this. Bauer can now share all programmes, with the exception of a three-hour show on weekdays (which doesn’t have to be breakfast), in the approved areas already suggested by Ofcom.

Gem to take Hits Radio strapline and night programmes

Gem in the East Midlands is now identifying itself as playing The Biggest Hits, The Biggest Throwbacks, in line with Free Radio in the West Midlands and the Hits Radio network. Former Gem Radio presenter Jennie Longdon will return to the station, as she currently hosts Hits Chilled on the Hits Radio network of stations, which starts on Gem tonight (Monday). Hits Chilled on Gem will replace the local automated Wind Down Show from 10pm to 1am, Sunday to Thursday evenings...

Meg McHugh to Chill on Hits Radio Scotland Network

Northsound Radio presenter Meg McHugh is to host the Hits Chilled show across the Hits Radio Network in Scotland. From Sunday 4th August, Meg will take over the Hits Chilled segment every Sunday to Thursday from 10pm to 1am across Clyde 1, Forth 1, Tay FM, Northsound 1, MFR, West FM and Radio Borders, replacing Ryan Borthwick. Joining the station in 2017, Meg began her career as a travel reporter on Northsound before covering a variety of shows across the station.

Fleur East, Greg Burns and James Barr for Hits Radio Breakfast

TV personality and singer Fleur East, former Capital and Heart presenter Greg Burns, and heat DJ James Barr are the new hosts of the Hits Radio breakfast show. Fleur, Greg and James will start the programme from Manchester, for Manchester, on July 12th – replacing Gethin, Gemma and Dave. Paul Gerrard, Programme Director Hits Radio said: “Fleur has a perfect radio personality with an infectious energy and naturally chatty style that we know our listeners will love.

More daytime schedule changes at Hits Radio

Sarah-Jane Crawford is moving from the evening show to afternoons on Hits Radio, replacing Debbie Mac. As a result, Jordan Lee, currently covering the evening show, will replace Sarah-Jane from 7pm weekdays. Sarah-Jane will also continue on The UK Chart Show every Sunday 4-7pm. All programmes will be broadcast on Hits Radio Manchester and across the Hits Radio network of stations. The changes come as Debbie Mac leaves the station today, just weeks after Gethin Jones departed the breakfast show.

Gethin, Gemma and Dave exit Hits Radio Breakfast Show

Breakfast presenters Gethin Jones and Dave Vitty, plus afternoon presenter Debbie Mac, are leaving the station, whilst Gemma Atkinson will move to Drive. The major changes come just 12 months since the station launched amid much fanfare with a large marketing campaign and almost national coverage on DAB. Gemma will co-host with Wes Butters when she returns from maternity but in the meantime, Wes will move to breakfast to present with Dave Vitty and former Emmerdale actress Sherree Murphy.

RAJAR Q1 2019: Regional and local radio facts and figures

Whilst the national news is all about new radio stations and breakfast shows, the main headlines in the regions are about one of Bauer’s latest brands. The first results for Greatest Hits Radio in England show a mainly downward trend following the rebrand from City 2 stations last quarter.

RAJAR Q1 2019: Milestones reached for DAB and digital radio

Digital listening has reached a new record share of 56.4%, up from 50.9% in Q1 2018, according to RAJAR Q1 2019 data released today. The annual growth of 5.5 percentage points to 56.4% from 50.9% represents the strongest ever percentage point growth in digital listening platform share since records began. Digital reach increased by over 2 million listeners to 36.3 million and overall digital listening grew by 55.9 million hours or by 10.7% year on year.

Hits Radio launches £1 Million Pound Cash Register competition

The Hits Radio Network is launching the £1 Million Pound Cash Register – offering listeners the chance to win a share of £1 million pounds. The contest will run Monday to Friday across the Hits Radio Network in England, with a new cash amount revealed each day on the breakfast show. To have a chance of a winning, listeners can text in each day to be included in that day’s cash register. One person will be called on air each day and must say the exact amount on offer in order to win.

Matilda New replaces Emma Jones at Signal 1 Breakfast

Former Capital Birmingham breakfast co-host Matilda New has been hired by Signal 1 to co-host Breakfast. She will replace Emma Jones, who has moved on to focus on her television work and weekly Country Hits Radio programmes. Emma will continue to cover at the station during holidays. Matilda said: “I can’t wait to join Foxy on Signal 1 breakfast and look forward to being part of the Signal team!”.