Radio News

BBC Radio 1 hires singer songwriter YUNGBLUD

BBC Radio 1 has partnered with YUNGBLUD for a brand new weekly podcast launching on BBC Sounds in October. Announced during his appearance on Clara Amfo’s show today for Radio 1’s Live Lounge Month 2020, The YUNGBLUD Podcast will interview young music fans who are approaching turning points in their lives. Each week, he’ll chat to one fan to discuss topics and issues affecting young people today, whether it be gender, sexuality, identity, money worries, friendships, style or mental health. YUNGBLUD says: “I am so excited to be able to have one-on-one conversations with young people about what is going on in the world right now" ...

Classic FM signs up Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE

Classic FM is launching a new Sunday night series with Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, the double-bass player and founder of the Chineke! Foundation. Starting on Sunday 4th October at 9pm, Chi-chi’s Classical Champions will shine the spotlight on Black, Asian & ethnically diverse composers and performers who have enjoyed success, as well as those yet to receive recognition. Across six weeks, Chi-chi will champion brilliant music; tell the stories behind the works and performances, and play a varied range of recordings – all personally chosen by her – by artists from diverse backgrounds from the 16th century up to the present day...

BBC Radio 2 to celebrate John Lennon At 80

BBC Radio 2 has secured an exclusive interview with Julian Lennon, Paul McCartney and Elton John chatting to Sean Ono Lennon. John Lennon would have turned 80 years old on Friday 9 October and in these special shows, John Lennon At 80, his youngest son Sean will present a celebratory, musical, family portrait of the legendary musician. Sean and Julian talk personally about their father and how he taught them about music. Julian recalls his dad buying him a guitar when he was around 11 years old and how it helped him get into music. Paul McCartney shares his memories of meeting John, talking about the combination of him and John, saying:...

Woman’s Hour launches its 2020 Power List: Our Planet

Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour has launched the search for its 2020 Power List: Our Planet, looking for 30 women who are making a significant positive contribution to the environment or the sustainability of our planet. The List will be announced in a live programme on Monday 16 November, presented by Jane Garvey. The Power List: Our Planet will showcase inspirational initiatives and stories that are bringing about real change at all levels of society - from influencing global policy and changing human behaviour, to inventing eco-friendly products, spearheading scientific research, volunteering in community gardens, and inspiring a deep love of the natural world...

Martin and Su Celebrate 20th radio anniversary

Essex radio duo Martin Day and Su Harrison have celebrated 20 years since going on-air together in the county. They were first drafted together on Essex FM on September 11th 2000, before the station was rebranded to Heart in 2009. Due to networking at local radio stations and cuts, Martin and Su were then left without a home in May 2019 before Radio Essex signed them up. Speaking about their time on-air together, Su observed: “I can’t believe I’ve managed to put up with him for this long. Other than holidays, the birth of my daughter, and the break we had last year we’ve probably spent more time together than most couples...

Harriet Rose joins Jordan and Perri on KISS Breakfast

Harriet Rose is joining Jordan and Perri on KISS Breakfast as a regular contributor from Monday. Former MTV presenter Harriet will provide entertainment news and music features during the show. Commenting on her new role, Harriet Rose said: “It’s an absolute dream come true for me to be joining the KISS team alongside Jordan and Perri who already feel like family. Never thought I would be this excited to get up so early.” Rebecca Frank, content Director for KISS Network added: “Jordan and Perri’s welcoming friendship is at the core of this show, and now we’ve been on air for six weeks, it’s time to turn things up even more...

BBC Radio 2 to find the Ultimate 80s Album

BBC Radio 2’s Sounds Of The 80s has launched an audience vote to discover the Ultimate 80s Album. It comes in preparation for this year’s National Album Day on Saturday 10 October when iconic albums of the 80s will be celebrated. The Top 50 has already been selected by a Radio 2 panel of music experts and is based on the best-selling albums of the decade, along with those that have endured to this day, as well as some slow-burners that are now considered classics of the era. Listeners are being asked to vote for their favourite album from the list of 50 and Gary Davies will reveal the results in a Sounds Of The 80s Ultimate 80s Albums countdown special, from 8pm on Friday 9 October on BBC Radio 2...

Launch date and schedule set for Radio 1 Dance

Radio 1 Dance, the BBC’s first 24 hour streaming-only radio station launches on Friday 9th October at 6pm. It will bring together new versions of some of Radio 1’s existing dance programmes via BBC Sounds, and provide a second chance to hear dance shows from Radio 1. Pete Tong will host the Drivetime slot 4 – 6pm Monday to Thursday, followed by Radio 1 Dance Presents from 6 – 7pm. Radio 1’s Classic Essential Mix airs from 7 – 9pm, followed by Radio 1’s Drum and Bass Show with Renee La Vice 9 – 11pm. Radio 1’s Residency can be heard from 11pm – 1am, with the latest line up featuring Disclosure and Amelie Lens...

Carpark Catchphrase returns with Roy Walker at Radio X

Chris Moyles has brought back a radio feature once popular during his days on BBC Radio 1 Breakfast. Carpark Catchphrase returns for one week only featuring pre-recorded clips from former Catchphrase host Roy Walker and two listeners in their cars. #RoyIsBack was trending on Twitter used by listeners who remembered the competition from eight years and one day ago when it was last broadcast. Chris Moyles told RadioToday: “What a reaction from everybody on the texts about Roy Walker and Car Park Catchphrase. It was just lovely. It was just lovely to have him back, wasn’t it? I feel as though we’ve just lifted the mood of the nation on a Monday!”...

Magic with the Musicals planned for the Palladium

Magic is bringing together over 70 figures from musical theatre at the London Palladium on September 17th. The day – produced by Magic together with TBI Media – will result in a special three-hour show airing on Wednesday 23rd September on Magic Radio and Magic at the Musicals. In addition to interviews throughout the day, the stage will feature West End performers recording exclusive ‘live’ performances from supporting musicals including MAMMA MIA!; Dreamgirls; Disney’s: The Lion King; Juliet and more. Eleven performances in all will be recorded, with a live, 23-piece orchestra including members of the London Musical Theatre Orchestra...