Radio News

Government warned Commercial Radio stations could close

A number of commercial radio stations could close within months if help is not provided by the Government, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Commercial Radio has warned. The group has written to key Government departments to request a package of measures to protect the commercial radio industry as the coronavirus pandemic continues. In letters to DCMS, the Treasury and the Cabinet Office, the cross-party group, chaired by Andy Carter MP, calls for special measures to protect the sector due to the essential public information it provides on both local and national levels during emergencies and crises...

Love Sport takes time out during coronavirus

Love Sport is taking a broadcasting break during the coronavirus outbreak by pausing all programmes. The national DAB station has told listeners about the change via a pre-recorded announcement from owner Kelvin MacKenzie, saying it was due to effects the evil COVID-19 virus. He says: “I am being forced to mothball Love Sport until there is a sign that normality has returned to the marketplace. “Thank you so much for your support and I hope to hear from you again very very soon.” ...

A Question of Sport finds new home on 5 Live

Long-running television sports quiz A Question of Sport is moving to radio as the coronavirus makes recording TV programmes almost impossible. Team captains Phil Tufnell and Matt Dawson will each be joined by one guest when the show starts on 5 Live this Saturday at 2pm. The series will be launching with four episodes initially. This Saturday Phil is joined by Dion Dublin and Karen Carney will be on Matt’s team. The programme will be made with all participants in their homes to observe social distancing guidelines...

Danny Howard takes Pete Tong’s slot at BBC Radio 1

BBC Radio 1 is launching a new Friday night schedule which will see presenter Danny Howard take over Pete Tong’s show. In return, Pete Tong will move to the 11pm till 1am show whilst Annie Mac continues to host 7pm till 9pm. Danny says: “The last two-and-a-half years on the late-night Friday slot have been the best years of my radio career so far and definitely some of the most fun! From co-hosts with the world’s biggest DJ’s to nurturing new talent from the ground up has been incredibly fulfilling and something I’m super proud of...

Nicola Sturgeon radio special for Bauer Scotland

Bauer has secured a one-hour special with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for broadcast across the Hits Radio and Greatest Hits networks in Scotland. The First Minister will be joining Ewen Cameron from 9am to 10am on Friday 3rd April 2020 to answer questions from listeners and to respond to their most pressing issues and concerns about COVID 19 as well as providing the latest updates on the Scottish Government’s response. The ‘Scotland Cares’ campaign will also be under discussion as the First Minister highlights the initiative which was launched this week to encourage people to volunteer to help their communities, public services and voluntary organisations during the pandemic...

Ofcom rejects XS Manchester’s request of format change

XS Manchester’s request of format change to rebrand as Capital XTRA has been rejected by Ofcom. The request was made last October by Communicorp (now known as CCUK) to change from a rock and speech service for 35 – 64-year-olds, to an urban contemporary music service featuring music of an Afro-Caribbean origin and was subject to a public consultation. Ofcom originally said it was minded to approve the change, which would have resulted in Global’s Capital XTRA service being broadcast on 106.1FM in Manchester, closing XS. There were over 70 individuals and organisations who responded, with all but two opposed to the proposed changes...

Coronavirus pandemic makes radio stronger than ever

Radio stations are reinventing themselves during the coronavirus pandemic and being rewarded with record online listening figures as a result. And a number of local commercial and BBC stations across the UK are stepping up their game with extra local content and interactivity with listeners. Some stations are reporting double-digit increases in online listening in recent weeks. Global says that there has been a significant increase in connected radio listening, with daily reach up 15% and hours up 9%, between 9-17 March. LBC displayed the most notable growth, with its daily reach growing 43% and listening hours increasing 17%...

BBC Radio stations unite for Great British Singalong

The BBC’s national music stations are uniting on Thursday for the Great British Singalong designed to lift the nation’s spirits. BBC Radio 1, Radio 2, 6 Music, 1Xtra and the Asian Network will come together at 9am this Thursday, with each station bringing along one song that they think the public will love to join in with, wherever they are. Greg James will be leading the singalong on Radio 1 with Dermot O’Leary (who is covering for Zoe Ball) on Radio 2, Lauren Laverne on 6 Music, Dotty on 1Xtra, and Harpz Kaur on the Asian Network. Ahead of Thursday morning, each station will be asking their listeners which track they should bring to the singalong, but the final song choices will lie with each of the presenters...

Alan Brazil cuts back at talkSPORT Breakfast

Long-serving talkSPORT breakfast show presenter Alan Brazil is to host the show on Thursdays and Fridays only going forward. The station has just announced Laura Woods will present the programme from Monday to Wednesday as a result. talkSPORT Breakfast will continue to feature Ray Parlour, Jamie O’Hara, Steve Harmison, Darren Bent, Jake Wood and former England manager Sam Allardyce. As part of a new two-year contract with talkSPORT, Alan will also be increasingly involved in live shows and events for the station as he closes in on his twenty-year anniversary...

Audio: Radio industry unites to thank the NHS

Radio stations all over the UK came together to thank NHS workers during the coronavirus pandemic. A mass applause, coordinated under the #clapforourcarers hashtag on social media, showed the country’s gratitude to all the nurses, doctors, GPs, carers and many others working tirelessly to help fight the virus. Industry body Radiocentre encouraged stations from every corner of the UK to take part, with stations including Heart, Capital, LBC, Hits Radio, Absolute Radio, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2 and 5 Live, and Nation Radio, encouraged their millions of listeners to join the applause at their windows, front doors and balconies...