Archive for December, 2007
Xmas brings in more listeners
The Highways Agency is expecting more listeners to its digital service Traffic Radio after an estimated one million DAB digital radios were sold across the country over the Christmas period.
Kevin Greening 1962 – 2007
If you had the pleasure of meeting Kevin Greening, you'll know he was a bright, intelligent, charming individual. This weekend the smooth radio presenter sadly passed away suddenly in his sleep at the age of 44.
12 months in radio
Wow — what a year. Who’d have thought Emap and Chrysalis Radio would be no more, Virgin Radio’s CEO would be running GCap, and a German magazine company would be on the verge of taking over Viking FM and West Sound.
Peterson tribute on theJazz
GCap's national digital station theJazz is suspending normal programmes on Saturday to pay tribute to Oscar Peterson, the jazz pianist who passed away this week at the age of 82.
Rock station goes non-stop
Sheffield-based onLine rock station radio2XS is seeing in 2008 with a non-stop 36-hour marathon broadcast of live sessions.
RadioToday.co.uk Awards 2007
Like that needlessly repetitive Billy Joel song you can't dance to, there aren't many more events you could hope to squeeze into the past 365 days of radio. Arrivals and departures, sales and scandal – 2007 had the lot.
Classic FM live from Liverpool
Classic FM is helping to celebrate Liverpool's Capital of Culture year in 2008 by broadcasting live from the city. The station is an official partner of the Liverpool Philharmonic, and will showcase the orchestra and the city for a full 24 hours on January 3rd.
Afan FM's Christmas Message
Neath & Port Talbot's community radio station Afan FM is starting a new tradition by offering the Mayor's Christmas Message.
Alex Stepney signs for Century
Manchester United goal keeping hero Alex Stepney is joining Century FM’s Legends team, replacing long-term host Mickey Thomas.
A Real Xmas with Gordon Ramsay
Super chef Gordon Ramsay is joining Real Radio Scotland's Cat Harvey on Boxing day for a special one hour programme.
Special Confessional at Hallam
Hallam FM's The Confessional is highlighting the heroes and memories of the year in special programmes over the Christmas period.
60 years of Sports Report
BBC Radio 5 Live is celebrating 60 years of Sports Report in January by bringing back a host of previous presenters.
Emap sells up to GMG
Emap has sold its remaining business to business assets to Eden Bidco – a consortium of the Guardian Media Group and Apax. The Magic owner, currently selling its radio division to Bauer, said earlier this month it would retain its B2B titles such as media industry weekly Broadcast.
Weekend changes at Xfm London
Xfm London is changing its weekend schedule in the new year, including hiring television presenter former Capital DJ Dave Berry to host a new Saturday afternoon show. Dave will take-over from Graeme Smith starting January 5th.
Boyd's Original breakfast
Tommy Boyd is to join Original 106fm as the new weekday breakfast show presenter. Boyd replaces Pat Sissons and begins on the Solent regional radio station from 14th January.
theJazz searches for a star
Digital station theJazz will celebrate it's first birthday on Christmas Day with the launch of a competition to find the country’s next big jazz star.
Fru Hazlitt new CEO of GCap
Fru Hazlitt has been appointed as GCap’s new Chief Executive. The news follows Ralph Bernard's decision in November to quit the company. Fru currently serves as an Executive Director of GCap as Managing Director GCap London.
Galloway goes gold
Real Radio breakfast show host Robin Galloway has been awarded a Gold Disc for sales of last Christmas's breakfast wind up CD. It was presented to him by X Factor winner Leon Jackson.
Ofcom awards new licences
Ofcom has awarded six new community radio licences – five to groups in Yorkshire and another to a Christian service based in the Wirral. A further three groups – RB FM in Barnsley, The Light FM in Rhyl and Wrexham FM were refused licenses by the regulator.
theJazz flies to Toronto
Digital-only station theJazz has teamed with Jazz Services to showcase the best of British jazz talent at January’s International Association of Jazz Education conference in Toronto. Highlights of the event will be broadcast on Helen Mayhew's evening show.
GCap in music download deal
GCap Media has agreed a deal with iTunes to allow listeners and website visitors to instantly download songs they hear on-air. Over 50 GCap station websites will promote the campaign, including Capital 95.8 and Classic FM.
Mediacom gets GMG contract
GMG Radio has appointed MediaCom to handle the media buying for its 13 stations across the UK. GMG Radio’s brands – Smooth, Real, Century and Rock Radio brands and MediaCom – will begin new campaigns adopting a broad multi-media approach in 2008.
Rhydian's uncle likes Leon
The uncle of X-Factor runner-up Rhydian Roberts has told radio stations in south and west Wales to lift their ban on Leon Jackson’s winning single, whilst wishing him all the best with his future career.
Surrey DAB multiplex advertised
A new local digital radio multiplex for Surrey and northern Sussex has been advertised by Ofcom. Around 1,400,000 adults should receive the service, which will automatically carry BBC Southern Counties Radio and last for a period of 12 years.
Kids TV presenter joins Gaydar
Comedian and former Blue Peter presenter Stuart Miles is joining Digital station GaydarRadio to host a daily show.
Radio Jackie licence available
Ofcom is inviting declarations of intent from prospective applicants interested in taking over the licence currently held by Radio Jackie. If more than one declaration is received, the lience will be fully advertised next year.
Fairclough joins Signal 2
Paul Fairclough is making the move from Pulse Gold to join Signal 2. Paul will host the mid-morning show from January 2nd at the UTV station.
Moving cash for radio staff
The BBC is defending plans to offer staff moving to Salford Quays up to £8,000 relocation costs. Various departments, including Radio 5 Live will make the move north in 2011 and the BBC may even buy houses for some employees.
Edith Bowman pregnant
Congratulations to BBC Radio 1 afternoon presenter Edith Bowman who has announced she is expecting her first child. The 32 year old and her partner described it as the best Christmas present they could have wished for.
BBC Radio Kent journalist dies
BBC Radio Kent broadcast journalist Jonathan Witchell has passed away at the age of 33 He died on Saturday 15th December following a short illness. Jonathan studied at Salford University before completing a Masters degree at Stirling University and joining BBC Radio Devon.
