Archive for April, 2008
Listening figures for Q1 2008
Once again RadioToday.co.uk is bringing you the top headlines, facts, figures and easy-to-read graphs.
BBC Scotland launch theme nights
An experiment in broadcasting overnight programmes with themed archive content, is launching on BBC Radio Scotland from tomorrow, in a first for the corporation.
Sleeveface go Smooth
GMG Radio have looked to viral phenomenon Sleeveface for a new multi-million pound campaign to promote Smooth Radio. It is the biggest marketing campaign undertaken by GMG Radio to date, as the six Smooth stations introduce a new strapline Love Life Love Music.
TLRC networks weekend breakfast
The Local Radio Company is to reduce the number of local programmes at weekends at over 20 stations, with the introduction of a networked breakfast show and sports programme. Stations will continue to broadcast local news from 8am till 1pm both days, and include up to four local inserts per hour.
Radio still important to teens
The number of youngsters listening to the radio is on the up, with digital technology helping to secure an audience for our industry, according to RadioCentre research realeased today.
The new report looks at the relationship these Digital Natives have with radio and what it means for the future of the medium.
Bells are ringing at BBC Notts
BBC Radio Nottingham is hoping to start a new trend on St Georges Day, after encouraging listeners to join in with a simultaneous bell ringing session last week.
Bacon brings home the results
Richard Bacon and Dotun Adebayo are to co-present a BBC Radio 5 Live local election results special on Thursday night, online, on television and on the radio.
GMG goes independent
GMG Radio has announced the first of its programmes since launching a £1m fund to commission independent productions for the group.
Programmes to begin broadcasting in June include a six part documentary exploring the musical heritage along the route of the Mississippi river to an audio portrait of the realities of war in the 21st Century as told by serving soldiers in Afghanistan.
Time to wake up to DAB
Recent sales figures show nearly half a million DAB digital radio sets were sold in the first quarter of 2008, with DAB now accounting for half of all clock-radio sales by value.
RAJAR to test an Online Diary
RAJAR has abandoned its trial of an electronic alternative to its diary-based ratings system after spending over three million pounds researching the scheme. Instead, RAJAR is looking to investigate the introduction of a new online digital survey.
New breakfast show for Dune
Former Century Radio North West breakfast presenter Danny Matthews has joined The Local Radio Company's Dune FM in Southport to host the breakfast show.
Exmouth RSL plans to return
Exmouth’s community radio station Bay FM is due to broadcast during the Exmouth Festival, 24 hours a day. The RSL, on 107.9 FM will start on 19th May.
Relocation Relocation at TLRC
The Local Radio Company has gained Ofcom approval to relocate four radio stations with close neighbours, and allow eight stations to share weekday daytime output. Stations allowed to move out of town are Vale FM, Arrow FM, Mix 96 and 3TR FM.
TLRC relocates another station
TLRC have had a further format change approved by Ofcom, meaning Warminster's 3TR fm can be co-located within the studios of Spire FM in Salisbury.
The regulators have also agreed that six hours of weekday daytime programming can be shared between the two stations.
Gaydio set for comeback
Gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans community radio station Gaydio is back on-air in August, whilst continuing to wait for news on their full-time licence application, submitted to Ofcom last November.
New sponsor for JACK and FM107.9
Oxfordshire radio stations JACK fm and FM107.9 are teaming up with Oxfordshire County Council to encourage parents and children to walk to school rather than drive.
Team Northsound runs for it
Northsound 1 presenter Jenny Laing dropped the beer and chocolate this weekend to pull on her running shoes to take part in the 10k race at the Run Balmoral 08 event.
Humphrey Lyttelton dies
Legendary BBC radio presenter Humphrey Lyttelton has died aged 86 after a short illness.
In a radio career that spanned more than 40 years, Humph was loved by fans of both comedy and jazz, presenting Radio 2's The Best of Jazz and Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
Planet Rock sale delayed
The future of Planet Rock remains uncertain for another month whilst interested parties continue to negotiate with owners GCap Media.
The deadline to shut or sell the digital-only station has been extended to May 30th, as Global Radio finalise their takeover plans.
Radio City celebrates 40 years
Radio City, one of the UK’s longest-running Hospital Radio stations is celebrating 40 years of continuous broadcasting to Singleton hospital in Swansea.
4 Radio hires head of music
Channel 4 has signed the senior vice-president of AandR at EMI music publishing, Alex Donelly to take charge of the music output on all of 4 Radio's new DAB channels.
Rocking for charity in Scotland
Rock Radio in Scotland has recently raised £10,000 for charity, and was joined by Alan Thornton and Joolz from GUN along with Toby Jepson to hand over the cheque.
Radcliffe wins personality award
BBC Radio 2 evening host Mark Radcliffe made a last minute appearance at the How Do Awards Dinner in Manchester on Thursday night to be presented with the Personality Award.
Xfm beat four other north west stations in the Best Radio Station category.
Ofcom awards four, rejects one
In Ofcom's latest community radio awards, four groups have been granted a 5-year licence, whilst one, South Holland Radio in Whaplode, Lincolnshire has been rejected.
Just one application for Somerset
Ofcom has received just one application for the DAB digital radio multiplex in Somerset. The sole bidder is MuxCo Somerset Limited, made up of TLRC, UKRD and MuxCo Ltd.
NW stations want How Do award
Radio stations and presenters from around the north west of England are gathering at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground this evening for the first How-Do Awards dinner.
Stephen Tompkinson on Radio 2
Brassed Off and Wild at Heart star Stephen Tompkinson is to present a four part series on BBC Radio 2, about the UK’s love affair with brass bands and brass music.
Ofcom say no to Smooth
Ofcom has rejected GMG Radio's request to drop jazz music from it's Smooth Radio stations in London and in the North-West, after the results of a public consultation.
Despite the decision, GMG Radio still plan to relaunch Jazz FM on digital radio in London, the north west and the West Midlands.
PHOTOS: Radio Academy Quiz
Staff from Macclesfield station 106.9 Silk FM were handed their Nations and Regions award on Tuesday night at a Radio Academy social event in central Manchester.
Ditchy back in Manchester
David Ditchfield is returning to the north-west to join 105.4 Century Radio’s breakfast show, just months after leaving Bauer Radio's flagship station Key 103.
