Wireless has not made any decisions to ‘replace’ talkRADIO with Times Radio, despite a report to the contrary.
RadioToday understands News UK is working on an internal project to explore how The Times newspaper and talkRADIO can work more closely together, but no plans have been made to change the name of the radio station at this point.
The project is being overseen by journalist, broadcaster and editor of the Times Literary Supplement, Stig Abell.
In an article published by the Daily Mail on Tuesday night, it was said that talkRADIO would be replaced by Times Radio and that Matthew Wright had been “sacked”.
But during the opening few minutes of his radio show on Wednesday afternoon, Matthew confirmed he hadn’t been sacked and in fact had just had his contract renewed, even though he was expecting to leave at the end of this year.
Tweeting after the show, Matthew said: Thanks again for all the kind words – I’ve had a tough time with my mental health these past 18mths. I was expecting to leave Talkradio (sic) at end of Xmas but they’d like me and @TVKev to stay on longer now – thanks again.”
And speaking to RadioToday, a News UK spokesperson confirmed no decisions have been made on the outcome of the collaboration to see how the radio station and the newspaper can work more closely, pointing out that the Times currently sponsors the Julia Hartley-Brewer Breakfast Show. “We are exploring ways to work more closely with The Times across the station,” a talkRADIO representative said.
Thanks again for all the kind words – I’ve had a tough time with my mental health these past 18mths ?. I was expecting to leave Talkradio at end of Xmas but they’d like me and @TVKev to stay on longer now – thanks again ??
— Matthew Wright (@Matthew_Wright) December 4, 2019
Great to catch up with the very much still present, @Matthew_Wright and @TVKev on @talkRADIO today. Thanks for having me guys and GREAT TO SEE YOU BOTH! ? pic.twitter.com/a8f8dJb7kb
— Rav Wilding (@RavWilding) December 4, 2019
Wot? No apology???? https://t.co/4C95ASTUuo
— Matthew Wright (@Matthew_Wright) December 4, 2019
Posted on Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 at 5:20 pm by Roy Martin