BBC Radio 1 to revamp schedule

BBC Radio 1 has announced major changes to the schedule today, including the splitting of Colin and Edith, and dropping the Lamacq Live show, hosted by Steve Lamacq. Colin will move to late night with a Monday to Thursday show from 10pm, whilst Edith will now be the solo host of the prestigious weekday 1.00 to 4.00pm slot.

Colin will be playing music that reflects the wide ranging specialist tastes of Radio 1’s young audience and will focus on all of the most exciting and exhilarating aspects of youth culture including a regular documentary feature.

The introduction of four In New Music We Trust shows hosted by some of Radio 1’s key musical experts. Running Monday to Thursday from 9.00pm, the In New Music We Trust shows will act as one stop guides to everything that’s happening in a particular genre fronted by the experts in that field.

The signing of brand new specialist talent Eddie Halliwell and Trophy Twins. Other new shows include Eddie new signing Eddie Halliwell playing the freshest records from the clubs that week, and The 1Xtra showcase: a selection of the very best new black music from 1Xtra.

Chris Coco and Fergie will leave Radio 1 in September. Fergie will continue to put together Essential Mixes for the station.

Colin Murray said: “I’ve always had a close relationship with our listeners and now I’m taking it to a whole new level. I’ve been at Radio 1 for eight years with more than four years of that time spent making specialist programmes and I’m grateful to be given the chance to front a show that really hits those turned-on, engaged evening Radio 1 listeners. It’s basically a blank canvas to tamper with the traditional format. It’s going to be exciting and personal and it’s going to show a blatant disregard for musical pigeon-holing.

“Personally, the only downside will be my partnership with Edith coming to an end but our friendship comes first and Edith knows that I belong in the darkness, and wishes me well. I am sure we’ll be thrown together for every big Radio 1 event in the future. I’m just glad we didn’t reach the stage where we had to work out custody of the kids.”

Andy Parfitt, Controller of Radio 1 and 1Xtra, said: “This continues the story of change for Radio 1 which for a young service is absolutely essential. We have made the specialist schedule easier for our audience to navigate and provided a broader range of content. We believe that this and the amazing talent line up will help even more listeners to come and sample the wealth of distinctive specialist shows Radio 1 has to offer.”

Ian Parkinson, Head of Specialist Music and Speech, Radio 1, said: “It’s important for the schedule to keep evolving to keep pace with the musical passions of our young audience which is why we’ve made these changes. Colin brings with him a wealth of specialist knowledge as well as his consummate skills as a broadcaster and it’s great to be able to give new talent like Eddie Halliwell and The Trophy Twins their own shows. Fergie and Chris have been great and we wish them well in their future careers.”

Fergie said: “I never thought I would be on my school radio never mind Radio 1. The support they have given to me over the past five years has undoubtedly helped me to develop and mature as a DJ. If it hadn’t been for the open minded attitude of the producers I would not have been able to push out the boundaries allowing me to showcase new music and artists on my show as much as I did. For me personally it has been a real inspiration and a privilege to work with the most cutting edge DJs, producers and presenters, on the best radio station there is – so thanks Radio 1! In new music we trust! Happy Dayz!”

Edith Bowman said: “Exciting times ahead, obviously sad that it’s the end of our mini-era, but ecstatic at the prospect of having my own daytime show on Radio 1. I’m so chuffed for Colin and I know he’s thrilled about his new show. I’ll miss our daily banter but I’m on cloud nine at what lies ahead and the incredible opportunity I’ve been given. The show is not going to be completely different, more an evolution of the present one.”