TV move for Ronnie Wood’s radio show

Ronnie Wood’s Absolute Radio show is to be turned into a television version for the Sky Arts channel, which will be produced by indie Somethin’ Else.

BBC Radio 2 evening show presenter Jo Whiley is also joining the TV channel for a show featuring debate about the music industry and specially-recorded live performances.

The Rolling Stone’s programme will launch next February and follow the format of his radio show which led him to awards at both the Sonys and Arqivas this year. We’re told he’ll be joined in the studio ‘by a series of high profile guests and friends from across the music industry for interviews, performance and conversation’.

Ronnie Wood said “I’ve had so much fun doing my radio show and had lots of success with recent awards, so I’m really excited it’s now going to TV to give the audience the chance to see behind the scenes.”

Ten programmes will be made, under the direction of Somethin’ Else Executive Producer Jez Nelson. He said: “This is a real bulls-eye for Somethin’ Else. We came up with the idea for the radio show with Ronnie a year ago; now that it has become an international radio hit, and won a number of awards including a Sony Gold, it is the right time to look at taking it to the next level – transferring it on to TV. Somethin’ Else creates great content across a range of platforms – radio and TV included – and while the idea of taking a radio show to TV is unusual, we think fans will find it compelling.”

Former Radio 1 presenter Jo will start her 11-part series in October this year. She’ll be joined by a series of musicians, journalists and commentators for a discussion segment and there’ll also be a band or artist performing two songs within each episode. Each programme will be accompanied by a 30 minute spin-off show, Jo Whiley Live, where the bands featured in the main show will play extended sets.

Jo said: “Doing a show like this with Sky Arts is a hugely exciting project for me. Performance is going to be a big part of both shows; getting on the established acts but also the opportunity to give new bands a showcase on the channel. I’m delighted to be part of a programme that gives a forum to debate the complex issues facing the music industry today, and I’m looking forward to giving our guests the opportunity to really speak their mind.”