New schedule for BBC Radio Bristol

It’s all change at BBC Radio Bristol as John Turner takes over the station’s Breakfast Show in a new schedule due to start on 23 October.

Of his move, JT says: “I’m really excited to be taking on the challenge of presenting the Breakfast Show and helping wake up the greatest city in the world!

“I’ll really miss the cut and thrust of Talking Back and the consumer programme Sounding Off but after so many years presenting them it feels right to go for a change, for both me and the station. Whatever we do, we don’t want to become predictable!”

Managing Editor, Tim Pemberton, who took over the station in May, says: “JT is without doubt the most recognised and trusted voice on Radio Bristol and it seems only sensible to kick-start the day with his dulcet tones.

“He really knows what makes Bristolians tick. He’s a natural communicator who moves seamlessly between light-hearted banter and serious discussion with consummate ease.”

And it doesn’t stop there. The new line-up will also include Mr Dave Barrett, who is returning to his spiritual home on Radio Bristol.

Dave, who will present the Mid-Morning Show – from 9.00am to noon – is a little bit chuffed, saying: “I am delighted to be back at Radio Bristol. It was my happiest time ever and my return coincides with the 25th year of my radio career.

“I am looking forward with enormous enthusiasm to presenting my new morning radio show to all the lovely listeners in the Radio Bristol region.”

Another new venture on the horizon for Radio Bristol is The Zone, to be broadcast from 1.00 to 6.00am, initially at weekends.

Tim Pemberton, who has created the idea of The Zone, and is organising the first BBC pilot on Radio Bristol, says: “The Zone is an opportunity for us to make more use of our airtime by developing programmes with community broadcasters.

“I’m looking to find untapped local talent and make contact with more diverse communities who, I hope, will find it an exciting opportunity to tell us what they think should be on their local BBC radio station, instead of us telling them!”