News from RadioToday.co.uk

2009-03-23T06:04:00.001-07:00

XFM announces new big night out

Xfm’s fourth Big Night Out will take place at the O2 Academy Brixton on Thursday, 9th April.

Xfm’s fourth Big Night Out will take place at the O2 Academy Brixton on Thursday, 9th April featuring live performances from The Noisettes, Dinosaur Pile-Up and Trip.

Xfm DJs Alex Zane, Dave Berry, Steve Harris and John Kennedy will also be spinning sets throughout the night, alongside Club Xfm’s resident DJ Mat Horne and Starsailor.

Alex Zane, Xfm’s Breakfast Show host said: “Xfm’s Big Night Out grew from the incredibly popular First Fridays – our monthly club nights hosted by Xfm DJs. When over 4,000 people turned up to last years event it was clear we were onto something good. I have no doubt that this is going to be one hell of a night”.

Past artists that have performed at the event include Hard-Fi, The Fratellis, The View and The Enemy.

2009-03-23T05:55:00.001-07:00

Moyles breaches Ofcom rules

Chris Moyles has been found in breach of an Ofcom rule with his impression of Will Young.

Chris Moyles has been found in breach of an Ofcom rule with his impression of Will Young that he aired on BBC Radio 1 on the 20th January this year.

Moyles, while discussing Will Young’s birthday with his team, gave his own take on two of the singer’s hits, Evergreen and Leave Right Now. He then proceeded to imitate the singer, adopting an effeminate, high-pitched voice. On the former, he substituted the song’s lyrics with his own, including the line, “It’s my birthday, gonna wear my new dress tonight”. While on the latter he sang, “I get camper by the hour, oh, would you look at the muck in here. I’m Will Young and I’m gay.”

Ofcom received eight complaints from listeners who were concerned that Chris Moyles ridiculed Will Young because of his sexuality. The complainants also said that
the comments were offensive and derogatory towards the gay community.

In response to the Ofcom’s enquiries as to whether the material had contravened Rule 2.3 of the Code – material that may cause offence must be justified by the context - the BBC responded that Young was not being ridiculed because of his sexuality, though they did concede that Moyles’ comments were misjudged and unacceptable. Adding that the Controller of Radio 1 had since spoken to both Moyles and his production team about the matter in an effort to remind, “not to inadvertently perpetuate certain stereotypes.”

In summing up, Ofcom stated that it was concerned both by the material, and in particular the language used and the tone and manner in which the comments were made. Adding that it had potential to cause considerable offence. Judging that the programme had breached Rule 2.3. It’s the second time that Moyles’ prgramme has breached the Ofcom Code.

2009-03-23T01:21:00.001-07:00

Our Heart grows even bigger

The UK's Heart network grew even larger today with the launch of 12 more radio stations in the west of England, at 6am.

The UK's Heart network grew even larger today with the launch of 12 more radio stations in the west of England, at 6am.

The new stations in Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire, Reading, Oxford, Plymouth, South Hams, North Devon, Exeter, Torbay, Somerset and Gloucester have today joined the nine stations which launched across Anglia in phase one on Monday 5th January. Including the three original Heart stations in London, the West Midlands and East Midlands, there is now a total of 24 stations in the current Heart network.

The roll-out of the Heart brand is being supported by a second major advertising communications campaign, including a refreshed “Give it some Heart” TV and cinema commercial. The TV and cinema ad will run across a number of ITV regions including West Country, HTV West, Central South and Meridian Thames Valley, plus London and Anglia. In addition, it will run in Odeon cinemas across the same regions. In the phase two areas, the commercial will be supported by a heavy-weight outdoor campaign, including 6 sheets, 48 sheets and 96 sheets, planned against the target audience. The media has been bought by Mediavest.

Global Radio’s Director of Broadcasting Richard Park said: “We are delighted to make radio history today by welcoming 12 new stations to the Heart family. As the largest commercial radio network in the UK, we are pleased to expand Heart in to new areas, offering a strong and trusted national brand delivered locally to our 25 – 44 year old audience.”

Phase 2 sees the end of GWR Wiltshire, GWR Bristol, GWR Bath, Gemini FM in Exeter and Torbay, Plymouth Sound, Orchard FM, Lantern FM, South Hams Radio, Fox FM in Oxford, Severn Sound and 2-Ten FM in Reading.

2009-03-22T15:55:00.001-07:00

Rosko returns.. to Star 107.5

Gloucestershire's Star 107.5 has hired Emperor Rosko to present a new weekend programme, starting this Saturday.

Gloucestershire's Star 107.5 has hired Emperor Rosko to present a new weekend programme, starting this Saturday.

Rosko will be flying into the UK today to attend the premier of the new movie based on the pirate radio era of the 1960s - The Boat That Rocked. He will also be interviewed for many television programmes before heading to Cheltenham to get to know his new work mates at Star 107.5.

The independent station is now home to former BBC Radio 1 presenter Mike Read, who a daily show from 10am.

2009-03-22T07:09:00.001-07:00

More big names on Afan

A Welsh community radio station has signed two more dance music legends to bolster its weekend lineup.

A Welsh community radio station has signed two more dance music legends to bolster its weekend lineup.

Afan FM, in Neath Port Talbot in South Wales, has signed up Jamie Duggan and H2O to present a new Bassline show on the station's “Weekender” lineup.

Duggan is considered by many to the “Godfather of Bassline” and has recently mixed the “Sound of Bassline” CD for Ministry of Sound whilst H2O will be known to many for the smash hit, top 10 single of last year “What’s It Gonna Be”.

Station Manager Hannah Lewis said: "This is another massive signing for us. It shows our commitment to bringing the biggest names to Neath & Port Talbot and also continues our rapid rise as a credible youth-focused alternative to the frankly boring local stations in South Wales.”

Duggan and H2O join the likes of Matt Darey, Agnelli & Nelson and a plethora of local resident DJs at Afan FM and will broadcast their first show on Friday April 3rd at 8pm.

Afan FM is available on 97.4 & 107.9FM across the Neath Port Talbot County Borough and online at www.afanfm.co.uk.

2009-03-22T04:00:00.001-07:00

Q and Heat Radio move North

Two of Bauer Media's digital radio stations are moving out of London. Q will move to Birmingham to share resources with Kerrang!, whilst heat radio will move in with Key 103 and The Hits in Manchester.

Two of Bauer Media's digital radio stations are moving out of London. Q will move to Birmingham to share resources with Kerrang!, whilst heat radio will move in with Key 103 and The Hits in Manchester.

Reports suggest up to 15 jobs will be lost in the move, which could result in less investment in each of the brands programming, with fewer presenters dedicated to the output.

Both stations have relaunched with extra investment over the last couple of years, but this latest move suggets a return to their former 'jukebox' style programming.

Bauer released this statement: "Q Radio and Heat Radio are digital stations within Bauer Media's strong network of leading radio brands, and we are therefore well positioned to take advantage of broadcasting from studios around England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

We are proposing to move production of Q Radio to share facilities and resources with our leading Birmingham-based station, Kerrang!, to create a new centre of rock in the Midlands.

We are also proposing to transfer production of Heat Radio to Manchester, home to Smash Hits, the Hits, Magic 1152 and the city's number one station, Key 103. Both stations, however, will retain studios in London. We are immensely proud of both Q Radio and Heat Radio and our commitment to the stations and the quality programming they deliver remains the same as ever."

2009-03-21T17:14:00.001-07:00

A Real jingle deal for Music 4

GMG Radio has chosen Music 4 to produce a new set of jingles for their expanding Real Radio network in the UK.

GMG Radio has chosen Music 4 to produce a new set of jingles for their expanding Real Radio network in the UK.

Music 4, lead by former Atlantic 252 presenter Sandy Beach, has been working on the package for the last six weeks and is currently adding the finishing touches. The new package is expected to start on March 30th, when two Century Radio stations in the north of England changes name to Real Radio, joining sister stations in Wales, Yorkshire and central Scotland.

John Simons, Group Programme Director says: "We’ve always aired high quality jingles on Real Radio and to coincide in with the re-branding of Century to Real, we were looking for a change of style. Music 4 came up with some great ideas for us and we’re looking forward to getting our new jingles on air at the end of March across all five of our stations”

Since shortly after the first Real Radio launched in Wales in 2000, the group has used the Bespoke Music Company for its imaging.

Music 4 already provide the imaging for the Heart network, Chris Moyles Breakfast Show on Radio 1 and Absolute Radio.

2009-03-20T10:04:00.001-07:00

Uncertain future for Valleys Radio

South Wales mediumwave station Valleys Radio is to be sold or whut-down within four weeks if a buyer cannot be found, RadioToday.co.uk can reveal.

Staff were informed of Valleys Radio’s uncertain future at a meeting held earlier today.

Owners UTV Radio had written to Ofcom on two previous occasions requesting that Valleys Radio be allowed to co-locate to premises in Swansea shared by South Wales sister stations The Wave and Swansea Sound. Unfortunately, permission to co-locate was rejected by Ofcom.

Calum Macaulay, UTV Radio (GB), Director of Local Radio, said: “In addition to co-location, we have explored every possible alternative that would have kept Valleys Radio open as a profitable station and within the UTV Radio group.

“We have sought a buyer for the station but as yet have been unable to conclude a deal. We are obviously keen to try to ensure that the Valleys continues to have its own local radio station and therefore we have agreed a further month’s extension on our lease in order to give us more time to find a buyer, allowing the station to be sold as a going concern.

“However, if we are unable to find a buyer within that time, Valleys Radio will close and the license will be handed back to Ofcom. UTV Radio (GB) will do all it can to relocate permanent members of staff to alternative positions within the group.

“The inability of Valleys Radio to make a profit does not reflect the professionalism, hard work, commitment and dedication the station’s staff have shown during what have been trying times.”

2009-03-19T18:59:00.001-07:00

First look: New ENCO Presenter

RadioToday.co.uk brings you the first glimpse of Presenter, ENCO

RadioToday.co.uk brings you the first glimpse of Presenter, ENCO's new radio automation software due to be launched an NAB in Las Vegas next month.

Presenter is the follow-up to the current DAD playout software, and is a result of ENCO's industry knowledge and incorporating client feedback.

The software is being billed as a landmark product with an "easy to use front end" It supports all forms of audio technologies including IP audio, traditional sound cards, audio router control, console interfaces, and general purpose I/O, touch screens.

Eugene Novacek, President of ENCO Systems said: “ENCO’s ‘DAD’ product has a reputation of being a highly engineered product with an unparalleled amount of power and flexibility for radio operations of all sizes. Using our industry knowledge and incorporating client feedback ENCO
has developed a product that will engage you like never before.

“Presenter is designed to be used…easily”, states Don Backus, ENCO Systems VP of Sales and Marketing. “ENCO wanted to deliver both substance and style. This is where ‘Presenter’ excels. Even in challenging economic times, ENCO anticipate significant interest as clients switch away from less powerful and reliable systems to ‘Presenter’ which really has it all. We believe so strongly in this new product that unlike other manufacturers, ENCO will actually be increasing exhibition space at NAB this year, to accommodate increased footfall at the show, as we anticipate that initial interest will be overwhelming.”

The ‘Presenter’ single screen interface features a panel design with many user selectable tools including voice tracking, hot keys, recording, database, search and more. Other features include cut, paste and block move of playlists elements, user tabs, backsell log and a number of
new and refined user friendly tools designed for live assist and voice tracking.

‘Presenter’ will be on display at NAB 2009 in Las Vegas, held April 20-23, Booth N-7607 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

2009-03-19T18:33:00.001-07:00

Bauer keeps Scotland clean

Bauer Media and Keep Scotland Beautiful are joining up to clean up communities in Scotland in support of National Spring Clean 2009.

Bauer Media and Keep Scotland Beautiful are joining up to clean up communities in Scotland in support of National Spring Clean 2009.

On and off air activity has been launched on sister stations Clyde 1, Forth One and Tay FM to drive the activity. Listeners are being asked to send in a picture of a spot in their local area that they think would benefit from an environmental make over.

The winning area will be transformed with the help of a radio station presenter and street team over the Easter break in April. The activity aims to drive support in the National Spring Clean campaign which recruited 20,000 volunteers last year who helped rid their communities of litter during the month of April.

Bauer Media’s Regional Managing Director, Paul Cooney said: “..Bauer Media is delighted to be working on such a worthwhile initiative which will provide lasting environmental benefits in our communities.”

2009-03-19T18:30:00.001-07:00

Radio Wave salutes Blackpool

Radio Wave has launched a Lifestyle and Culture Awards, aiming to celebrate all that is exciting, different and unique about the Fylde coast.

Radio Wave has launched a Lifestyle and Culture Awards, aiming to celebrate all that is exciting, different and unique about the Fylde coast.

The mayor of Blackpool, councillor Mary Smith, the deputy mayor of Fylde, Janine Owen and the mayor of Wyre, councillor George McGann, Blackpool FC’s chairman Karl Oyston and defender Ian Evett were just a few of the 300 guests at the ceremony.

Following the champagne reception, guests were seated for the awards during which the crowd were treated to three sets from Gary Go, who recently supported Take That on their UK tour, Sarah Whatmore and local girl and rising star Karima Francis.

The awards, of which there were 16 in total, were voted for entirely by the public and sponsored by the regeneration scheme, ReBlackpool,

Helen Bowden, Radio Wave 96.5FM station director, said of the awards: “Blackpool is a town that is developing and constantly changing.

“The area is at the beginning of what will be a special time in its log and illustrious history. The Radio Wave Lifestyle and Culture awards recognised, celebrated and rewarded the best of Blackpool and the Fylde coast. The awards were a resounding success and we’re already looking toward next year!”

2009-03-19T18:25:00.001-07:00

Ben Cooper to help students

BBC Radio 1 Head of Programmes Ben Cooper has been announced as the Keynote Speaker at Annual Student Conference.

BBC Radio 1 Head of Programmes Ben Cooper has been announced as the Keynote Speaker at Annual Student Conference.

Ben will welcome future broadcasters to the conference as he launches the event, which is run by the Student Radio Association on the 6th April.

The event is expected to be one of Mr Cooper’s first engagements after he takes up his new position as Deputy Controller or BBC Radio 1, and 1Xtra – which will see him implementing strategies for both stations across mainstream and specialist programmes.

Ben, who graduated from university himself in 1990, has had a wide career across BBC Local, Commercial and National BBC radio, before becoming Head of Mainstream at Radio 1 in 2002 – where he oversaw Chris Moyles’ accession to Breakfast show host.

Student Radio Association Chairman Mark Farrington said, of the announcement “Ben Cooper agreeing to speak at the conference really underlines how seriously student radio is taken by the radio industry as a whole. The industry showed up in force at our annual awards at indigO2 last November, and it looks like the conference will see a similar level of participation from the world of professional radio”.

Ben Cooper joins a varied line up of Radio Talent from both Commercial Radio and the BBC who will speak at the three day event. Sessions include subjects such as ‘Is Radio Engineering for Me’, ‘Building a Brand’ and ‘Multi-Platform for Student Radio’. The event is expected to be attended by around 150 students from across the country, and this year takes place within Leeds University Students’ Union – home of this year’s host station, LSRfm.com.

2009-03-19T09:39:00.001-07:00

Commercial radio under threat

Commercial radio in its current form could disappear in as little as fifteen years warning.

Commercial radio in its current form could disappear in as little as fifteen years, Enders Analysis founder Claire Enders has warned at the MediaGuardian Changing Media Summit.

Enders insisted that even though radio consumption remains high, a combination of onerous regulation and changing listening habits could see commercial radio becoming obsolete.

She warned: "Radio is being dwarfed by classified, online display, search and the next generation don't believe in it as much."  

Absolute radio chief operating officer Clive Dickens dismissed Enders' prediction, but conceded that in the current economic climate, some commercial radio stations will fail.

He said: "The challenge is to move away from display as advertisers are looking for better return on investment."

2009-03-18T17:55:00.001-07:00

Simons and Shennan to speak

GMG's John Simons and Radio 2's Bob Shennan confirm attendance at Radio Production in the North Networking Conference.

More leading BBC and commercial radio figures, including GMG's John Simons and Radio 2's Bob Shennan have confirmed they will be among the keynote speakers at the first Radio Production in the North Networking Conference on March 31st.

Jonathan Wall, BBC Radio 5 Live's Commissioning Editor, and CBeebies radio producer Helen Sills will also be part of the

GMG Radio's Group Programme Director John Simons will also be addressing the event. GMG, which runs the Real, Smooth, Century and Rock brands across the UK, recently began commissioning radio documentaries from the independent radio production sector.

There will be presentations from Peel Media, the company behind MediaCityUK as well as an address from Liz Molyneux who heads up the Business
Development side of the BBC’s plans for MediaCityUK.

Organiser and Creative Director of Made in Manchester Productions, Ashley Byrne says: “Freelance radio producers, TV producers, journalists, comedy and drama writers, actors, presenters, students, they’re all welcome on March 31st but people need to register quickly as space is limited.”

The Radio Production in the North Conference will be held in the Compass Room at The Lowry, Salford Quays from 9.30-4.30pm on March 31st. It will be hosted by former BBC North West Political Editor Jim Hancock.

To register for the conference and to find out more about the day, you should email radio@visionandmedia.co.uk with your contact details. The conference is being organised by North West Vision and Media and Made in Manchester with support from the Radio Independents Group (RIG).

2009-03-18T17:39:00.001-07:00

The Sun enters radio industry

The Sun newspaper is to launch an online radio station called Sun Talk, on April 20th.

The Sun newspaper is to launch an online radio station called Sun Talk, with former talkSPORT presenter Jon Gaunt at the helm. The station is part of parent company News International's £1m investment in the television and radio studios.

Gaunt will be "on-air" every weekday morning for three hours from 10am till 1pm, with guests such as Conservative leader David Cameron MP.

The station aims to attract 150,000 online listeners in its first year.

2009-03-18T17:35:00.001-07:00

Theakston is the daddy.. again

Heart 106.2’s Jamie Theakston is to be a dad for the second time.

Heart 106.2’s Jamie Theakston is to be a dad for the second time.

Jamie, who presents Heart Breakfast with Harriet Scott, made the announcement live on the breakfast show. Jamie has one son, Sidney, with his wife Sophie and their second child is due in September.

Jamie told his London listeners, “I had some good news yesterday. Come September, the Theakston household will once again hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet... Baby two is on the way. We found out yesterday, had the 12-week scan.

"All is looking good and so we’ll be welcoming another addition to our growing brood… (Sophie) is very excited, but she’s a little terrified about the fact there’s only going to be a year-and-a-half age difference between the two, so it’s going to be a bit of a handful, but I know she’s going to handle it. I know she can cope!”

Harriet said: “And where will you be?” Jamie replied, “I’ll be making sure I supervise things from a safe distance!”

2009-03-18T09:54:00.001-07:00

Galaxy radio takes the high road

Galaxy Scotland is to launch a major ad campaign in the Glasgow and Edinburgh regions.

Galaxy Scotland is to launch a major ad campaign in the Glasgow and Edinburgh regions. The three week long campaign – an Atticus Finch animation - airs from March 23 on STV.

Galaxy Scotland airs on 105.7 in Edinburgh and the East, and on 106.1 in Glasgow and the West. The station launched in November last year.

2009-03-18T04:28:00.001-07:00

New community licences awarded

Ofcom has today awarded four new community radio licences in East Anglia and Essex.

Ofcom has today awarded four new community radio licences, the recipients are CAM, Wayland Radio, Carolina FM and Future Radio, the latter has now been granted a licence to broadcast across all of Norwich.

Future Radio (Norwich) sees it’s original licence servicing the West Norwich area now broadened to allow it to broadcast across the county. CAM (Cambridge) will provide a service aimed at the city’s academic core, Wayland Radio (Swaffham and Watton, Norfolk) will help to provide direct access to broadcasting facilities for those living and working in this rural area, while Carolina FM (East Braintree, Essex) will focus on local entertainment and leisure events as well as training in radio production.

Community radio services typically cover a small geographical area and are provided on a not-for-profit basis focusing on the delivery of specific social benefits to enrich a particular geographical community or a community of interest. The licences are awarded for a five-year period.

2009-03-17T17:31:00.001-07:00

TLRC holds the Quay in Iraq

107.4 The Quay has been out on the ground with Portsmouth soldiers in Iraq.

107.4 The Quay has been out on the ground with Portsmouth soldiers in Iraq.

The Quay’s Reporter, Helen Head, was given exclusive access to soldiers from the First Battalion Princess of Wales Royal Regiment – 350 members of the Battalion deployed to Iraq last November.

In a week-long series of special news reports for The Quay, Helen explored 1 PWRR’s role in Iraq - in mentoring and training the Iraqi Army - and how the soldiers have been helping to hand control of security back to the Iraqis in readiness for the final drawn down of British troops by the end of the summer.

She prepared individual targeted reports for 14 other ‘sister stations’ in TLRC’s group, including Isle of Wight Radio, Spirit FM, Arrow FM, Sovereign Radio, Minster FM, Minster Northallerton, Stray FM, Yorkshire Coast Radio, Durham FM, Sun FM, Alpha FM, Fire Radio, Spire FM, and Wessex FM.

2009-03-17T16:59:00.001-07:00

BLOG: Thisisofcom

Imagine a world where an alternative rock format station can suddenly and without notice flip to a Top 40 station and directly and aggressively market itself in direct competition with the ‘other’ Top 40 station in its market.

Well, that’s exactly what happened at 5pm last Wednesday in New York City. Howard Stern’s old home K-ROCK flipped to 92.3Now FM, even announcing during its launch sequence that its sole aim is to steal the number one spot from Z100.

Nobody battered an eye lid. Well, maybe Z100 did, and now they are quite rightly going to “up their game” to make sure they continue to be “the best radio station in the world”.* Travel east about 3,500 miles and enter a whole different world as far as regulated radio goes.

Changing formats in a market such as New York where there are over 50 stations, is a little different to, say, Bristol. And Cambridge. And Norwich. This is why we have strict Formats to stick to. Even not playing enough chart music on a chart music station is enough to start world war three, as Global Radio found out on Friday.

First the news came that Ofcom had issued a Yellow Card to Global’s GWR FM for not playing enough chart music (as per their Format, naturally). Then followed information that future Yellow Cards won't be a slap on the wrist: "the Yellow Card has not been effective in immediately bringing a station back within Format". Ofcom has had it with the light touch approach and will shorten your licence in future.**

Then if that wasn't enough, Global hit back saying they weren't happy about it: “We do not accept this finding, and are considering our position”. Wow, this could turn into a very interesting and long running debate between the UK's biggest radio group and the regulator. It could scupper Global’s plans to continue syndicating a radio station with “melodic adult contemporary” in its Format to radio stations with “Contemporary and chart music” in it.

We must admit, we were wondering how they were getting around that one.

Turns out they weren’t.

Watch this space for the next thrilling episode, folks.

*Probably.
**If you are really, really bad.

2009-03-17T16:53:00.001-07:00

Freedom for Gold's Dean Martin

Gold presenter Dean Martin has been presented the Freedom of the City of London at the Guildhall London.

Gold presenter Dean Martin has been presented the Freedom of the City of London at the Guildhall London.

The honour entitles Dean to a number of ancient quirky privileges although they are more a product of collective memory than of documented evidence. They include the right to herd sheep over London bridge, to go about the City with a drawn sword, and if convicted of a capital offence, to be hung with a silken rope. Other advantages are said to have included the right to avoid being press-ganged, to be married in St Paul's Cathedral, buried in the City and to be drunk and disorderly without fear of arrest.

Dean said "I am delighted to receive this unusual honour. The City of London is a unique locality and I am determined to contribute what I can to life in the area".

2009-03-17T16:37:00.001-07:00

Nick to replace Colin on Radio 1

After ten years at BBC Radio 1, Colin Murray is leaving to join 5 Live full time. His 10pm till midnight slot will be filled by weekend presenter Nick Grimshaw.

After ten years at BBC Radio 1, Colin Murray is leaving to join 5 Live full time. His 10pm till midnight slot will be filled by weekend presenter Nick Grimshaw.

Colin is no stranger to 5 Live as he hosts the weekly Fighting Talk show during the football season. His new job will include a Friday night and Sunday afternoon show. He said: "I'm honoured to be given these new shows on Radio 5 Live. With it comes a responsibility to deliver the best sporting radio content anywhere in the world, and I intend to give 100 percent while introducing my own style of presentation."

Nick, who started his radio career just a few years ago working as part of the promo team at Smooth (FM) in Manchester, will move to the new Monday to Thursday, 10pm-midnight slot from the weekend breakfast show but will continue to co-host Switch with Annie Mac on Sunday nights.

Ben Cooper, Head of Programmes, Radio 1, says: "It will be fantastic to get Nick's mix of humour, music and guests on four nights a week. I look forward to it soon becoming the 'must listen to' show for our young audiences."

Nick Grimshaw adds: "I'm so excited to be taking on a whole new challenge. Doing an evening show for Radio 1 is something I've always dreamed of and I can't wait to start."

2009-03-17T04:41:00.001-07:00

4 and 7 change for children

BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 7 are to introduce changes to their children's programming.

BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 7 are changing their children's programming, introducing a daily children's breakfast show on Radio 7, while Radio 4 will drop the Go4it strand.

CBeebies on Radio 7 moves into a new breakfast slot in April – from 5.00-8.00am, seven days a week. New programmes include Lazytown Extra and Jane Horrocks becomes Madame Maestro in a specially-commissioned classical music series.

At weekends, Big Toe Books will move to 8.00-9.00am, following on from the CBeebies breakfast show, offering four hours of uninterrupted children's programmes.
At the same time, Radio 4 is decommissioning Go4it, the weekly children's programme currently broadcast on Sunday evenings at 7.15pm.

Mark Damazer, Controller, Radio, 4 said: "Go4it has done its very best to reach a children's audience, but we have to shape the schedule in the best interests of our listeners and we have not been able to find a successful way of putting a programme for children on an adult radio station."

2009-03-17T01:36:00.001-07:00

Kiss Kube ready for launch

Bauer Media's Kiss network is launching a new 'listen again' online service, to be known as KISS KUBE, which will include support for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Bauer Media's Kiss network is launching a new 'listen again' online service, to be known as KISS KUBE, which will include support for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

The site will offer listen live, listen again and various specialist audio output to a range of devices include the Apple handsets.

Bruce Mitchell, Head of Digital for KISS, commented: "The KISS KUBE mobile player will create a real difference to the mobile world inhabited by our tech-savvy listeners and is yet another example of our ability to innovate ahead of the competition. No other UK radio station provides this type of unique listen live, listen again player.”

Kurt Edwards, Bauer Media's Digital Head of Sales, added: "The KISS KUBE mobile player opens up a whole host of commercial opportunities for clients and we are delighted to take such a distinct and compelling launch to market, as mobile Internet is rapidly transforming the way our consumers access content online."

2009-03-17T01:28:00.001-07:00

Radio 1's Big weekend announced

The annual Radio 1 Big Weekend for 2009 will take place in Swindon's Lydiard Park on the weekend of 9 and 10 May.

The annual Radio 1 Big Weekend for 2009 will take place in Swindon's Lydiard Park on the weekend of 9 and 10 May. The news was announced as Chris Moyles and his team broadcast live from the town this morning.

N-Dubz are the first artist to be confirmed, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. There will be live music across four stages and the whole event will be broadcast live on Radio 1, with highlights on BBC 3 TV.

Chris Moyles said: "We always try to bring it to places that don't normally get big events like this. The people of Swindon are going to love it."

Jason Carter, Radio 1's editor of live music and events, said: "Radio 1 is delighted to be heading to Swindon this year. "It's our ninth Big Weekend and we'll be bringing some of the biggest international and UK artists to Lydiard Park."

Last year's event was in Maidstone, Kent, and was headlined by Madonna.