UK

Ofcom writes to the BBC to confirm consultation on Radio 2 Extra

Ofcom has today written to the BBC confirming that it will carry out full BBC Competition Assessments of its radio expansion plans.

In November, the BBC published proposals to launch four new DAB+ stations: Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems, a Radio 2 extension, and Radio 3 Unwind.
The Corporation also published proposals to extend the broadcasting hours of Radio 5 Sports Extra.
The un-named BBC Radio 2 extension nicknamed Radio 2 Extra would have 60 per cent speech led programming, made up of added news bulletins and documentaries.
Music would remain from the 50s, 60s and 70s, with at least 6,000 unique tracks a year, including lesser-known album tracks.
Under the BBC Charter and Agreement, the BBC and then Ofcom are required to consider the effects on competition of ‘material’ changes to its TV, radio and online public services.
Ofcom says it must first decide whether the BBC’s proposed changes are ‘material’ and, if so, what form of competition assessment it will carry out.
The regulator stated in November that it were minded to carry out full BCAs, rather than Shorter Assessments, to determine whether the BBC can go ahead with its plans.
Ofcom said today: “We have decided that, as the BBC’s proposals would be a material change and raise a number of contentious issues, potentially affecting several interested parties, in-depth scrutiny through full BCAs is the appropriate course of action.
“We will have up to six months to complete our further assessments, which we will commence on 6 January. This process will include a consultation on our provisional decision, giving interested parties another opportunity to provide their views.”
The announcement has been welcomed by Radiocentre, with CEO Matt Payton saying: “We welcome Ofcom’s independent scrutiny of these proposed new radio stations from the BBC.
“A thorough third-party analysis is necessary to consider the scale and impact of these changes on the UK audio market, rather than relying on the BBC to mark its own homework.
“We look forward to engaging with Ofcom on the process, where we will continue to highlight the lack of distinctiveness and the negative effect on audiences and competition.”

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Ireland

Christmas FM’s annual Donation Day is taking place today

Christmas FM is running its annual Donation Day today to raise funds for The Magic of Christmas Appeal.
The pop-up station is having a 12 hour long festive radiothon from 7am – 7pm, packed with Christmas hits and seasonal goodwill.
Christmas FM is asking listeners to help Give the Gift of Childhood to children who need it most, because every child deserves Magic at Christmas. Donations can be made through christmasfm.com or by calling 0818 911 977.
The Magic of Christmas was launched in 2022, with the aim of raising €1,000,000 over a three-year period for the charities. The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal raised almost €325,000 last year for the charities, with donations raised between 2022 and 2023 totalling €618,706 overall.

Paul Shepherd, Co-Founder of Christmas FM, says: “This year marks our 17th year Switching Christmas On across Ireland. Since our launch in 2008, we’ve raised over €3.5 million for various charities nationwide – which is a huge milestone for us.
“With the incredible support of our listeners and fans, we’re committed to continuing this tradition of giving. While we’ve been fundraising throughout the festive season and will carry on while we’re on FM, Donation Day is especially important.
“It’s our chance to maximise support for The Magic of Christmas Appeal and we’re calling on everyone to tune in, donate, and join us in making a difference!”

People all over the world are watching Donation Day LIVE on our website! 🎥💃 pic.twitter.com/rDmgq5GCe1
— Christmas FM (@christmasfm) December 19, 2024

Commenting on Donation Day, the charity partners jointly said: “We are delighted to be working with The Magic of Christmas Appeal for the third consecutive year. Last year’s incredible support made a profound difference to children across Ireland, and we’re very much looking forward to Donation Day on Thursday, 19th December.
“We hope Christmas FM listeners and fans will join us by donating whatever they can to help transform the lives of children in communities across Ireland. With the generosity of listeners, we can Give the Gift of Childhood to those who need it most, because every child really does deserve magic at Christmas.”
Christmas FM is broadcasting from The Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley who have kindly donated their studio space again this year. […]

Ireland

Kathryn Thomas to take over Q102 Breakfast in the new year

Broadcaster Kathryn Thomas is joining Q102 in the new year to host the breakfast show.
The change happens in February when the station will reveal a rebrand including new logo.
The former Radio 1 presenter is known for hosting RTÉ television shows such as ‘No Place Like Home’ ‘My Body Fix’, ‘Operation Transformation’ and ‘The Voice of Ireland’.
Kathryn currently co-hosts The Rose of Tralee and began her journey on the TV series No Frontiers.
She also has some radio presenting experience, having worked on RTÉ Radio 1 over the years. More recently, Kathryn combined her passion for travel and well-being to set up her own business Pure Results, where she runs fitness and wellness retreats in Ireland and abroad.
Speaking about her new breakfast show, Kathryn said: “I’ve wanted my own radio show for such a long time but it was really about finding the right fit. Dublin’s Q102 is relaunching with a new vision and I loved the idea of brightening up people’s mornings, being curious and caring about issues that matter for Dubliners.
“I’ve been living in Dublin for the last 25 years and it’s most definitely the place I love to be. It’s my home, where my kids were born and the city I love most in the world.
“I’m not a newbie to radio having done loads of radio work for RTÉ, but having the opportunity to put my own stamp and style on a show is definitely the next exciting step for me. The people I have met so far in Q102 have already made me feel very welcome.
“I’m really looking forward to this new chapter and absolutely delighted to be working alongside Ryan again, but what I’m most excited about is having the opportunity to wake Dublin up with great chat, banter and tunes every morning!”
Vivienne Nagle, Managing Director of Dublin’s Q102, said: “As a business, we’re thrilled to announce that the new home for Kathryn is on Dublin’s Q102.
“The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas on Dublin’s Q102 is going to be a bright place to be and a bright listen and watch, both on air and across all our platforms. Her naturally lively and engaging personality and her experience of listener and audience engagement speaks for itself. She’s a natural communicator.
“Kathryn’s show will begin airing in February and will be part of a relaunch for Dublin’s Q102 which will also include a new logo, a new strategic vision and new brand values – always being curious, social and bright. Once we had set out our strategy, Kathryn was the obvious choice for breakfast and she will work hand in glove with Ryan who follows her show at 10am.
“Liam Coburn, a long standing Q102 presenter, will follow with ‘Feel Good Afternoon’s’ as well as other familiar Q102 presenters like Martin King at the weekend. Dublin’s Q102 – Brighten Your Day!”
The new schedule for Dublin’s Q102 launching in February 2025 is:
7am – 10am The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas10am – 1pm The Ryan Tubridy Show sponsored by Hyundai1pm – 6.30pm Feel Good Afternoons with Liam Coburn sponsored by Mooney’s Hyundai6.30pm – 7pm Dublin Today – All the news you need to know with Elizabeth Hearst7pm – 12am Feel Good Evenings […]

UK

Two presenters depart GB News Radio to make way for new schedule in 2025

GB News has announced details of a new schedule for 2025 as two presenters depart.

Mark Dolan and Isabel Webster have left, making way for the new line-up next month.
Mark Dolan made a statement saying: “GB News have made the decision to permanently relieve me of my duties at the channel. I will speak publicly about this in due course.”
Andrew Doyle has also stepped down from the schedule but will continue as a contributor to the channel.
Ellie Costello will now co-host GBN Breakfast five days a week, presenting alongside Eamonn Holmes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and with Stephen Dixon on Thursday and Friday. Stephen and Anne Diamond will continue to co-present GB News Breakfast at Weekends.
As a new, permanent addition to GB News, Miriam Cates will continue to host Dewbs and Co every other Friday, as well as programmes across GB News’ daytime schedule.
Ben Leo will be presenting a new look show, Ben Leo Tonight, on Saturday and Sunday nights. He will also continue to co-host Britain’s Newsroom on a Friday.
Author, political commentator and pollster Professor Matthew Goodwin will join GB News as a permanent presenter in 2025, presenting State of the Nation on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night. Jacob Rees Mogg will continue as the show’s host on Monday and Tuesday.
Comedian Josh Howie, a regular host on GB News’ late night news-review show, Headliners, will become the new presenter of Free Speech Nation on Sunday evenings between 7-9pm.
Commenting on the roles, Ben Briscoe, Head Of Programming and Talent on GB News, said: “2024 has been a truly fantastic year for us. Not only are we regularly beating the other established news channels, but we are also making inroads against the big public serving broadcasters terrestrial channels. Our initiatives will allow us to build on this success with a renewed focus and ambition.”

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