Month: February 2025

ASIA

Fourth annual Saudi Media Forum set to take place in Riyadh

February 2, 2025 radionewsfeeds Comments Off on Fourth annual Saudi Media Forum set to take place in Riyadh

Saudi Media Forum, the largest specialized event in the media industry in Saudi Arabia, is set to take place in Riyadh from February 19 to 21.The annual event provides a platform for dialogue to discuss prominent global issues from a media perspective. It offers opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts, decision-makers, and practitioners in the media field. The event also provides a unique experience to explore new media spaces, discuss the latest global trends in the sector, and stay updated on the latest technological innovations.This is complemented by the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX), the largest content, technological, and production media exhibition in Saudi Arabia, featuring a variety of activities including sessions, seminars, and workshops.The forum will feature more than 200 speakers, including Boris Johnson, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.It will also focus on how the industry is evolving in response to global shifts. Experts will discuss critical issues, such as adapting to the new media reality, overcoming sector challenges, and exploring strategies for maintaining investment viability. A key theme of this year’s forum will be the implementation of a sustainable approach to media management, as well as strategies to effectively address emerging challenges while fostering innovation.In addition, the forum will focus on the new concept of media management, delving into areas such as reconsidering the sources of media flows, re-evaluating media and resource management strategies, and identifying innovative solutions to drive the sector forward. This session will also explore how to foster resilience and adaptability within the rapidly changing media landscape.The event will culminate in a grand awards ceremony, where achievements across six key media categories will be recognized. The awards will celebrate excellence in journalism, broadcasting, digital media, and innovation, honouring those who have made significant contributions to the media sector.Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, Chairman of Radio and Television Authority and Chairman of Saudi Media Forum said: “The Saudi Media Forum in its fourth edition seeks to keep pace with the great momentum witnessed by the Kingdom at all levels and in various fields within Saudi Vision 2030. As His Highness the Crown Prince launched, the forum today is one of the specialized international media forums in foreseeing the future of media, developing it, and exploring its latest technologies by providing opportunities for companies and individuals to develop their media capabilities and learn about the latest developments in this changing industry. It exchanges local and international experiences, in addition to creating a vital and effective community for learned lessons that responds to changing the Kingdom’s story through media, so that Saudi media in all its institutions and outputs keeps pace with the path of national development and the Kingdom’s ambitious vision.” […]

AU & NZ

Hamish McLennan: “We’ve made a huge financial commitment to Kyle & Jackie O. We need to get payback on that”

February 2, 2025 radionewsfeeds Comments Off on Hamish McLennan: “We’ve made a huge financial commitment to Kyle & Jackie O. We need to get payback on that”

“I think, in some regard, the guys might have pushed the envelope too hard.”ARN Media Chairman Hamish McLennan has opened up about Kyle & Jackie O’s eye-watering deal and their failure to fire so far in Melbourne during a candid interview on ABC Radio National.On the latest MediaLand episode, McLennan also addresses the KIIS duo’s… Read More
The post Hamish McLennan: “We’ve made a huge financial commitment to Kyle & Jackie O. We need to get payback on that” by Sarah Patterson appeared first on Radio Today. […]

US

KFBG Moves To Temporary 91X Simulcast

February 1, 2025 radionewsfeeds Comments Off on KFBG Moves To Temporary 91X Simulcast

With Local Media San Diego’s sale of Variety Hits “100.7 Big-FM” KFBG San Diego to Lotus Communications still pending, the station dropped its format on Friday evening in favor of a temporary simulcast of Alternative “91X” XETRA-FM Tijuana MX. […]

UK

Former BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Spencer Leigh marks 80th birthday with a new book

February 1, 2025 radionewsfeeds Comments Off on Former BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Spencer Leigh marks 80th birthday with a new book

Broadcaster and music historian Spencer Leigh is celebrating his 80th birthday with a special book release called 80@80.
This memoir takes readers on a nostalgic journey through his extensive archives and personal diaries, featuring 80 chapters that explore his life and deep passion for pop music.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the book, Spencer shared, “As I approached my 80th birthday, I wanted to create something that revisited my past interviews while also sharing parts of my own story.”
Spencer’s broadcasting career began in the early 1970s at BBC Radio Merseyside, where he became known for hosting On The Beat, a long-running music program that saw him interview thousands of musicians over the years.
“There are some truly unusual interviews in the book,” he noted. “One with Billy Bob Thornton stands out as particularly odd, so I included it while weaving in my life’s story along the way.”
In addition to his book, Spencer has written a magazine commemorating what would have been Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday, now available at newsagents.
With decades of interviews and research under his belt, Spencer has amassed an extensive archive of materials. He is now in the process of donating these valuable records to Liverpool Central Library.
“I’m currently organizing my files—today, I’m working on The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper,” he said. “I’m compiling all the press cuttings and materials into a structured collection. Soon, the entire file, containing around 200 pieces, will be available at the Liverpool Central Archives.”

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Ireland

Aspiring broadcasters kick off new radio and podcasting course with Beat 102-103

February 1, 2025 radionewsfeeds Comments Off on Aspiring broadcasters kick off new radio and podcasting course with Beat 102-103

A new wave of aspiring radio professionals have begun their journey in the January 2025 Broadcast Course at South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford, in collaboration with Beat 102-103 and WLR FM.
The Certificate in Radio and Podcasting, a hands-on introduction to broadcasting, presenting, and podcast production, officially commenced this week at SETU’s Cork Road campus. On Thursday, January 30th, sixteen students arrived, eager to take their first steps into the world of radio and podcasting as part of this year’s cohort.
Jointly developed and delivered by SETU, WLR FM, and Beat 102-103, the course blends academic expertise with real-world industry experience. It is taught by a mix of practicing broadcasters and lecturers, providing students with an inside look at how commercial radio stations operate and what it takes to thrive in the industry.
Designed as an entry-level, part-time, Level 6 qualification, the program welcomes students from all backgrounds—no prior experience in radio is required. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants gain hands-on experience in key broadcasting skills, giving them a valuable ‘foot in the door’ to the industry.
Speaking at the course launch, WLR FM CEO Michael Byrne expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s program: “We’re thrilled to once again be part of this fantastic initiative alongside SETU, Beat, and WLR. This course has played a vital role in shaping many talented broadcasters over the years, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s students will bring.”
SETU lecturer and former Beat 102-103 presenter Rob O’Connor highlighted the unique diversity of this year’s cohort: “The mix of students is truly exciting—they come from all walks of life. This year, we have a plumber, a nurse specializing in post-natal depression, a software developer, a men’s shed volunteer, and an HR professional with a deep love for music. The energy they bring to the classroom is amazing, and their discussions are always engaging.
“It’s fantastic to see fresh perspectives coming into radio and podcasting. The demos they produce are full of originality, and with the added professionalism that comes from working with Beat and WLR, they’re getting real, industry-level experience.”
Through a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on studio sessions, students will develop core broadcasting skills, including:

Researching and preparing scripts and running orders for radio broadcasts
Recording and editing audio for radio and podcast production
Presenting live and recorded speech content
Understanding legal and ethical guidelines in broadcasting
Exploring the role of radio journalists and presenters in the Irish media landscape
The 12-week course is set to conclude in April 2025, equipping students with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in radio, podcasting, and beyond. […]