Year: 2025

Following an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, presenter Janice Forsyth is stepping down from the BBC.

Janice has worked for the BBC for more than 30 years, presenting shows on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Four and BBC Radio Three.
She is also the co-founder of a podcast production company which was set up five years ago and will continue in the role.
Janice presented the Culture Studio on BBC Radio Scotland, which then became the Janice Forsyth Show and then the Afternoon Show, from 2013 until early 2024.
In a statement, she said the diagnosis had been difficult, explaining that since 2022 she had been finding some tasks such as navigation difficult, and had experienced anxiety.
“I’d hoped that I was simply worn out by my many years as a freelance broadcaster and perhaps exhausted following the loss of our dear Mother, Patricia, the previous Christmas, but sadly, I now have a firm diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s disease,” she said.
“It’s been a huge blow, but I’m also feeling some relief that I finally have an explanation for lapses I’d been experiencing, and I’m managing to remain buoyant most of the time.
“Much as I have loved seeking out and sharing the best of music/literature/theatre/cinema with you, I’m happy now to have the time and freedom to enjoy all of these simply for my own pleasure.
“Call it living in the moment, and you won’t be far off!
“I never took my role lightly and hope I always gave my best, both for your sake and that of my interviewees.
“It’s been a blast, and I send a high five to everyone who tuned in on Saturday mornings or on more recent weekday afternoons and heard something interesting.”
Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: “Janice has been a hugely popular personality on our airwaves for many years.
“The many production teams she has collaborated with have appreciated her outstanding skill as a presenter on radio and television.
“Her warmth, relaxed interviewing style, and peerless knowledge of arts, music, and culture in Scotland and beyond, have made her a firm favourite with audiences over the decades.
“Everyone at BBC Scotland wishes Janice all the very best and we’ll be pleased to continue to explore suitable opportunities where we can work together.”

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BBC Radio 1 will join forces with four other radio stations across Europe to host Europe’s Biggest Gig.

The live music event will see the five countries come together to showcase their own national music scene and an artist tipped for big things, who will perform a live session.
Taking place on Tuesday 25th February from 6.30pm, Radio 1’s Jack Saunders will host for the first thirty minutes before handing over to broadcasting partners across the European Broadcasting Union.
Representing the UK, South-London soul singer Nia Smith, will perform a session of her tracks in the Radio 1 Live Lounge.
Nia Smith says: “So excited to be performing for Radio 1 at Europe’s Biggest Gig!! Ty so much Jack, very grateful.”
Jack Saunders says: “Live music is at the heart of what we do on the show so why not take that to the rest of Europe? It’s a chance to bring fresh unique voices to the biggest stage. Nia Smith is going to blow people away with her talent and I can’t wait to hear what the other countries bring.”
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “We’re really excited to launch Europe’s Biggest Gig which will join the hugely popular Europe’s Biggest Dance Show and Europe’s Biggest Soundsystem Party brand.
“It’s an exciting way to showcase the incredible artists emerging across the continent. By joining forces with our broadcasting partners, we’re giving artists a platform to reach new audiences and bringing fans closer to future stars poised for success. We can’t wait to share this special night with listeners across Europe.”
The countries, broadcasters and artists performing are (in order of broadcast):

UK, BBC Radio 1, Nia Smith
Ireland, RTÉ 2FM, Orla Gartland
Belgium, Studio Brussel, Sylvie Kreusch
Germany, 1LIVE, Berq
Iceland, Rás 2, Elín Hall

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The introductory live-in care agency, Country Cousins has launched a national radio campaign on Classic FM.

Running for 12 weeks, the campaign aims to reach over 3.62 million listeners, introducing more families to the benefits of live-in care and offering support to those who may not yet know where to turn.
Airing across Classic FM London, Classic FM South, Classic FM Digital, Classic FM Calm and Classic FM Movies with 1661 ad spots, it will reach listeners on average 6.6 times. The campaign also includes an offer of 50% off its Lifetime Membership fee.
George Neel, Group Commercial Director at Trinity Homecare Group, said: “This campaign is an exciting milestone for Country Cousins. Many families aren’t aware that live-in care is an option, or they don’t know where to turn when a loved one needs support.
“The benefits of staying at home with the right care in place are significant—over 97% of older adults say they would prefer to remain in their own home rather than move into residential care, and studies show that home care can lead to better health outcomes, greater independence, and improved quality of life compared to moving into a care home.
“By launching this campaign on Classic FM, we’re ensuring that more people hear about the benefits of live-in care and the compassionate service that Country Cousins has been providing for over six decades. We’re confident this will help many families find the care solution they need.”

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