UK

Mike Graham will not return to Talk

Talk has confirmed that presenter Mike Graham will not return to the station following an internal investigation into an “abhorrent and vile” post that appeared on his Facebook page in October.

In a statement, the company said Mike initially agreed to cooperate fully with its investigation, which involved an independent forensic firm. However, he later “reneged on several opportunities to cooperate” with the process.
Talk said it had been “gravely concerned at his repeated failure to cooperate on such a serious matter,” adding that the decision has now been taken for him not to return to the station.
Mike Graham has presented on Talk since 2010, hosting a range of shows including The Independent Republic of Mike Graham on weekday mornings.
He’s been suspended since the post appeared on his Facebook, which appeared because his Facebook account was hacked, according to Mike.
Just yesterday, he posted a video on X thanking his supporters, and saying sorry for cancelling his show at the Shepherd Bush Empire this week.

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UK

Drift Radio celebrates five years with DAB+ launch

Drift Radio is celebrating its fifth anniversary by launching on DAB+ digital radio across the North Wales coast, marking a major step for the community dance and electronic music station.

The Rhyl-based broadcaster will now reach new audiences alongside its existing online stream, mobile app, and smart speaker access.
Founded to reflect the energy and creativity of coastal life, Drift has grown into a dedicated platform for DJs, producers, and fans of electronic music.
The station says it has built a loyal audience, hosted live events, and supported emerging talent through its evening programming over the last five years.
Co-founder Kevin Wright said: “We’re incredibly proud to be marking five years of Drift with our move onto DAB+. When we started there was nothing quite like this for our community. Drift gives people who love dance and electronic music a place to connect and be heard.”
Presenter Mark Cava added that the station’s progress “shows how Drift brings people together through music and gives everyone the chance to learn and grow in broadcasting.”
To coincide with the DAB+ launch, Drift has introduced a new mobile app that lets users listen live, view the DJ schedule, check local events, and chat with other listeners.
The expansion has been supported by Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council and funding from the Denbighshire Key Fund, which helped facilitate the technical move to DAB+.
Drift is now inviting local businesses and organisations to collaborate through sponsorship and partnership opportunities as it continues to grow its presence across North Wales.
Listeners can now find Drift Radio on DAB+ along the North Wales coast, online at drift.radio, or via the Drift Radio app.

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US

Local Radio Networks To Distribute Picklejar Up All Night

After relaunching its overnight “Picklejar Up All Night” with hosts Katie Cook and Scott Gaines in August, Picklejar Entertainment Group has announced that the Country show will be distributed nationally by Local Radio Networks. The companies will also partner to created additional programming and content.
The post Local Radio Networks To Distribute Picklejar Up All Night appeared first on RadioInsight. […]

UK

RCS officially launches SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud

RCS has officially unveiled its new cloud-native platforms, SelectorCloud and ZettaCloud.

The company says the announcement marks a significant step in radio’s shift towards AI-powered scheduling and fully cloud-based playout systems.
SelectorCloud uses artificial intelligence to enhance music scheduling, offering broadcasters greater precision and flexibility while retaining creative control.
Its AI engine analyses listener data, station goals and content patterns to deliver optimised music rotations, supporting more efficient, data-driven programming decisions.
ZettaCloud, already in use by more than 530 AM and FM stations globally, provides a complete cloud-native playout solution.
Built specifically for the cloud rather than virtualised hardware, it offers high availability, scalability and browser-based control for seamless, remote operation.
Broadcasters can manage playout in real time from anywhere, ensuring continuity even during network interruptions.
Philippe Generali, President and CEO of RCS, said the two platforms “represent a bold leap forward—giving broadcasters the tools to operate with unmatched agility, collaboration, and control from anywhere on the planet.”
They will both be on show at the upcoming Radio Tech Con event in London.
Photo: Philippe Generali of RCS, right, accepts the Radio World “Best of Show” Award for ZettaCloud from Radio World’s Paul McLane at the 2025 NAB Show

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UK

Sara Cox hits £1 million for Children in Need challenge

BBC Radio 2’s Sara Cox has reached a major milestone in her Great Northern Marathon Challenge, raising more than £1 million for BBC Children in Need.

The news was revealed live on air by Scott Mills, prompting an emotional reaction from Sara, who thanked listeners for their overwhelming support.
“Oh my god. One million two thousand… we’ve done a million! That’s massive, thank you. You have completely broken me everybody who has donated,” she said.
Sara, who is now halfway through her five-day, 135-mile challenge from Kielder Forest to Pudsey in Leeds, admitted she is struggling physically and emotionally as she continues the toughest leg of her journey.
Fellow Boltonian Peter Kay sent his encouragement with a typically humorous message, telling Sara: “What you are doing is a massive challenge. Huge. Think about how much it will mean to all those children in need. Saying that, all that money they are raising, they still never fixed Pudsey’s eye.”
Paddy McGuinness, covering Vernon Kay’s morning show, also urged listeners to get out and cheer Sara on. “People power is what gets you through. You might think she’ll be alright, but get out there, support her, it’s so important,” he said.
In celebration, the Radio 2 family recorded a special version of Five’s 1999 hit *Keep On Movin’*, featuring Scott Mills and several presenters. Five members Scott and Ritchie joined Scott on air to introduce the track, calling Sara’s effort “another level.”
Sara laughed through tears when she heard the song: “Don’t be nice to me, because you know I’ll be doing some ugly-crying by the side of the road. They promised me undulating today, that was a lie! This ain’t undulating – it’s mountainous!”
Listeners can follow Sara’s progress on BBC Sounds and Radio 2’s social media channels, or track her route live at bbc.co.uk/sara.

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