UK

Gareth Brooks, Hywel Evans, Shell Zenner and Jack Wood have left XS Manchester as the station introduces more nonstop music sequences.

Breakfast presenter Alex James stays with the station and will host 7am till 11am, whilst current evening host Jam Salveson will be on-air from 4pm till 8pm.
Gareth hosted daytimes whilst Hywel, who joined the station eight months ago, did Drive. Shell Zenner and Jack Wood hosted weekend shows.
The station’s owner, Communicorp, or CCUK, confirmed the news to RadioToday after the Manchester Evening News revealed the changes, saying fans have been left “in a spin”.
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that scheduling changes on XS Manchester will come into place from Monday 5th August.
“Breakfast with Alex James will run weekdays, 7am to 11am, and from 11am to 4pm, the Soundtrack to the City continues with more music for Manchester.
“Jim Salveson will be on air from 4pm to 8pm, Monday to Thursday, featuring new music after 6pm.
“Friday nights will see Gareth Brooks celebrate the weekend with XS Manchester Anthems from 4pm.”
The station started life as Rock Radio in 2008, and was rebranded to Real XS, then XS Manchester. It applied to change its format in 2019 to become Capital Xtra but permission was refused in 2020.
Under new broadcasting legislation coming into force next year, the station will be able to ‘flip’ format to any music or speech genre without seeking permission.

Last show on xs today. Truth is @mrgarethbrooks and I are off to pursue our dream of alpaca racing.I want to thank every person who’s listened for the last few months. @deanmnc and @R3DLFC especially. Thanks to team xs and @therealboon for inspiration and support x
— Hywel Evans (@hywelesq) August 2, 2024

2018-2024, thanks for 6 awesome years @XSManchester pic.twitter.com/y06SllkQ0T
— 🐚 Shell Zenner 🐚 (@shellzenner) August 2, 2024 […]

BBC World Service English has partnered with DMS Broadcasting to rebroadcast its programming to audiences in the Cayman Islands.

DMS Broadcasting is based in the Cayman Islands, with seven FM radio stations with music, entertainment, news, and information formats.
BBC World Service English will be rebroadcast on Bobo FM 89.1 from 10.30am to 7.30am, five days a week, with a variation near the end of the week, and on average 21 hours on weekends.
Fred Durman, BBC’s Head of Business Development for the Americas and Europe, says: “The BBC is delighted to expand its reach in the Cayman Islands through this rebroadcasting agreement with DMS Broadcasting.
“By offering a significant number of hours of programming daily on Bobo FM 89.1, we continue our mission to inform, educate, and entertain a global audience.
“This initiative not only extends our footprint but also ensures that more listeners can access high-quality, trusted news and diverse programming from around the world.”
Blake Rogers, DMS Broadcasting General Manager, adds: “We’re thrilled to finally announce our partnership between the BBC and DMS Broadcasting.
“As one of the most renowned and trusted news organizations in the world, the BBC will make it possible to elevate our news products and service elements for our listeners. And, as the new official BBC radio station in Cayman, Bobo 89.1 FM will be THE place for news and talk in the Cayman Islands.” […]

Welsh singer and TV presenter Elin Fflur is joining BBC Radio Wales to host a new Friday evening show.

Starting on Friday 9th August, Elin’s new show will replace the Friday night sports show.
It will feature disco and party classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, alongside a selection of Welsh anthems. The programme, which will be broadcast live from Bangor, will run every Friday evening from 7pm – 10pm.
Elin, who has been a cover presenter on Radio Cymru for some time, said of joining BBC Radio Wales: “I’m very excited to join the team at Radio Wales. Music and people are a big passion of mine and I feel that this show will give me the best of both. I’m looking forward to welcoming the weekend with some happy tunes and good vibes.”
Carolyn Hitt, Head of BBC Radio Wales says: “We’re delighted to welcome Elin to BBC Radio Wales. As one of Wales’ most talented singer-songwriters, she’ll be sharing her musical knowledge and passion with our audience. And as an accomplished presenter she brings warmth and charisma. Elin will be fantastic Friday night company for our listeners.” […]

Frisk Radio has hired Abbie Holborn to present a new weekly evening show for clubbers across the North East.

Abbie, who joined the reality show Geordie Shore in 2016, will host Out with Abbie every Friday at 6pm starting from 16 August. The show will include dance music along with DJ updates, and news about the North East’s nightlife.
Abbie said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be joining Frisk Radio and can’t wait to bring the ultimate Friday night vibes to the North East!
“It’s going to be an incredible show and I’m so excited to be part of a station that really champions local talent.” […]

Fleur East appeared on the Hits Radio Breakfast Show this morning where she announced her return to the station.

Angellica Bell has been covering for Fleur since February on the show while she took maternity leave.
Having spent some time with baby Nova, Fleur shared that she would be back behind the microphone from Monday 9th September.
Nova joined mum in the studio as Fleur told Angellica and James Barr, she’s missed the show but not the 4am starts. She also said she’d wondered what was harder – having a newborn or doing a breakfast show.
“It’s definitely having a breakfast show,” she admitted. […]

The Alternative Broadcast Company has celebrated its first 12 months of operation by launching its third transmitter for Kidsgrove, North Staffordshire.

This brings Blue Sky Radio, Radio Caroline, xRhythms, Churnet Sound, Moorlands Radio and 6 Towns Radio on DAB+ to those living in and around the town.
The ABC network launched in August 2023 covering Stoke and Newcastle-under-Lyme and the new transmitter strengthens the coverage in the north of the city which has previously been geographically difficult to cover.
Alternative Broadcast Company Director Steve Perry said: “The transmitter site was set up in November last year, but we wanted to make sure everything was running like clockwork before promoting it.
“It’s taken a while, but we’re really pleased with the results and it’s a great first birthday present to be able to announce it publicly. Plus, as well as solving a long-standing problem for local radio reception, it’s great news for listeners, stations and businesses alike.” […]