UK

BBC Radio 1Xtra is refreshing its Friday night line-up from April, introducing new presenters Kash and Pharaoh G and moving some of its flagship shows.

The pair, who started out at Reprezent Radio and have regularly covered for 1Xtra across the schedule, will host a brand new show from Birmingham every Friday from 7pm to 9pm. Their programme will bring the latest in music and culture to kick-start the weekend.
Kash said she is “buzzing to bring that Friday night party energy to 1Xtra”, while Pharaoh G added that hosting a show on the network “has always been my dream” and promised “good energy and amazing music” each week.
Following their show, Kenny Allstar’s long-running Rap Show will move to 9pm to 11pm, rebranded simply as Kenny Allstar, continuing to spotlight new and emerging hip-hop talent from the UK and beyond.
A new late-night music show will also join the schedule from 11pm to 1am, with more details to be revealed early next year.
After seven years at 1Xtra, Tiffany Calver will leave the station in January, with CassKidd covering her slot until the new line-up launches. Tiffany said it had been “the greatest honour” to be part of the station and thanked listeners and artists for their support over the years.
Other schedule moves include The Rave Show with Jeremiah Asiamah shifting to Thursday nights from 11pm to 1am, and Throwback Party with Joelah and Keke moving to Wednesday nights.
Head of 1Xtra Dari Samuels said the refreshed line-up aims to “set the tone for the weekend” and “bring people together through music,” adding that Kash and Pharaoh G will bring “fresh energy and vibrancy to Friday nights.”
The new schedule takes effect from April 2026 and can be heard on DAB and BBC Sounds.

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Thirty of the brightest young talents in UK radio and audio have been recognised in The Aiir Radio Academy 30 Under 30 for 2025.

The annual list, run by The Radio Academy, and now sponsored by Aiir, celebrates individuals under 30 who are shaping the future of the industry through creativity, innovation and leadership.
This year’s cohort includes producers, journalists, presenters, content creators and sound engineers from across the country, spanning both independent freelancers and major broadcast and podcast platforms. The initiative, launched in 2011, has previously spotlighted names such as Emma Barnett, Ben Shephard and Sam Jackson.
Announcing the new list, The Radio Academy’s Managing Director Dixi Stewart said: “It’s an honour to announce The Aiir Radio Academy 30 Under 30 for 2025. This is one of the most prestigious accolades in the audio industry and since its launch it’s become an accurate predictor of career success.”
Chair of the judging committee, Jimmy Buckland, added: “Audio is undergoing rapid transformation. These 30 young people represent the very best of our industry and it’s an honour to showcase their success.”
The initiative is supported by Aiir, the technology company behind radio station websites and tools. Chief Executive Ricki Lee said the company was proud to sponsor the programme, describing it as a vital celebration of creativity and innovation within the sector.
The Aiir Radio Academy 30 Under 30 class of 2025:

Aaron Bolton, Bauer Media, Senior Social Media Producer (Scotland)
Adam Eland, BBC Speech Digital Commissioning Team, Commissioning Producer
Aisha Williams, Reform Radio, Producer
Anouska Lewis, Goalhanger, Producer – Goalhanger & Freelance Presenter – BBC Bitesize
Beth Wallace, Forth 1, Presenter
Carys Wall, Bespoken Media, Senior Audio Producer
Dan Noble, Absolute Radio (Bauer Media), Presenter
Emily Roberts, Bauer Media, Station Sound Producer
Finn Ranson, Stak, Head of Sport
Fiona Douglas, Goalhanger, Producer
Flo Morsman, Bauer Media Audio UK, Producer (Station Sound) Hits Radio / KISS & Presenter (Hits Radio Pride)
Hannah Fletcher, BBC Radio 2, Assistant Producer
Isabelle Stanley, Freelance, Investigative journalist
Joseph Draper, LBC, Reporter
Katie Lyons, Bauer Media Greatest Hits Radio West Yorkshire and Hits Radio West Yorkshire, Senior Reporter
Katie Grant, Freelance Podcast Producer
Lewis Allsopp, BBC, Outside Broadcast Engineer
Marnie Woodmeade, Freelance / National Trust, Audio Visual Producer
Merryn Robinson, BBC Radio Merseyside & BBC Sounds, BBC Evening Producer (North) & BBC Sounds Producer
Molly Palmer, BBC, Radio Presenter
Natasha Fernandes, BBC Long Form Audio, Producer
Nia Deo, Sony Music Entertainment, Producer
Nicky Anderson, Stak, Head of Narrative
Nico Constantinou, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, Content Assistant Producer
Ollie Brookes, National Prison Radio, Senior Producer
Priya Matharu, Freelance at BBC Audio, Presenter / Producer
Roshan Roberts, Freelance, Executive Producer
Sam Morris, Audio Always, DMG media & University of Salford, Podcast Producer, Presenter and Academic
Sasha Bobak, BBC Studios, Comedy and Entertainment Producer
Taqwa Sadiq, Freelance, Audio Producer-Presenter

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Ezra Collective drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso is joining BBC Radio 6 Music as a regular presenter from 2 January 2026.

He will host The People’s Party every Friday from 7 to 9pm, broadcasting from MediaCity UK in Salford. The show will provide a weekly space for listeners to relax and connect through uplifting music.
Femi said he was thrilled to become part of the 6 Music team, describing radio as a “powerful medium that can transform your mood in a moment.” He added that being part of the station’s “family means the world” and that he looked forward to “bringing joy to the airwaves, one selection at a time.”
The move marks a natural step for Femi, who has previously stood in for Gilles Peterson, Guy Garvey and Jamz Supernova on 6 Music. Alongside leading Ezra Collective—the first jazz act to win the Mercury Prize and sell out Wembley Arena—he has worked with artists including Gorillaz and Jorja Smith.
The current host of The People’s Party, AFRODEUTSCHE, will move to a new Saturday and Sunday morning slot (6-8am) from 3 January, presenting restorative tracks to ease listeners into their weekends. Her final edition of the Friday show airs on 26 December.
Amy Lamé will also begin a new late-night series in January called SUPERFANS! (19–22 January, 11pm-12am), exploring fan culture around artists such as Charli XCX, Prince, Depeche Mode and The Smiths. Amy’s final weekend breakfast show airs on 28 December.
Samantha Moy, Head of 6 Music, said the station was delighted to welcome Femi as a regular presenter, adding that the line-up changes reflect 6 Music’s commitment to celebrating musical diversity and discovery.
The station will also commemorate ten years since David Bowie’s passing in January, with a week of special programming including extended episodes of David Bowie: Changeling hosted by Kate Moss, and David Bowie Forever day on Friday 9 January.

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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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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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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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