UK

Sony Entertainment Television is collaborating with Sunrise Radio and Southall Travel for a festive promotion.

This will be a cross-platform promotion that follows Sunrise Radio’s presenter, Shabnam Sahi, on her festive journey to Mumbai, where she will go behind the scenes of India’s biggest shows, speaking to the stars exclusively.
Sony TV will create the magic of Christmas through music, entertainment, and storytelling with a one-week Sony Christmas Special – From the Airwaves to the Stars, which will follow Shabnam’s experience in Mumbai with Sony TV.
Sony’s Christmas Special, airing on Sunrise Radio between 22nd and 26th December, will include behind the scenes moments, star interviews and exclusive insight into Sony TV shows and stars.

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Aiir’s PlayoutONE Standard has been released as a completely free download for anyone interested in creating or running a station.

It’s the original version of the software, which most recently cost £99 as a one-off purchase.
The decision comes from one of PlayoutONE’s founders, who said the aim is to make it easier for people to start broadcasting without financial barriers.
Dave Brierley-Jones, co-founder of PlayoutONE and COO of Aiir, explained that the software has helped many stations over the years and remains fully functional, even though it will no longer receive updates or support from Aiir.
PlayoutONE Standard continues to provide core playout features such as allowing users to build and run playlists, manage audio and experiment with formats.
Dave said the software “opened the door for people who simply loved radio and wanted to experiment, create and broadcast.”
LiveStream has also been made free, giving users the ability to broadcast live at no cost. Companion tools Auto Importer and FileCopy can be used for free as well, each allowing one job per app, which is enough for simple automation tasks such as importing music or moving audio files.
The company says the change is designed to lower the barrier to broadcasting by giving more people the opportunity to experiment with radio at home or in small community environments.
Those who later need a supported system or additional features can upgrade to PlayoutONE Pro, which includes expanded automation and tools designed for stations with more complex requirements.
Aiir says this shift encourages new creators to explore radio and build projects without worrying about financial commitment.
Information and downloads are available at aiir.com/playoutonestandard.

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Mansfield 103.2 presenter Ian Watkins has marked the milestone of 25 years at the station.

Watko, who was born and grew up in the town, first joined Mansfield 103.2 in November 2000 as the Breakfast show tea boy before going on to become one of the presenters on the station.
He’s taken part in many charity activities for the station over the years, including sleeping under the stars at numerous Big Snores for the homelessness charity Framework and raising money for the John Eastwood Hospice after accepting a bet to present his Breakfast show in a bridal gown on the day of the Royal Wedding in 2011.
Speaking about his time at the station, Watko said: “I never dreamed when I first joined Mansfield 103.2 that I’d still be here 25 years later.
“It’s been an incredible journey sharing music, stories, and local life with the people of Mansfield and Ashfield. This station is part of the community, and I feel honoured to have been a part of it for so long.
“I have worked with some incredibly talented people over the years, and I want to say thank you to Tony Delahunty and the team for putting up with me for so long!”
Managing Director Tony Delahunty added: “Watko has been at the heart of Mansfield 103.2 since he arrived in Nov 2000. His energy, humour, passion and connection with our listeners are second to none.
“Reaching 25 years at the same station is a rare achievement in today’s radio industry, and we’re incredibly proud to celebrate this landmark with him.”

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Sussex and Hampshire station, V2 Radio, has completed 60 OBs this year, with more lined up before the end of the year.

The station says this underscores its commitment to delivering truly local radio by taking its programming directly into the heart of the communities it serves.
Since January, it has broadcast live from a different location every Friday, with Tanya McCarthy hosting the Breakfast Show from local businesses, charities, community hubs, and events, along with additional weekend OBs.
Programme Controller Ian Crouch said: “Getting out and about and proving that proper local radio is still in demand has been a really big effort by our small, but hardworking, team.
“At V2 Radio, we believe our listeners and clients recognise that we are part of the community – not outside of it.
“We strive every day to make a difference to the great towns and villages across our area. It’s what we do as a radio business.”
In addition to its weekly broadcasts on the road, the station says it will maintain its involvement in key local events and continue delivering its d community initiatives, including the annual Christmas Toy Appeal.

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Weymouth and Portland community station AIR 107.2 has been saved from closure, with founder Carl Greenham returning to lead the station’s next chapter.
The station had been expected to fall silent this Sunday, but Carl’s return as Managing Director and Station Manager means AIR will stay on air and refocus on serving Weymouth’s community.
Carl said he was “back and ready” to rebuild, thanking volunteers whose efforts “kept the station alive” and saying he was overwhelmed by the support seen for AIR 107.2 on social media.
He also paid tribute to outgoing director Marc Eyre, thanking him for stepping in during a difficult period and keeping AIR operating while the station’s long term future was uncertain.
New director Jamie Lyones will work alongside Carl on strengthening the commercial side of the station, developing business partnerships and new advertising opportunities to support AIR’s long term stability on the Weymouth airwaves.
AIR remains in a challenging financial position, with existing debts still owed, and has launched a JustGiving page so supporters who have asked how to help can contribute towards clearing those debts and securing the station’s future.
Carl said “any donation, big or small, will help us keep AIR alive while we rebuild and move forward,” stressing that listener backing remains essential as the team works to stabilise finances.
Work has already started on a refreshed music output and programming changes, with a promise of a more engaging schedule and gradual improvements on air that listeners will notice over time as the new plan takes shape.
Commercial growth is a clear priority for the team, with Carl saying that “advertising on AIR 107.2 is the easiest and most effective way to reach your target audience” as they seek new local business partners.
Volunteers, who have all been informed of the changes, have welcomed the decision to keep AIR broadcasting, backing the new direction while regular shows continue as normal and subtle improvements are introduced during the transition.

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Tony Blackburn OBE will present a new weekly programme called Tony Blackburn’s Sounds of Soul, airing every Saturday from 1 to 2am on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

The new show launches on 1 January 2026 on BBC Sounds and will be followed by a three-hour special on BBC Radio 2 from 4 to 7am to mark the launch.
A wide range of soul tracks from across the decades will feature, with Radio 2 also airing a two-hour companion programme on 2 January from 12 to 2pm to showcase the music and introduce listeners to the feel of the new series.
Tony said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing the music I’ve always loved, from classic soul hits right across the decades up to the modern day. I can’t wait to get started, it’s going to be amazing.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: “Tony, as well as being the much loved host of Sounds of the 60s each Saturday morning and Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour every Sunday evening, is a true pioneer of soul and R&B in the UK, and we’re thrilled to bring listeners his new weekly show on BBC Sounds.
“This programme will capture everything listeners adore about Tony — his warmth, deep knowledge, and lifelong passion for the music he has championed from the very beginning.
“We can’t wait for everyone to rediscover their love of soul and celebrate timeless hits as well as the superstars of tomorrow with national treasure Tony at the helm.”

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