UK

A new studio and media lab is to open inside Bluewater Shopping Centre for Made in Kent Radio.

The studio space is also set to become a training ground for future media creatives through the Media Lab.
Catering to young, aspiring creatives aged 11-25, the Media Lab will offer a hands-on learning experience in radio and presenting, available after school and on weekends.
Participants will embark on a 60-minute experience into the world of media, mastering the art of radio operation, content creation, presenting, and even taking the helm of a live radio show.
Matt Soper, founder of Made in Kent Radio, commented: “Bluewater isn’t just a shopping hub, it’s a destination in our community.
“Basing our new studio within such a dynamic environment is a dream come true. We’re not just opening doors to a studio, we’re unlocking opportunities for local engagement and entertainment.”
James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, added: “Here at Bluewater, we pride ourselves on staying connected to our local community, which aligns perfectly with the ethos of Made in Kent Radio. We are thrilled to have them opening their studio at the centre and look forward to working closely together.
“The Media Lab is something we are particularly excited about, as it will help local budding creatives gain some truly unique experience in a broadcast environment.” […]

The UK Hot 40 Countdown hosted by ex-Capital, Heart and Virgin presenter Chris Brooks is now available to syndicate on overseas radio stations as well as the UK.

The chart is based on airplay on radio stations across the UK and is compiled using data from RadioMonitor..
It airs in the UK on several stations from Scotland down to Essex on Sunday afternoons at 4.
Chris said: “We have had a few stations interested in overseas territories and the chart is now running on XL106 In Caymen, Radio One in Mallorca and AXR covering the ExPat-community across Asia.
“So, we have decided to run two versions of the chart. Alongside the one for the UK where we can talk about Bank Holiday weekends, Mother’s day etc, we now have an additional chart that is tailor made for overseas stations.”
The Overseas version started last weekend and more information is available by emailing Chris on info@theukhot40.com. […]

Manx Radio Gold has launched playing ‘the greatest hits on earth’ primarily via connected devices but will also appear on AM and DAB.

It will simulcast on 1368am when it isn’t being used to relay Tynwald, Manx language programming, FC IoM live football commentary, radio Caroline North weekends and more from the main Manx Radio service.
A dedicated live breakfast show will air on the station, hosted by Andy Wint each weekday.
Christopher Sully, Manx Radio Managing Director told RadioToday: “As Manx Radio celebrates its Diamond anniversary (having been Britain’s first legal commercial radio station), we wanted to offer listeners greater choice in what we offer.
“Manx Radio will still fulfil its full public service remit with news, information, the Mannin Line phone in, the daily ‘Update’ news programme and a speech heavy breakfast show all on the FM service along with a huge range of podcasts via the website.
“The new smartspeaker station, Manx Radio Gold, will carry Manx Radio news bulletins but will be a music focussed and fun alternative listen for the Isle of Man community.”
The station started today, 1st July, at 7am. […]

Greatest Hits Radio is extending its midlands afternoon show with Andy Goulding to the national service, as Debbie Mac leaves.
The ‘local’ show required by Ofcom for the midlands will also air in the north west and north east of England, plus the London 105.8 FM frequency, which until now was hosted by Debbie.
Debbie has been on Greatest Hits Radio since 2021, and before that worked on Hits Radio, Real Radio, Capital and Galaxy.
Announcing the news on Instagram, she said that she decided to leave the station having emigrated to Canada with her family, and will be working on new projects in September.
Each Greatest Hits Radio region broadcasting on FM is required to have at least three hours broadcast from each location, and as Breakfast comes from Liverpool, Drive comes from London, and the NE doesn’t have an analogue frequency, no other ‘local’ programmes are required.
Other regions keep their own afternoon shows, as per current Ofcom requirements, although this will change in the new year following approval of the Media Bill.
A Bauer spokesperson told RadioToday: “Debbie Mac has decided to leave her Greatest Hits Radio afternoon show and is heading off to explore her new home of Canada this summer.
“She’s played a vital role in the stations growth and Greatest Hits Radio looks forward to welcoming her back from time to time in the future.
“Andy Goulding expands his Midlands region to now including the North West, North East and London from tomorrow.” […]

The South Eastern Regional College appears to have pulled the plug on three community radio stations it funds in Northern Ireland.

Bangor FM, Lisburn’s 98FM and FM105 Down Community Radio have all posted messages this week on social media saying they are closing down.
On the college website, the three stations are described as providing “training for students and members of the public with industry-standard live broadcasting facilities and opportunities to create and innovate under supervision from experienced media professionals”.
FM105 posted: “…AND THAT’S A WRAP!! It is with heavy hearts that we must tell you that FM105 will cease to broadcast in it’s current form at midnight on Sunday 30th June.
“Unfortunately the Cost of Living crisis has impacted us too, with the recent lack of public expenditure meaning our main backers SERC have had to withdraw funding and support for the station.
“We’d like to thank all of our wonderful listeners who have supported us over the last 14 years – we hope we’ve brought a little bit of joy to your lives.
“We hope this is not a permanent goodbye, but until we meet again – Thank you for listening to YOUR local station, FM105!
Lisburn FM wrote something similar: “𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗯𝘆𝗲…It is with great sadness that we are writing this post but we must inform you that Lisburn’s 98FM is shutting down.
“Remarkably, it was on this day in 2012 that we held our official launch party and we are so proud of the station we became through the help and hard work of an often small but dedicated team.
“To our amazing listeners and incredible volunteers past and present we say a massive THANK YOU! It has been a privilege spending this time with you.”
And Bangor FM said: “𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗳𝗳. Thank you to all our listeners, volunteers, SERC students and friends over the years for your support. We have had a wonderful time with you.
“All good things must come to an end but the great memories will stay with us for a very long time. We are another victim of financial constraints placed on our public services.
“Take care.”
We’ve contacted South Eastern Regional College who runs the stations but we’ve yet to hear back. […]

MistaJam is stepping back from hosting The Capital Weekender on the Capital Network to host an extra show on Capital Dance.
The move means he will now present Monday to Saturday 4pm-7pm on Capital Dance, instead of Tuesday to Saturday.
MistaJam said: “As we head into another super busy summer, I wanted to take a moment to share some news. After an incredible time on The Capital Weekender, I’ve decided to step back and focus all my energy on an exciting new chapter with Capital Dance.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be taking on a bigger role at Capital Dance, bringing the best energy and sound to our listeners six days a week, Monday to Saturday. With responsibilities both on the mic and behind the scenes, I’m ready to push the boundaries even further.
“Dance music is on fire globally, and Capital Dance is the UK’s epicentre for it. This is the perfect moment to elevate our game. Thank you for being with me over the last few years, and I can’t wait for you to join us and be part of the dance music revolution!”
Brent Tobin, Managing Editor, Capital said: “We’re thrilled that MistaJam will be taking on another show on Capital Dance. MistaJam is the ultimate powerhouse of dance music so to have him on Drive six days a week will be huge with our listeners!”
The new host of The Capital Weekender will be announced next week. […]