UK

Amanda Holden celebrated outside Heart HQ in Leicester Square today as she finishes 250 mile cycling challenge from Cornwall to London.
The breakfast show co-host was welcomed home by her fellow Heart Breakfast team including showbiz reporter Ashley Roberts and JK.
Amanda Holden’s husband Chris also joined in on the celebrations and Amanda popped open the bubbly saying – “Oh, my bum is killing me, everything is killing me! It was amazing, the weather was terrible, some of the hills were barbaric but what a gorgeous way to see the UK.”
Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge surprised Amanda Holden and cooked her a full English breakfast after completing ‘Big Ride to Work’ for Heart’s charity, Global’s Make Some Noise.

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Lyca Radio Network has expanded its reach with the launch of Lyca Radio in Leicester.

The new station is a local variant of its flagship service, which went live on Friday, 11th October, just ahead of the Hindu festival of Dussehra.
This new addition marks the fourth station in the Lyca Radio Network, joining Lyca Radio – Greater London, Lyca Gold – Greater London, and the newly rebranded Lyca Radio – Greater Manchester, previously known as Asian Sound Radio.
Lyca Radio Leicester will feature a schedule built around programming from its London counterparts, with personalities such as Ravi Sharma, Bali Brahmbhatt, Raj Baddhan, Ruby Raza, Kajal, Radiowalli, and former Leicester MP Keith Vaz forming part of the station’s line-up.
Raj Baddhan, CEO of Lyca Radio Network, told RadioToday: “We’re thrilled to have launched Lyca Radio – Leicester today, following the successful debut of Lyca Radio – Greater Manchester last year.
“Lyca Radio – Leicester will offer tailor-made content for our Leicestershire listeners, and we have a fantastic experience lined up for our new audience in the Midlands market.
“A huge thanks to my team, our launch partners, and especially our listeners who have supported us throughout this incredible journey.”
Lyca Radio – Leicester is available on full-scale DAB Digital Radio, Lyca Radio mobile app and LycaRadio.com

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The winners of the small-scale DAB licence in Banbury have shelved plans to launch saying the world has moved on and the licence would not be financially viable.

The board of NOxDAB wrote to Ofcom on August 30th 2024 to inform them we will not be progressing plans to launch a DAB multiplex for Banbury, Brackley and Bicester.
The company assessed other operator’s experiences, alongside considering the financial viability of small-scale DAB now in 2024.
They said: “It is clear to us (and evidenced by other multiplexes) there is now far less interest in carriage than there was three years ago, particularly in smaller, more rural areas.
“The chances of a project “washing its face” appear directly linked to maximising the population covered using the smallest number of transmitters. In our area power levels, interference rules and the lie of the land led us to a three transmitter solution which would achieve a population level deemed too low to be attractive to most broadcasters, at the carriage rate which would be required to cover the costs.
“We are also aware that other operators – particularly rural operators – are finding SSDAB not technically robust. Drop-outs within a polygon whilst driving between transmitters is fairly common due to power and height limitations.”
NOXDAB adds that IP listening will probably takeover overtake traditional listening as another reason to hand back its licence.
The statement on noxdab.com adds: “We would like to thank Ofcom for giving us the opportunity.”
Ofcom has confirmed the licence, which was awarded in Round 4, has been revoked, and will consider whether to re-advertise it based on any future expressions of interest.

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The Radio Academy’s professional mentoring programme for mid-career radio and audio professionals, RAMP, is now open for applications.

Anyone with a minimum of five years’ experience and ready to take a significant step in their career is welcome to apply.
The application closing date for RAMP 2025, supported by Broadcast Bionics, is November 7th 2024.
The programme is open to people working in all disciplines of audio or radio including production, presentation, journalism, technology, craft, commercial, brand and support roles.
A free webinar will take place on Wednesday 23 October at 1pm hosted by former RAMP graduate and Radio Academy podcast producer Georgy Jamieson. It will delve into how and why to apply; feature previous graduates and discuss how RAMP can propel your career.
The scheme runs for six months and includes dedicated, confidential one-to-one mentoring sessions, facilitated peer-to-peer development, training workshops, networking events and ongoing support from the RAMP Lead and Radio Academy team.
The 20 applicants will be shortlisted by a panel of Radio Academy trustees with interviews to follow. Successful applicants will be matched with a mentor based on their specific situation and goals. Applicants must have at least 5 years’ experience working in audio.
Aradhna Tayal Leach, Managing Director at The Radio Academy, said: “Often professionals reach a point in their audio career where they feel stuck – perhaps unsure or unsuccessful in advancing to the next position. RAMP has been carefully designed to offer bespoke mentoring and guided support to help audio professionals through this phase by bolstering their confidence and knowledge to be able to take the next steps.”
Dan McQuillin, Managing Director at Broadcast Bionics, said: “Empowering broadcasters to create compelling, creative content is at the heart of everything we do at Broadcast Bionics. That’s why we’re thrilled to support RAMP once again—a unique mentoring program designed to unlock the creativity and talent of ambitious audio professionals. I encourage each participant to fully embrace the opportunity to learn from their mentors and peers on this one-of-a-kind journey.”
See more at radioacademy.org/mentoring.

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BBC Radio 5 Live will air coverage of the 2024 and 2025 Autumn Rugby Internationals as part of a new two-year audio rights deal.

BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport website and app is set to bring listeners every home nation game and the France v New Zealand clash this November.
Heidi Dawson, Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra said: “Securing the Autumn Internationals is a further demonstration of our commitment to international rugby for our sport listeners to enjoy.
“Hosting every single home nations game live, as well as the mouthwatering clash between France and New Zealand, 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra will provide a commentary team of expert analysts to bring listeners all of the action pitch side.”
Welsh rugby fans can follow the men’s Welsh Rugby team with all international games on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru as well as BBC Sounds. In Scotland, audiences can tune in to every Scotland international game on BBC Radio Scotland Extra, 810MW and online.
BBC Sport NI has live audio commentary of all four of Ireland’s Autumn Internationals on BBC Sounds. Ireland v New Zealand and Ireland v Australia will be available on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster, Ireland v Fiji and Ireland v Argentina can be listened to on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Foyle.
This latest deal follows the recent announcement that BBC Sport will show the women’s Rugby World Cup exclusively in 2025.

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The Sliding Doors podcast, hosted by Jennie Becker, is celebrating 100 episodes today with Tony Blackburn as a special guest.
Tony delves into his three Sliding Doors moments in this interview about his life on radio, being crowned the first king of the jungle and his favourite memories from his life and career over the past 60 years.
The 100th episode series also includes guests such as Dame Zandra Rhodes, Shirley Ballas, Paul Sculfor and Jimmy Tarbuck.
Jennie told PodcastingToday.co.uk: “Sliding Doors is based on my love of the 90s classic film. Each episode will delve into your sliding doors moments and decisions, which changed the course of your life (personal or professional).
“I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the last 100 episodes that I’ve recorded and to record someone very special, and that is the broadcasting legend Tony Blackburn.
“My family and I have listened to him for so many years that he’s a part of our radio life and podcasting is an evolution of broadcasting and for me it’s lovely to have him on.
“It’s his 60th anniversary in broadcasting this year and it was great to hear about his life. He doesn’t do that many in-depth interviews and it was great to hear about how his journey has evolved with all the different things he’s done.
“He’s in a great era of his life – he’s has had a lot of ups and downs but is still smashing it on the radio, touring the country and is a great inspiration for people. I wanted to make something special of the 100th episode and I think Tony is the perfect person for that.”
“Previous guests have included Bradley Walsh, Dame Arlene Phillips, Martin Kemp, Dame Prue Leith, Rachel Stevens, Candice Brathwaite, Dr Hilary, Roxie Nafousi, Dan Walker, Ranvir Singh, Dr Alex George, Babatunde Aleshe, Simon Rimmer, Kelvin & Liz Fletcher, Patrick Grant and Ade Adepitan. Sell out live shows with Anna Mathur.

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