UK

The BBC wants to change the hours that count towards its quota for locally made programming on BBC Local Radio.

It has asked Ofcom to allow only shared programmes broadcast outside 6am to 2pm on weekdays to count towards its annual target of 4,954 hours of original, locally made content.
The change would allow BBC Local Radio stations to focus resources on producing more local programmes during higher listening hours, especially weekday mornings, rather than maintaining local production at times of lower audience levels.
The proposal would not affect the BBC’s commitment to provide local news bulletins, which will continue to air throughout the day.
Ofcom says the request would help bring more locally made programming to larger audiences while giving the BBC flexibility in lower-listening periods. The regulator has said it is minded to approve the change.
The plan forms part of ongoing adjustments to BBC Local Radio schedules, where stations already share some programmes in the afternoons and evenings but continue to offer local news and travel updates throughout the day.

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BBC Asian Network is introducing a new speech and current affairs programme as part of its updated schedule from Monday 27 October.

The new show, Asian Network Trending, will air every Wednesday from 8pm to 10pm, offering a two-hour deep dive into the week’s most talked-about topics and issues affecting British Asians.
The first hour will cover the biggest trending stories of the week, while the second will focus on a specific subject with guests joining to add insight and context.
The show will rotate presenters, beginning with broadcaster, DJ and producer Amber Haque, known for her work with BBC Three, Channel 4 and BBC Sounds.
In other schedule changes, Asian Network’s New Music Show with DJ Limelight moves to Monday evenings from 8pm to 10pm, followed by Asian Network Motivation from 10pm to 11pm. One More Chai will move to Tuesday nights at 10pm.
Head of Asian Network Ahmed Hussain said the new show was designed to give space for thoughtful and relevant conversation. “It’s a bold new space for speech, discussion and current affairs that reflects the voices, concerns and passions of British Asians today,” he said.
“It’s a unique platform where trending topics meet cultural nuance, and where our presenters and guests can explore issues with real depth, honesty and flair.”

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Coast FM has launched an urgent public appeal to safeguard community radio in West Cornwall.
The not-for-profit station, run entirely by volunteers since 2014, is seeking donations to help cover rising operational costs and essential equipment upgrades. Without support, the team warns that the station could face closure.
Chairman Alan Shepherd said: “Right now, we’re struggling. We operate in a harsh commercial world, and the cruel economy is hitting us hard. Without urgent support, we could go off air.”
Operating under the Penwith Community Radio Station banner, Coast FM provides local news, entertainment, and training opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. The campaign aims to fund vital areas such as licences, rent, electricity, and transmitter maintenance to ensure the station’s continued service.
Director and Volunteer Manager Dave Pascoe said: “Community radio is vital for connection, advice, and entertainment. We’re proud of our track record in helping people develop careers in radio and audio. This campaign is key to protecting that legacy.”

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Audio Always’ comedy podcast Help I Sexted My Boss will appear on Global Player a full day before it’s available elsewhere in a new partnership.
The deal between Global and Audio Always brings the chart-topping podcast into Global’s ecosystem, offering early access to episodes through its digital audio platform.
Hosted by Capital Breakfast’s Jordan North and etiquette expert William Hanson, the show has now surpassed 100 million listens since its launch and recently announced plans for an arena tour in 2026.
The partnership connects the show directly with Jordan’s existing Capital Breakfast audience and is supported by a major campaign across Global’s radio, podcast, digital, social and outdoor platforms.
Audio Always Managing Director Stuart Morgan told RadioToday the team was “really excited to be uniting Sexted with Global’s network, and offering listeners the chance to hear the podcast first”.
He added that the partnership “brings together radio, podcasts, Global Player and wider cross-media channels to promote brilliant audio on a brilliant platform”.
Vicky Etchells, Director of Podcasts at Global, said the collaboration “is a brilliant example of how we can bring together Global’s platforms to drive growth for podcasts”.
She said working with Audio Always “not only strengthens Global Player’s offering but creates exciting opportunities for advertisers to connect with audiences in multiple ways”.

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Former Heart presenter John Darin has teamed up with broadcaster Chris Brooks to support the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance this Christmas.
The pair recently reunited to film a special video appeal highlighting the charity’s lifesaving work. It includes an emotional interview with Peter and Becky, a couple from the region who share how the Air Ambulance crew saved Peter’s life after a serious accident.
John, now presenting on Broadland, joined Chris at the charity’s air base to meet some of the medical team involved in Peter’s rescue. The project aims to raise awareness and encourage donations for the service, which relies entirely on public support to continue its operations.
Chris said: “It was a real privilege to meet the people behind this amazing service and to hear first-hand how quickly they can make the difference between life and death.”
Essex and Herts Air Ambulance responds to hundreds of emergency calls each year, providing advanced critical care at the scene of serious incidents across the region.
The presenters hope their video will inspire others to support the charity’s Christmas fundraising efforts and remind people of the crucial role the air ambulance plays in saving lives every day.

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Greatest Hits Radio’s annual listener poll to find the ultimate Greatest Hit of the 70s, 80s and 90s is back for 2025.

Voting closes this Sunday 19 October, before the full countdown begins on Monday 27 October from 8am, building up to the Number One being revealed during Simon Mayo’s Drivetime show on Friday 31 October.
Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody has claimed the top spot every year so far, and with the track marking its 50th anniversary, listeners will be waiting to see if it can hold on once again.
To celebrate the milestone, Greatest Hits Radio will air a special documentary, The Story of Bohemian Rhapsody, on Sunday 2 November at 4pm. Narrated by Claire Sturgess, it features exclusive interviews with Brian May and Roger Taylor reflecting on the song’s enduring legacy.
Andy Ashton, Greatest Hits Radio Content Director, said: “The Top 500 is something we’ve done every year since launch, and it’s always been one of the most loved weeks of radio for our audience. There’s something inherently magical about a countdown, especially one that goes across a whole week.”
Listeners who take part in this year’s vote also have the chance to win the Top 20 Greatest Hits on vinyl, alongside a Mixx System 5 record player and speaker system, thanks to HMV and Mixx.

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