UK

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. […]

Nation Broadcasting has announced it will be applying for four small scale DAB licences in Ofcom’s sixth round of licensing.

They will be submitting applications for Ayr, Bournemouth, the Isle of Wight and Sunderland in time for the closing date of 5pm on Thursday 18th July 2024.
The Bournemouth application is a venture between local FM broadcaster Nation and newly launched Bournemouth One.
Roy Martin, co-founder of Bournemouth One said of the partnership: “It makes perfect sense for Bournemouth One, as the only locally-based commercial radio station, to team up with a company that has the experience and infrastructure to successfully launch, operate and finance the small-scale DAB multiplex for the town, especially as it is already successfully covering the broadcast area with Nation Radio.
“Bournemouth One is already attracting a substantial audience online following our launch in January, and we can’t wait to bring this and extra services to DAB in the next year or so.”
The Isle of Wight application is a venture between local FM broadcaster Nation and Island FM broadcaster Angel Radio Isle of Wight.
Chris & Bev Webster, Managers of Angel Radio Isle of Wight said: “As the Island’s oldest Ofcom licensed community radio station, we have seen the good that radio can do to serve the community, especially underserved members of the older generation.
“We know that many of our listeners now have DAB radios and we want to be able to reach them and we look forward to a digital future for our station. Teaming with Nation makes good sense for us as they are a commercial operator that cares about community radio.”
In Sunderland, Nation has teamed up with RedArmy Group.
Its Founder Dave Roberts said: “I’m delighted RedArmy Group is teaming up with Nation Broadcasting for the Sunderland DAB application. As a proud North Easterner, it is essential to see such a strong option to bring small-scale DAB to such a radio-ready market. Both operations have their own multiplexes as well as stations serving the city, so it is comforting to see us come together to offer such a safe pair of hands.”
Jason Bryant, Executive Chairman of Nation Broadcasting said: “Nation has been involved in small scale DAB right from the early days of the Ofcom trials, from running multiplexes to backing them with our own services and deploying world leading technology through our DAB multiplex business Factum Radioscape.
“Nation has a proven track record in supporting broadcasters, both commercial and non-profit in achieving access to DAB digital radio, and I am excited for the opportunity for Nation to lead on DAB digital radio development in Ayr, Bournemouth, the Isle of Wight and Sunderland.”
Prospective radio services should make contact about being included on Nation’s applications for Ayr, Bournemouth, the Isle of Wight and Sunderland at muxcast.com. […]

A special edition of the BBC Radio 5 Live Boxing podcast is being recorded in front of a live audience in Liverpool, featuring three boxing champions from the city.

It’s the next part of Steve Bunce’s Across the UK tour with the podcast. He will be hosting a homecoming event for the three fighters, Natasha Jonas, Callum Smith, and Nick Ball, who have all won world titles.
As well as their future plans, the trio will discuss the latest from the world of boxing and answer questions from the live audience which members of the public can be a part of.
Talking about hosting the event in Liverpool, Steve Bunce said: “There aren’t many cities or towns in Great Britain where fifteen- and sixteen-year-old boxers are celebrated. Liverpool, like Belfast, is one of those cities and that’s the true judge of a cities boxing calibre.
“All cities can have an outlier … a one-off man or woman who carries the flame, but how deep does it go? Liverpool it goes very deep … it goes right into the heart of city and the communities where those boxing gyms are.
“We are delighted to be hosting our next event in Liverpool, it’s going to be a fantastic conversation and we hope as many local boxing fans can join us as possible.”
This is the fifth date of the 5 Live Boxing Tour which has already taken place in Belfast, Cardiff, Cromer and Leeds, as 5 Live celebrates local boxing heroes at each of the shows.
The event will take place on Wednesday 17th July at Punch Tarmey’s in Liverpool. Tickets are free will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. You can apply for a maximum of two tickets here. […]

A special episode of The Secret Life of Prisons podcast pays tribute National Prison Radio’s Rock Show host James Phillips, who has passed away after losing his battle with cancer.

James shared his journey with listeners after being diagnosed last year and presented his final show just weeks before his death.
James was in prison in 2014 when he first heard National Prison Radio’s Rock Show and decided he was going to become its next hos. He managed to get a transfer to HMP Coldingley, in Surrey; the prison where the show was based at the time.
While he was there, he met the Prison Radio Association’s Chris Impey, and ended up creating his own version of The Rock Show.
After his release, he moved back to his home in the north-west of England. He was contacted by the station to see if he wanted to host the show again.
James presented the show in a variety of invented locations – on an abandoned ship in the middle of the ocean; in the biscuit aisle at a supermarket; in front on an increasingly-fractious studio audience; in a mysterious hospital. He used sound effects and AI-generated voices to create entire stories that made this far more than just a music show.
As well as winning Gold the Best New Presenter at the ARIAS, James’ Rock Show also won gongs for Best Music Entertainment Show and Best Specialist Music Show in 2022 and 2023. And just a few weeks before he died, James won silver in the 2024 ARIAS for Best Music Entertainment Show. He was also shortlisted in the Creative Innovation category.
The special episode of The Secret Life of Prisons podcast sees presenters Phil and Paula joined by Rock Show producer Ollie and Scout Tzofiya Bolton – a paid-up member of the Rock Show Family while she was in prison, to talk about James’s work.
Listen to the podcast here. […]

The ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 2024 has now opened for entries.

The annual initiative, which has been running for 14 years, launched this evening at an event attended by 30 Under 30 alumni, sponsors ReelWorld, and trustees and members of The Radio Academy.
Entries are open until 15th August. The 2024 list of 30 talented young people in the business will be unveiled later this year.
Each year the list features the 30 people under the age of 30 who have shown exceptional tenacity, talent and a proven trajectory in radio and audio.
Featuring content creators, editors, presenters, producers, production managers, engineers, brand specialists and more, from freelancers and independent companies to major broadcasters and podcast platforms, the list showcases the breadth and diversity of talent working in the UK audio and radio industry today.
People can nominate themselves and Radio Academy members can nominate others who they’ve been impressed by working in UK audio and radio for at least 12 months.
The Radio Academy MD, Aradhna Tayal Leach said: “Since its launch in 2011, being included in the ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 list has become established as one of the great honours of a young audio professional’s career, with many of our alumni going on to senior leadership roles in the industry.
“Well-known figures to have featured on the list in previous years include Crowd Network’s Steve Jones, presenter Yasmin Evans and our very own chair of the committee Jimmy Buckland, along with a host of others who have received the award at an early stage in their career and gone on to global success. This year will be no different and we can’t wait to unveil the list later this year.”
Chairing the 30 Under 30 Judging Committee, Jimmy Buckland, Director of Strategy & Operations at News Broadcasting said: “As a former alum myself and watching others have who made the list progress through their careers over the years, I know that a place in the ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 can act as a great reference or accolade on a CV.
“I’m delighted to chair and bring together a team of judges from across the audio industry to debate and decide on the next Class of 2024. I look forward to reading the applications that remind us all that the future of our industry is in safe hands.”
Long-term sponsor and Managing Director of ReelWorld Europe Anthony Gay said: “The ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 remains a highlight of our year. The entire team at ReelWorld is passionate about the power of sound and this initiative is an inspiring glimpse into the future and a reminder why we love this industry.
“Those who make the final 30 will be at the forefront of the industry, taking radio and audio in new and exciting directions. Good luck to everyone who is entering.”
Abi Simpson, Class of 2023 and now Breakfast Newsgathering Editor for England and Wales, Bauer Media said: “Being chosen as one of the Radio Academy’s 30 under 30 was a really proud moment for me in my career, and not one I’ll forget anytime soon.
“It’s really validating to see your name on a list alongside such talented people thriving in the industry we all love. If you’re on the fence about applying, my advice would be back yourself 100% and give it a go… you never know what might happen!”
Entries to the ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 are open via The Radio Academy’s award site. More information and previous 30 Under 30 alumni lists can be found here. […]

Rachel Mallender, Content Director at Magic Radio, who joined in January 2023, is leaving the station.

During her time at the station, she delivered a new schedule signing Angellica Bell, Nicole Appleton and creating the new look drive ‘4 til 7 show’ with Kat Shoob and Tom Price.
Paul Sylvester, currently Content Director at Absolute Radio, will take over the role for an interim period with Rob Watson becoming Interim Content Director at Absolute Radio.
Gary Stein, Director of Audio for Bauer Media Audio UK, said: “We’d like to thank Rachel for her passion, hard work and commitment at Bauer Media Audio and wish her well for the future.” […]