UK

Catherine Mallyon CBE has been appointed as the next Chair of Creative UK, the national membership body representing the UK’s cultural and creative industries.She will take up the role in March 2026, succeeding Belinda Budge, who is stepping down after completing her tenure.
Currently Chair of Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust and Executive Director, Transition, at Sadler’s Wells, Catherine brings wide experience across the arts and creative sectors. She previously served as Executive Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company until 2023 and as Deputy Chief Executive of the Southbank Centre.
Her board and advisory work includes positions with Arts Council England, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Cultural Leadership Board. She also chaired advisory boards for the Bristol + Bath Creative Cluster and the Centre for Cultural Value at the University of Leeds.
Creative UK Chief Executive Caroline Norbury OBE said Catherine’s appointment marks an important new chapter for the organisation. She added: “An exceptional and inclusive leader who is renowned throughout our sector, I have no doubt that Catherine will be a driving force for our organisation as we look to the next chapter of our growth.”
Reflecting on her new role, Catherine said: “Creative UK demonstrates the extraordinary societal impact of our creative industries, whilst showcasing the UK as a global leader in creativity and innovation. I am looking forward to working alongside the inspiring team and Board to grow and enable the UK’s shared creative future.”
Belinda Budge welcomed her successor, describing her as “a powerful advocate for the importance of creativity” and said she looks forward to a smooth transition ahead of March 2026.
Catherine is also an Honorary Fellow of St John’s College, University of Oxford, and holds an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Warwick. She was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Birthday Honours list.

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; false;clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width: 600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ […]

Kylie Minogue will headline night two of Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball with Barclaycard at The O2 in London on Sunday 7 December.

The pop superstar joins Alex Warren and Louis Tomlinson for the second night of the UK’s biggest Christmas party, alongside Tinie Tempah, Jax Jones, Cat Burns, MK, WizTheMC and Capital Buzz Artist Rose Gray.
The line-up was revealed on Capital Breakfast this morning by Jordan North, Chris Stark and Siân Welby.
Already announced for night one on Saturday 6 December are Ed Sheeran, RAYE, Anne-Marie, Leigh-Anne, Rizzle Kicks, Mimi Webb, Moliy and Sonny Fodera.
Ashley Tabor-King, Global’s Founder and Executive President, said the event “brings together the biggest names in hit music for one incredible weekend”, while James Rea, Global’s Chief Broadcasting and Content Officer, called it “the ultimate Christmas music event”.
Fans can experience the show live at The O2, stream it on Global Player and YouTube, or watch it later on ITV1 and ITVX.
Here’s the full artist line-up per night:
Night One – Saturday 6 December
* Ed Sheeran* RAYE* Anne-Marie* Leigh-Anne* Rizzle Kicks* Mimi Webb* Moliy* Sonny Fodera
Night Two – Sunday 7 December
* Kylie Minogue* Alex Warren* Louis Tomlinson* Tinie Tempah* Jax Jones* Cat Burns* MK* WizTheMC* Rose Gray (Capital Buzz Artist)

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; false;clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width: 600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ […]

AudioUK Chief Executive Officer Chloe Straw is to step down at the end of this year.

Chloe’s time at the helm has seen AudioUK expand its influence across the UK and internationally, strengthen its membership base, and secure a greater voice for podcast and audio creators within government and the wider creative industries.
Under her leadership, AudioUK launched the Pay What You Can scheme for the Audio Production Awards with Amazon Music, relaunched the AudioTrain skills platform with the BBC, and helped negotiate new BBC Terms of Trade to support independent producers.
The organisation also became a founding member of the International Podcast Alliance and worked with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to champion the UK’s role in the global creative economy.
Reflecting on her departure, Chloe said it had been “an honour and a joy to lead AudioUK, to witness and be part of the incredible evolution of this industry that I love.” She thanked her team, the board, and members for their support, adding that she looked forward to seeing the organisation “continue to thrive and drive the future of podcasting and audio.”
Chair Bernard Achampong praised Chloe’s “vision, energy and unwavering commitment”, saying she had “significantly strengthened the standing of independent creators within the industry.”
Chloe will remain in her role until the end of 2025 before moving on to a new position, with recruitment for her successor set to begin soon.
AudioUK will continue to be led by Bernard Achampong, Vice-Chair Hannah Brankin and the executive team during the transition.

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; false;clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width: 600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ […]

Global founder Ashley Tabor-King CBE has been presented with this year’s Music Industry Trusts Award in recognition of his impact on British broadcasting and music.

The award was handed to him by broadcaster Richard Park at a gala ceremony in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, attended by leading names from music and media.
The evening celebrated Ashley’s two decades at the helm of Global, with video tributes from artists and colleagues including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Prince William, Katy Perry, Simon Cowell, Chris Moyles and Amanda Holden.
Performances came from Rita Ora, Jessie J and Olly Murs. Rita opened the night after flying in from Los Angeles, while Jessie told the audience she was “really grateful for people like Ashley Tabor-King who scoop you up and celebrate my music.”
Olly Murs rounded off the evening with a lively set, recalling how Global had supported him at the start of his career.
Accepting his award, Ashley said it was “a truly humbling” moment in support of Nordoff & Robbins, The BRIT Trust and Global Academy. He added: “People often say that media is changing. And of course it is. But what hasn’t changed, and what must never change, is why we do it.
“At its core it’s about a connection. It’s about creativity. It’s about giving people a voice and using ours responsibly.”
Ashley also thanked those who helped build Global and encouraged others to follow their ambitions. “We need to encourage entrepreneurship and bravery in this country,” he said.
The annual Music Industry Trusts Award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the UK’s music and broadcast industries, raising funds for key music charities.
(L-R) Chris Stark, Jorden North and Siân Welby during Ashley Tabor-King CBE MITS Award 2025, Grosvenor House, London, England, on 03 November 2025. (Photo by 2025 JM Enternational)
Emily Maitlis during Ashley Tabor-King CBE MITS Award 2025, Grosvenor House, London, England, on 03 November 2025. (Photo by 2025 JM Enternational)
Emma Bunton during Ashley Tabor-King CBE MITS Award 2025, Grosvenor House, London, England, on 03 November 2025. (Photo by 2025 JM Enternational)
Kate Garraway during Ashley Tabor-King CBE MITS Award 2025, Grosvenor House, London, England, on 03 November 2025. (Photo by 2025 JM Enternational)
Mark Wright during Ashley Tabor-King CBE MITS Award 2025, Grosvenor House, London, England, on 03 November 2025. (Photo by 2025 JM Enternational)

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; false;clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width: 600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ […]

Bauer Media Audio UK and Currys have joined forces once again for a major Black Friday campaign running across Hits Radio, KISS and Absolute Radio.

The partnership, now in its sixth year, brings the tech retailer’s “Our Lowest Ever Price” message to life through exclusive radio content, competitions and creative activations on air and online.
At the heart of the campaign is a Win The Ads feature, where listeners can win the latest tech featured in a bespoke Currys ad break. Prizes include everything from headphones and smart speakers to laptops and TVs.
Each station will deliver its own spin on the format. On Absolute Radio and Hits Radio Breakfast Shows, listeners will play a high-stakes game of deal-or-no-deal with featured products. Over on KISS Breakfast, contestants must recall every item mentioned in a Currys-only ad break to win the lot — with all ads written, voiced and produced in KISS’s signature style and featuring the Currys choir singing “Our Lowest Ever Prices”.
Supporting the on-air activity, spotlight bursts and online trails will promote the retailer’s biggest ever Black Friday deals, reinforcing Currys’ position as a go-to destination for tech in the run-up to Cyber Monday. Dedicated online pages across all three brands will encourage listener participation, with pre-registration available on Absolute Radio and instant call-ins on Hits and KISS.
Simon Kilby, Managing Director of Bauer Media Advertising, said: “We’re proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Currys with such an exciting campaign this Black Friday. By bringing much-loved presenters and shows together with a brand that truly resonates with our audience, we can create authentic moments that entertain and reward listeners while delivering real impact for our brand partner.”
Martin Burke, Senior Advertising Manager at Currys, added: “This Black Friday, Currys is offering our lowest ever prices – our biggest ever Black Friday claim. This year, our partnership with Bauer matches that – our biggest yet. Together, we’re helping shoppers discover unbeatable deals on the tech they love, just in time for the biggest shopping event of the year.”
The campaign runs from late October until Cyber Monday.

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; false;clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width: 600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ […]

For the seventh consecutive year, Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody has been voted the greatest hit of the 70s, 80s and 90s by Greatest Hits Radio listeners.

The number one was announced by Simon Mayo on his Drivetime show this afternoon. This year’s annual countdown saw more than 21,000 votes cast by listeners for their favourite tracks.
Brian May thanked fans for their continued support, saying that it isn’t taken for granted. Roger Taylor added that they are delighted that people still love their song.
This year’s Top 500 chart featured 84 new entries, 205 songs climbing, 208 descending, and three staying in the same position. Black Sabbath’s Paranoid entered at 182 following the death of Ozzy Osbourne, while Oasis tracks climbs with Don’t Look Back In Anger rising 410 places and Champagne Supernova up 114.
David Bowie, Earth Wind & Fire, and U2 had the most new entries, each with three additional songs compared to last year.
Kate Bush is the highest-placed female solo artist with Wuthering Heights at number three, while Prince’s When Doves Cry is the top male solo entry at number four.
Queen leads the chart with 13 entries, followed by David Bowie and George Michael with 12 each, and Elton John with 10.
You can see the full Top 500 chart here.
A special documentary, The Story of Bohemian Rhapsody, narrated by Claire Sturgess and featuring interviews with Brian May and Roger Taylor, is available exclusively on the Rayo app, ahead of its broadcast on Greatest Hits Radio at 4pm this Sunday, 2nd November.
You can also hear the full Top 500 for 30 days via the Rayo app, with Premium subscribers able to listen on the exclusive Top 500 station.

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; false;clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width: 600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ […]