UK

STV Radio is kicking off its first-ever visual podcast with the launch of The STV Radio Football Show on Monday 27 October.

The new weekly series will see breakfast presenter Ewen Cameron team up with STV Sport journalist Ronnie Charters to dive into all the big talking points from the Scottish football weekend.
Ewen will be reunited with his long-time friend Ronnie, whose sharp analysis and mischievous streak promise lively debate and plenty of laughs.
Producer Callum Bell will keep the pair in line as they review the weekend’s games, discuss controversial referee decisions, and look ahead to upcoming fixtures.
Ewen said: “Every Monday morning, football fans across Scotland wonder what I thought of that shocking tackle at the weekend. Well, wonder no more – just check your podcast feed! I’m buzzing to join Ronnie for some no-holds-barred commentary on the game we all love.”
Ronnie added: “Scottish football is the gift that keeps on giving, and this podcast will be the place for a laugh and some healthy debate at the start of the week. Feel free to tell Ewen how rotten his opinions are – in fact, it’s encouraged!”
The STV Radio Football Show launches on Monday 27 October and will be available weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and STV Player, with highlights shared across STV Radio’s social channels. The podcast is sponsored by CR Smith.
Gareth McCluskey, Marketing Director at CR Smith, said: “We have a long-standing history with sport in Scotland and are delighted to join the winning team that is Ewen and Ronnie.”

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Heart 80s Breakfast presenter Simon Beale has shared that he is recovering at home after suffering a major heart attack three weeks ago.

Simon revealed that the incident happened while walking his dog, describing it as a “massive shock” after being rushed to hospital and undergoing emergency surgery to fit two stents in a completely blocked artery.
He said: “Within a couple of hours, I’d had two stents fitted in the main artery at the front of my heart, which was completely blocked. I’d gone from a normal Monday to being blue-lighted in an ambulance, having life-saving surgery and starting the long road to recovery.”
Simon, who is 53, praised the NHS for their care, adding: “The NHS were phenomenal. The care I received was exceptional and I am beyond thankful to every doctor, nurse, consultant, specialist and hospital worker who looked after me for 8 nights. They saved my life. They are true heroes.”
He also thanked his family, friends and colleagues at Heart and Global for their kindness and support during his recovery.
Now back at home, Simon says he is adjusting to a new routine and medication while taking things one day at a time. “I’ve still got a way to go, but I am on the mend and slowly making progress, hoping to be back at work soon,” he said.
Listeners and colleagues from across the radio industry have been sending messages of love and support, wishing him a full and speedy recovery.
Jamie Theakston, commenting on a photo of Simon in hospital, asked if he was wired up to RCS Zetta, whilst Pat Sharp, who has been covering the show, said “we love you Simon, see you back at work soon”.
Toby Anstis added “we miss you loads si” and Kat Shoob said: “Oh Simon!!! Sending loads of love. You poor thing. So scary. Glad you’re doing alright xx.”
Jonny Meah is currently listed on the Heart 80s schedule as covering Breakfast.

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Classic FM has appointed Joseph Zubier as its new Managing Editor, marking his second return to the station in just three years.

Joseph first joined Classic FM in 2022 as a producer before spending time at BBC Radio. He returned to Classic FM in May this year as Deputy Managing Editor and now steps up to lead the station alongside Senior Managing Editor, Sally Ardis.
Since rejoining, Joseph has overseen several major projects, including an exclusive concert from Balmoral Castle attended by The King and Queen, a birthday celebration for composer Sir John Rutter’s 80th year, and a tribute marking Pavarotti’s 90th anniversary.
His appointment comes as Classic FM marks 25 years of its live concerts, with a special Classic FM Live at 25 with Viking event taking place tonight at the Royal Albert Hall.
Speaking about his new role, Joseph said: “Classic FM is a hugely successful and well-loved brand with a fantastic heritage. It’s a privilege to have the task of leading it forward and building on its founding vision to share the very best classical music with a broad, diverse audience.”
Sally Ardis added: “From the moment Joseph joined Classic FM, he has stood out with his ambition, drive and enthusiasm. His passion to make classical music relevant and accessible through Classic FM is infectious.”

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Listeners of Greatest Hits Radio will soon have the chance to join presenters at sea, as the station teams up again with Ambassador Cruise Line for a special themed voyage next spring.

The seven-day Greatest Hits Radio Escape II will set sail from Tilbury on 27 March 2026, visiting Bremerhaven, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Zeebrugge for Bruges.
On board the Ambience, fans can enjoy exclusive DJ sets from Jackie Brambles, Jenny Powell and Kate Thornton, along with a live edition of PopMaster hosted by Ken Bruce. There will also be Q&A sessions with the presenters and additional entertainment, plus a few surprises yet to be announced.
The trip follows the success of last year’s inaugural radio cruise, which was named an award-winning campaign. Once again, the partnership aims to bring Bauer Media Audio UK’s well-known voices together with Ambassador’s “affordable quality” cruise experience for listeners to enjoy.
Simon Kilby, Managing Director of Bauer Media Advertising, said: “It’s fantastic to renew our partnership with Ambassador Cruise Line and give Greatest Hits Radio listeners another chance to escape with their favourite presenters. As well as showcasing the excitement of an Ambassador cruise to our highly engaged audience, we’re also creating an unforgettable experience that brings the brand to life.”
Gordon Nardini, Chief Marketing Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, added that both brands share a passion for memorable experiences and community. “By combining the creativity and reach of Greatest Hits Radio with Ambassador’s warmest welcome at sea, this partnership offers something truly distinctive,” he said.
The campaign, brokered by Radio Experts, launched on 15 October and includes on-air trails, competitions and social media promotions in the run-up to the cruise. Lucky listeners will also have the chance to win a place on board through the station.

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Gaydio has launched the third series of its travel podcast Gaydio In Europe, in partnership with British Airways’ Gatwick-based subsidiary BA Euroflyer.

Presented by Luis Wyatt and Helen Scott, with drag performer Yshee Black joining the team for the first time, the new series continues to explore LGBTQ+ friendly European destinations served by BA Euroflyer from Gatwick Airport.
Episode one features Porto, with upcoming episodes visiting Palma and Verona. The series highlights inclusive travel experiences, cultural attractions, and local voices from each destination.
The partnership forms part of a wider campaign across Gaydio, including on-air features, digital content, and a major listener competition to win Club Europe flights with BA Euroflyer. For the first time, the podcast will also host a live event in London where fans can be part of the finale recording.
Gaydio In Europe was named “Best Branded Series” at the Campaign Audio Advertising Awards earlier this year, with judges praising its strong targeting, authentic storytelling, and creativity.

Brett Harris, Gaydio’s Head of Partnerships and Marketing, said the collaboration celebrates destinations where LGBTQ+ travellers “can feel safe, seen and celebrated”, adding that the live finale marks “a huge elevation for the podcast”.
Nick Welsh, Head of Marketing at BA Euroflyer, said the partnership provides “a great opportunity for the Gaydio team to explore more contrasting destinations and shine the spotlight on their diverse LGBTQ+ communities”.
Listeners can stream or watch the first episode of the new series on the Gaydio app, via podcast platforms, or at gaydio.co.uk/gaydioineurope

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Ofcom has today introduced new guidance for broadcasters on how politicians can appear as presenters in programmes that include news content.

The updated guidance, which comes into effect immediately, clarifies the distinction between news and non-news programming and strengthens how impartiality rules apply when politicians are involved.
Ofcom has confirmed that Rule 5.3 of the Broadcasting Code — which prohibits politicians from presenting news — will remain unchanged.
Instead, the regulator has revised its guidance to make the relationship between this rule and the impartiality requirements under Rule 5.1 clearer and more relevant to the modern broadcasting landscape.
Under the new approach, Ofcom has updated its definition of a “politician” to include members of the House of Lords and representatives of political parties, while removing the previous reference to activists. It also clarified what counts as “exceptional circumstances” under which a politician could present news, saying these must be situations that are unforeseeable and beyond the broadcaster’s control.
Cristina Nicolotti Squires, Ofcom’s Group Director for Broadcasting, said: “We’ve listened carefully to the perspectives of audiences, broadcasters and other experts through our consultation. Our updated guidance provides the right protection for audiences, while also safeguarding freedom of expression and broadcasters’ editorial discretion to choose their presenting line up.”
The clarification follows Ofcom’s public consultation and a High Court ruling earlier this year in a case involving GB News. The court found that a programme cannot be both news and current affairs at the same time, and that Rule 5.3 only applies to politicians acting as newsreaders, interviewers or reporters in news programmes.
Ofcom said it will continue to review audience expectations and may carry out further research into how viewers and listeners perceive news and current affairs content on TV and radio.

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