UK

Kingdom FM’s breakfast show host Vanessa Motion was unexpectedly arrested live on air recently.

Two uniformed officers entered the studio, handcuffed Vanessa, and escorted her to a police car, leaving her co-host, Dave Connor in shock as the dramatic scene unfolded.
With listeners and even some of Vanessa’s family members left in suspense, Kingdom FM soon revealed that the ‘arrest’ was actually part of a fundraising stunt for Maggie’s, a charity that provides support to those affected by cancer.
The stunt was part of the “Jail or Bail” charity campaign for Maggie’s Fife, in which Vanessa and five other familiar local faces agreed to be ‘arrested’, with each needing to raise £1,000 in donations to ‘post bail’ and gain their release.

Many listeners who witnessed the ‘arrest’ live on-air reached out to Kingdom FM with concern and supportive messages for Dave, only to discover later that it was all a part of the carefully planned fundraiser.
Dave Connor, Programme Controller at Kingdom FM, expressed his appreciation for the listeners’ reaction. “It’s been amazing to see how much our listeners care for Vanessa.
“The concern turned into incredible support for Maggie’s once everyone realised it was all in fun. We are thankful to Police Scotland for helping us pull this off, and we’re proud to support a charity that does such vital work for people affected by cancer.”

The stunt even caught some of Vanessa’s family members off guard. “I forgot to tell my sister and dad. I didn’t realise until my phone lit up with my sister’s name once she heard I had been ‘arrested’ on air.
“It was unsettling to be handcuffed and led away, but it’s been worth it to support Maggie’s Fife. It’s a charity close to my heart and was haven for me after my mum passed away from cancer.”
Visit Vanessa’s Just Giving page to see the current amount raised, and make a donation.

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

#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. */ […]

On this day 35 years ago Sunrise Radio was born when Founder Avtar Lit was welcomed into many Asian households.

Sunrise Radio was the first of its kind, a 24 hour radio station for British Asians.
Tony Lit, MBE, said: “Today we celebrate 35 years of unforgettable music, cherished memories, and unwavering community support.
“From our first broadcast in 1989 to becoming the UK’s first National Asian Commercial Radio Station, and remaining the UK’s Number 1 Asian Commerical Radio Station for 35 years, our journey has been all about our loyal listeners, partners, and the Sunrise Team.
“Thank you for being part of this incredible story and here’s to many more years together!”
Sunrise Radio is marking this milestone of 35 years with a Special All Request Week, listeners are invited to ask for their favourite songs from 1989 to 2024 and share memories that made these years so special.
The station now broadcasts on 963/972am in London, and nationwide on DAB.

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

#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. */ […]

BBC Radio 2 in the Park helped bring in over £5 million in visitor spending, creating jobs and supporting local businesses throughout Preston this year.

That’s the update from Preston City Council who welcomed the station to the area back in September, along with 68,100 attendees.
The BBC-hosted event attracted both local residents and visitors from across the UK. Around 13% of attendees were from Preston itself, while the majority were from further afield. It is estimated around 16,000 visitors stayed overnight, and a further 31,000 came for day trips.
Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said: Radio 2 in the Park has proven to be a tremendous success for the city of Preston. Not only did it attract thousands of visitors to enjoy top-quality entertainment, it also delivered a substantial boost to our local economy.
“The £5.3 million spent in the city over the weekend is a testament to Preston’s appeal as a destination for major events. We are proud of the way the city welcomed visitors and demonstrated our ability to host events on this scale.
“The lasting economic impact, including the jobs supported, shows just how valuable these events are for our community. We look forward to building on this momentum for future opportunities.”
John Chesworth, Chair of Preston Partnership said: “At Preston Partnership, we are dedicated to driving place direction and sustainable growth in the city. Radio 2 in the Park has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase Preston, bringing significant economic benefits to the area. Events like this not only boost the local economy through increased footfall and tourism but also provide a valuable platform for local businesses to thrive. We are proud to have been part of this venture, which has contributed to Preston’s economic development and future resilience.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 said: “I’m so pleased the event has had such positive impact for the local economy, businesses and communities. All of us at Radio 2 would like to thank Preston City Council and the people of Preston for the incredibly warm welcome they gave Radio 2 in the Park when the station decamped to the city in September.
“We were delighted to broadcast live from several local venues during the build-up to the epic weekend in Moor Park and were proud to shine a light on this fantastic city across our shows during the event weekend and beyond.”
This influx of visitors led to an estimated £2.4 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) for the city of Preston, helping to support an estimated 2,100 jobs in the city during the three-day event. The figures provided exclude expenditure by Preston residents. However, local attendees spent an estimated £434,000 during the event, further adding to the local economy.
Economic analysis of the event was conducted by Hatch, a global consultancy with expertise in economic development and social impact assessment.
Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, stated: “Events like this bring a range of benefits to their host locations. Our analysis shows that Radio 2 in the Park has provided a large economic boost to the city of Preston – boosting spending by up to 5% over the September weekend. Moreover, it has generated significant profile for the city, which has knock-on benefits for the visitor economy.”

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

#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. */ […]

BBC Radio 1 has named the next wave of recipients of the Annie Nightingale Pioneers.

Formerly the Annie Nightingale Scholarship, the scheme is an initiative designed to champion up-and-coming women and non-binary DJs in the Dance scene.
The late Annie Nightingale became the first-ever female DJ on Radio 1 when she joined the station over 50 years ago. She was the station’s longest-serving DJ and hosted a weekly show on Tuesday nights showcasing the biggest and best new Dance tracks.
Now into its fourth year, the initiative continues to celebrate and elevate talented women and non-binary people in the electronic music scene – a space which has historically overlooked these voices.
Each year three brand-new DJs are given the opportunity to showcase their taste and expertise on a national platform.
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “Annie had a pioneering spirit and an unwavering dedication to discovering and supporting emerging talent so I’m proud that we can continue her legacy through this important initiative, paving the way for new DJing talent.
“I can’t wait to see what our 2024 recipients have lined up!”
The 2024 recipients are (in alphabetical order):
re:ni

re:ni is a DJ and producer born in Birmingham and later raised in Dorset. She is renowned for her sub-heavy sound which marries deep dub sonics with dark mutations of techno, jungle and dubstep. Following her steady rise as an internationally recognised DJ, re:ni released her second EP in February and in October she released her first record on her own label ‘re:lax’.
re:ni says: “It is an honour to have been selected by Annie Nightingale Pioneers. As a female producer, my biggest motivation is to inspire and empower other women to make music. To be recognised as a pioneer compels me to continue the example set by Annie and to keep uplifting and celebrating all of the amazing female talent in the Dance music world today.”
Tash LC

Tash LC is a London-based DJ and producer with a passion for music from the global club space. She draws in listeners with a balance of textured afro-jazz and highlife fusions with meetings of Kuduro, Gqom and eclectic club rhythms. She has had a residency on BBC Radio 1Xtra and also runs a record label and club night called ‘Club Yeke’ which focuses on platforming music from the Global South.
Tash LC says: “Being chosen as one of Annie’s Pioneers is a huge, huge honour. I’ve always looked up to Annie as an absolute legend who paved the way for so many incredible women in radio and DJ’ing so to be a part of her legacy is amazing. I’m excited to showcase a journey through some of the music from the scenes I love and the producers that shape the global club world.”
Tatyana Jane

Tatyana Jane is a DJ and producer born in Cameroon and raised in the South of France. Her musical style is deeply influenced by her rich cultural heritage and is blended with contemporary elements of broken rhythm. Her second EP was released in May and this summer she performed alongside Skrillex at Berlin’s CTM Festival as well as performing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Tatyana Jane says: “I am deeply honoured to have been chosen as one of the Annie Nightingale Pioneers 2024 on BBC Radio 1. This opportunity is more than just an accomplishment for me; it’s a chance to celebrate and amplify diversity in the electronic music scene. Through my mix, I want to advocate for the idea that every voice matters and that together, we can push the boundaries of what this culture represents. Join me on November 9th to share this vision with you.”
The 2024 recipients will each appear in a special show on Saturday 9 November from 11pm-2am.

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

#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. */ […]

Times Radio breakfast co-host Aasmah Mir has announced her departure from the show saying she’s “on to the next”.
Posting on social media this morning, Aasmah, who joined Times in 2020 from BBC Radio 4, said all good things must come to an end.
She said: “I’ve decided to step down from Times Radio Breakfast at the end of January.
“I want to say a few things. Joining TR in 2020 was the best decision I ever made. We started something from nothing. And I loved every day.
“Getting up at 3am has a huge impact on your home life, especially if you become a single parent. My daughter was 4 when I started this job and she just wants her mummy to take her to school again. She deserves a bit of normality and a less grumpy mum.
“What a fantastic bunch of people I’ve worked with. You know who you are. And Stig. 😁 I’m not sure how it worked but it did.
“I’ll miss our partnership, the times I was reduced to tears of laughter and couldn’t carry on. And to you, the listeners – thank you. On to the next. X.”
Times Radio Breakfast is currently hosted by Aasmah and Stig Abell.
No news on a replacement has been announced, and RadioToday has contacted Times Radio for more info.

JOB NEWS:All good things must come to an end my friends. I’ve decided to step down from Times Radio Breakfast at the end of January. I want to say a few things. Joining TR in 2020 was the best decision I ever made. We started something from nothing. And I loved every day. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/kQrCCZflA5
— Aasmah Mir (@AasmahMir) November 5, 2024

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

#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. */ […]

A new 12-part podcast series from BBC Radio WM and BBC Local has been created on the approach to the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Pub Bombings.

The series explores the impact of the bombs on the countless people affected such as family members of victims, the Birmingham Six and their families, and the city itself.
It wraps 50 years of an evolving story together for the first time and positions the bombings in the wider context of the Troubles and the Good Friday Agreement.
Produced, researched and presented for BBC Sounds by journalist Ed Barlow, In Detail: The Pub Bombings tells the story of one of the worst terrorist attacks on British soil.
It also features never before heard footage of one of the men accused of the bombings and harrowing personal testimony, revealing how countless lives have been impacted.
There are also interviews with veteran BBC broadcaster Michael Buerk, who reported on the night of the attack and the trial of the Birmingham Six.
Ed says: “Many of a certain age will know elements of this case – or remember aspects of it – but there are many who simply won’t know anything about it at all – and that was one of the reasons for making this series. We wanted to make sure that people don’t forget the fact that 21 people died in the most awful circumstances and highlight the fact that there are still more questions than answers about what really happened that night in 1974. The ripple effects of those bombs are still being felt to this day, in all sorts of ways, by so many people.”
BBC Radio WM’s Executive Editor Chris Pegg, who commissioned the series, says: “This is such an important part of the history of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. This is the first time the whole story has been told in its entirety. Listeners will be taken from 1970s Birmingham to modern day Belfast thanks to some first-class storytelling.”
In Detail: The Pub Bombings will be available exclusively on BBC Sounds from Mon 4th November. Episodes will also be played on Sarah Julian at Breakfast on BBC Radio WM daily from Monday 4 November.

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

#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. */ […]