UK

BBC Radio 4 has today announced new comedy commissions including the return of Frank Skinner’s One Person Found This Helpful.

It marks a return to radio for Frank Skinner after being let go by Bauer when his contract with Absolute Radio came to an end.
Icklewick FM, a co-commission with BBC TV Comedy, is also coming back to give listeners another slice of the dysfunctional community radio from the fictional Northern town of Icklewick, written by and starring Edinburgh Award winner Amy Gledhill and Chris Cantrill with a raft of brilliant sketch comedians.
The Final Word with Matt Forde, a new satirical comedy show, will see political comedian Matt Forde raid his contacts list and probe into some of the trickiest political subjects, interviewing politicians and chatting to comedy guests.
After winning the ARIA gold award for her previous Radio 4 stand-up special, I Don’t Know What to Say, former teacher and mother of three Laura Smyth returns with a stand-up series, Your Mum, where Laura and her guests share hilarious anecdotes, advice and sayings from the mouths of mothers and examine why maternal relationships can occasionally drive us up the wall.
In Ria Lina Gets Forensic, stand-up and qualified forensic scientist Ria Lina investigates anti-aging treatments, scrutinising the lengths people will go to cheat age and stay young. Using herself as a test subject, Rina will try to separate out the facts from the fads and fictions.
What? Seriously?? is a new podcast which combines comedy with quirky history, hosted by Dara O’Briain and Isy Suttie, who will unravel an extraordinary real-life tale each week with the help of a celebrity guest.
The Lively Life of Lindsey Santoro, a new stand-up series, will see Lindsey Santoro reading excerpts of her journal across four different days.
The new commissions also include a focus on scripted comedy, with second series for the parody of women’s magazine shows, Time of The Week, starring Sian Clifford and sitcom Do Gooders, which is set in the offices of a fictional charity and whose first series starred Fay Ripley, Ania Magliano and Frank Skinner.
Travis Jay’s Rum Punch has been commissioned for a series following a successful pilot. Drawing on various elements of Travis Jay’s own life, Rum Punch follows a multi-generational family as they struggle to keep their Caribbean restaurant afloat, as Marley, played by Travis, tries to find his niche in life. Dan Does Dating is a new sitcom from Michael Beck, following a man as he searches for love from one terrible date to another… could the problem be him?
Destined for greatness, up-and-coming comedy trio Crybabies have a lot of fun putting their signature playful twist on a series of audio adventures in homage to the Hollywood staples of their childhood in Crybabies Present… with hilarious and heartwarming takes on everything from Seagal-inspired action to Disney-esque fantasy.
Fans can also expect the return of One Person Found This Helpful, Frank Skinner’s panel show about online reviews. Michael Spicer will return with another series of Michael Spicer: No Room, playing every character in a host of sketches brilliantly satirising the nonsense of the modern world. Current Strictly favourite Chris McCausland will bring You Heard It Here First back for another series, asking a panel of comedians to answer questions, receiving only audio clues and descriptions.
Glenn Moore’s Almanac returns for a second series, and Stuart Mitchell follows up his successful Cost of Living series with Stuart Mitchell’s Cost of Dying, which takes a playful look at the real size of the bill after we pass away.

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. */ […]

Christian Smith is joining Bauer from Global to take up the role of Group Head of Music Programming.
This new position will see Christian reporting into Rob D’Ovidio, Bauer’s Director of Music for Broadcast, On-Demand and Premium, helping to shape and deliver the portfolio’s musical strategy; as well as overseeing scheduling, reporting and musical output for all of Bauer’s audio brands.
Rob D’Ovidio said: ‘Christian is a hugely experienced music programmer and I am incredibly excited about the understanding, knowledge and passion for music that he will bring to the brilliant team here at Bauer.
“He joins Bauer Media Audio UK at a very exciting time as we evolve our products and platforms, attracting new audiences and enabling new ways to listen to all of our much-loved audio brands.’
Christian joins the business from Global where he works as a Senior Group Music Programmer, responsible for curating music policy across both the Capital Network and Radio X.
His previous experience also includes time at News UK, Virgin Radio and also at Bauer where he was previously Head of Music for the KISS Network.
Christian will be starting his new role in early 2025.

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. */ […]

Cambridge 105 Radio has announced it will change its name to Cambridge Radio from the 7th of December 2024.
The station says the move reflects developments in the radio sector that include the rise of radio listening online and growth in the popularity of podcasts.
Cambridge Radio will continue to broadcast on 105 FM along with online platforms.
The date has been chosen to coincide with Mill Road Winter Fair, one of Cambridge Radio’s major outside broadcasts of the year.
Dr Greg Butler, Director, Cambridge Radio said: “We’ve chosen 7 December as the date for the relaunch as we really wanted to share the occasion with Cambridge and there’s no better place than Mill Road Winter Fair.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating alongside some great Cambridge musicians playing live on our stage.”
Julian Clover, Editorial Lead, Cambridge Radio said: “Radio and how people listen is in a constant state of evolution, but whether you listen on a smart speaker, app or an old school portable Cambridge Radio will continue to serve the people of Cambridge and South Cambs.”

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 3 Unwind launches on BBC Sounds this morning, Monday 4th November at 6am with presenters including Edith Bowman and AFRODEUTSCHE.

The new station will play a broad and eclectic range of calming classical music, promoting focus and relaxation, with contributions from guest experts and academics in fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and mental health.
Edith Bowman, Dr Sian Williams, Niall Breslin and AFRODEUTSCHE will join familiar Radio 3 and BBC Sounds names such as Ólafur Arnalds, Sara Mohr-Pietsch, Hannah Peel and Izzy Judd.
The schedule will champion music by living composers, with a particular focus on those from the UK. It also reflects emerging artist-composers, as well as playing BBC Introducing artists, plus the music of under-represented composers.
Live and specially recorded music from the BBC Orchestras and Choirs and Radio 3’s New Generation Artists will also be included.
Broadcaster, psychologist and host of BBC Radio 4’s Life Changing podcast Dr Sian Williams will present the daily mid-morning programme, Classical Unwind, Edith Bowman will host Cinematic Soundtracks late afternoons Monday to Saturday and Irish musician, composer, podcaster and mental health advocate Niall Breslin will present Classical Wind Down from 6-9pm.
On Sundays, AFRODEUTSCHE will play contemporary classical composers and artists on her new show, Soundwaves and the overnight show, Sleep Tracks will include classical music mixed with the sounds of nature and the outdoors.
Alongside these new shows, BBC Radio 3 Unwind includes programmes such as Ultimate Calm with Ólafur Arnalds and The Music & Meditation Podcast with NAO and Izzy Judd, as well as simulcasting Radio 3’s Night Tracks with Sara Mohr-Pietsch and Hannah Peel.
The schedule also includes some of BBC Sounds’ relaxing music mixes, such as the Mindful Mix, Piano Focus and The Sleeping Forecast.
Audio branding and idents for the stream have been created by the Peabody Award-winning, multi-platinum selling English songwriter, producer and composer Benbrick, recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Sam Jackson, Controller of BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms says: “We’re thrilled to launch BBC Radio 3 Unwind: our new stream offering listeners an exciting gateway into classical music. With carefully curated shows and distinctive programming, Radio 3 Unwind will create a space for respite and escape, presented by our line-up of world-class broadcasters.
“As our lives become ever more consumed by technology, deadlines and stress, the music on BBC Radio 3 Unwind offers the perfect antidote, whilst also supporting new and emerging talent – and showcasing music that simply isn’t heard anywhere else.”
BBC Radio 3 Unwind Schedule
00:30 – 06:00 – Sleep Tracks – Monday to Sunday
06:00 – 9:00 – Mindful Mix – Monday to Sunday
09:00 – 12:00 – Classical Unwind – Monday to Sunday
12:00 – 14:00 – Piano Focus – Monday to Sunday
14: 00 – 17:00 – Mindful Mix – Monday to Sunday
17:00 – 18:00 – Cinematic Soundtracks – Monday to Saturday
17:00 – 17:30 – The Music & Meditation Podcast – Sunday
17:30 – 18:00 – Classical Mixtape – Sunday
18:00 – 21: 00 – Classical Wind Down – Monday to Sunday
21:00 – 22:00 – Ultimate Calm – Monday to Saturday
21:00 – 22:00 – Soundwaves – Sunday
22:00 – 23:30 – Night Tracks – Monday to Sunday
23:30 – 00:30 – The Sleeping Forecast – Monday to Sunday

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. */ […]

In an address at the House of Commons, John Mottram, Chief Strategy, Communications & Public Affairs Officer at PRS for Music called for protection of intellectual property.

The parliamentary reception to MPs, policymakers, government officials, songwriters and composers on British IP Day was hosted by Pete Wishart MP and The Alliance for Intellectual Property, in partnership with PRS for Music and DACS.
John Mottram spoke of the need to protect the intellectual property of music creators in the face of AI being adopted.
He said: This year is a special year for PRS, it marks our 110th anniversary. Since 1914 we have had the honour to represent more than 175,000 songwriters, composers and publishers.
“Over the past 110 years the music industry has changed beyond recognition, however what has remained constant is the critical role of intellectual property (IP) in our sector.
“PRS for Music, like so many others in this room, exists to ensure the artistic brilliance of the UK’s creators are rewarded whenever and wherever their works are used.
“Our members depend on copyright, and our ability to license it, to earn a living from their craft and to build their businesses.
“In a digital global market, competition for our eyes and ears has never been greater. At a time when the UK is seeking to restart economic growth, our creative businesses need the confidence to innovate and to invest.
“Confidence which relies upon certainty and the protection of their works, both here and internationally.”
Stating that AI is a massive issue and challenge, he said that it’s also an opportunity. Acknowledging AI companies are businesses like any other and are raising billions, if not trillions, of investment for their new services and tools, he said in his experience investors expect to see significant returns on their investments.
Continuing, he added: “Despite this, it is the creators, without whom these AI services would not exist, who are too often told, it is unreasonable for them to continue to expect to control their musical works or be properly and accurately paid for them. This is a broken narrative.
“We need to strike a balance, otherwise we risk an irreversible shift of value away from the UK’s creative industries, and in the longer-term could erode even the possibility of a creative career.
“Creators, like all of us, recognise the opportunity of AI. A survey of PRS members last year showed 30% were already using AI to assist in the creation of music, with more than half expected to be using it in the future.
“They don’t want to slow the advancement of AI. They just believe it can, and should, be fairer.”

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. */ […]

Based in Farnborough, GLOW RADIO has launched today, broadcasting to Hampshire and Surrey.

Available on 106.5 FM, DAB, smart speakers, GLOW RADIO App and streaming online, the station will play a mix of local music, local interviews, sport, local news and events. It will also be a platform for emerging artists and community voices.
“GLOW RADIO is all about the people of Hampshire and Surrey,” said Matt Vaughan, Station Manager of GLOW RADIO. “Our goal is to be a positive and exciting presence, bringing the community together through great music, important local stories, and live events that everyone can enjoy. We can’t wait to get started and see where this journey takes us!”

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. */ […]