UK

Following his decision to stand down from LBC to put himself forward as a candidate for MP in the General Election, Iain Dale has pulled out of the bid.

Earlier this week Iain announced on-air that he was stepping down from the station after 14 years to put his hat in the ring for the second time to stand for Parliament.
Now a turn of events has changed that, as Iain explained when he appeared on Nick Ferrari’s Breakfast Show this morning.
He told Nick that comments he made on an episode of his For The Many podcast in 2022 had resurfaced online and while this clip by itself was out of context, he understood how in isolation it could cause a problem, so he took the decision to withdraw his name from the shortlist.
When asked what’s next for him, Iain said: “I think I’ve got to take time to reflect on that because I’ve made the mistake of making a decision without probably thinking about every possible consequence so it would be a bit silly to do the same again.”

Iain Dale withdraws from bid to be Tory candidate for Tunbridge Wells.
Read more: https://t.co/H7DKZ0UNc2 pic.twitter.com/aAmq1pEvdU
— LBC (@LBC) May 31, 2024 […]

The Local Music Show on Bedford Radio, which launches next week, will showcase grass-roots local music in the area.

As well as playing music and interviewing current Bedford-based acts, artists based in nearby areas who play in in the town will be also included.
Local musician and songwriter, Danny Barton will present the show and will also be the station’s Local Music Coordinator.
Danny said: “I can’t wait to get started on the show! I’ll be sharing my favourite music from both chart-topping success stories and up and coming acts from in and around Bedford, as well as giving you a rundown of all the musical goings on in town that week.”
The station is putting together a new playlist of tracks from local artists, with at least one an hour being played every Monday across the day, starting this summer.
Station Manager Martin Steers said: “We promised in our manifesto that Bedford Radio arises from the local community and supports the local community.
“Providing a focal point for local music has long been one of our ambitions, so I’m delighted to welcome Danny to the station, and to have such a well-known figure on the local music scene leading our work.”
Martin added: “Anyone who would like to support us in making local radio for Bedford can vote for us with their blue token in Tesco until the end of June.” […]

BBC Radio Norfolk presenter Rob Butler is moving to BBC Radio 5 Live in Salford to take up a new sports role this summer.

Butler has been at the station for over 10 years covering Norwich City Football Club in programmes including The Scrimmage and Canary Call.
In post on X, he said that he’d accepted the offer of a job attachment at 5 Live Sport for a big summer of sport and beyond.
He added that BBC Radio Norfolk’s coverage of Norwich City will have a different sound with some old new voices from the start of next season.
It’s not clear if this is a permanent move or what changes will be made at BBC Radio Norfolk.

Bit of news…
I’ve accepted the offer of a job attachment at @5liveSport for a big summer of sport and beyond. Cannot wait!
Our #ncfc coverage on @BBCNorfolk will have a different sound with some new (and old) voices from the start of next season.
Off to Salford I go… 🫡
— Rob Butler (@BobRutler) May 27, 2024 […]

The Radio Academy’s next Foot In The Door training and connections day will be held at The University of Salford on Wednesday 26th June 2024 12.00-5.30pm, followed by a social event.

Foot In The Door is for people at entry and early career level in audio to build skills development and give access to people and expertise, through training workshops and a speed-networking session.
This will be the third of these events, following one in Glasgow this February and one in Leeds last November.
The Glasgow event saw around 150 delegates and industry guests come together at Glasgow University’s Student Union, with speakers including Clyde 1’s George Bowie and Cassie Gillespie, Capital Scotland’s Fat Brestovci and the BBC’s Gully Singh.
The Radio Academy is holding the Manchester event with Salford University’s student station, Shock Radio.
Foot In The Door travels to different cities across the UK, partnering with universities, colleges, local and community stations and student radio, to bring together people just starting their audio careers with senior industry experts.
It is sponsored by The Radio Academy partners All In Media/Xperi, Arqiva, BBC Sounds, Broadcast Bionics, MusicMaster/OnAir, PPL, PRS and RCS.
Aradhna Tayal Leach, The Radio Academy Managing Director said: “Foot In The Door opens access to skills, knowledge, contacts and jobs in audio and radio.
“Many people can find it difficult to find out what the different career opportunities are and they don’t know people who can help them.
“This is a chance to make those connections and ask everything you ever wanted to know. From live radio presenting to creating your own podcast brand, and across technology, journalism or sales, at Foot In The Door you’ll meet others who love audio and develop your own journey.”
A three-hour programme of training workshops and talks with national, regional and local audio industry leaders and practitioners will start shortly after midday, covering sessions on programme production, podcasting, social media, brand development, music radio, news and speech audio, imaging, and technology.
This will be followed by a 90-minute facilitated speed-networking session, where delegates will meet a cross-section of audio professionals and learn about opportunities and career paths available in different areas of audio.
To close the day, The Radio Academy North West Branch will hold an informal social event for Radio Academy members. The event will also see the launch of The ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 2024.
Tickets are available now at £6 for Radio Academy Members, or £12 for non-members. Tickets include light refreshments on the day and the first drink in the bar.
The non-member ticket price also includes the offer of £5 off annual membership to The Radio Academy. There is no cost for members to register to attend the social event and 30 Under 30 launch only.
For more information, tickets and previous events visit radioacademy.org/training. […]

The BBC is the exclusive partner of Glastonbury and has released its plans for coverage of the festival which includes a six-week build up.

It will run from Monday 3rd June – Sunday 14th July across TV, BBC iPlayer, radio and BBC Sounds.
Highlights of the radio coverage include, BBC Radio 6 Music extending its celebrations for an extra day this year, hosting All Day Glastonbury from Wednesday 26th June – Monday 1st July.
The station air over 54 hours of live shows from Glastonbury with presenters broadcasting from the event.
On Radio 1 and Radio 1 Dance from 6pm on Thursday 27th June, Arielle Free, Danny Howard and Sarah Story will be live from Worthy Farm, building up to the BBC Radio 1 Dance Takeover on the BBC Music Introducing Stage, which will be simulcast live on the stations until 11pm.
The following evening, Arielle, Danny and Sarah are back on Radio 1 and Radio 1 Dance from 6pm, building up to the first Pyramid Stage headliner of the weekend, Dua Lipa, whose set will be broadcast on Radio 1 in a show presented live by Katie Thistleton.
DJ Target’s BBC Radio 1Xtra Takeover on Saturday will be aired on the station from 7-9pm and from 9pm on Sunday evening Radio 1 and 1Xtra will simulcast SZA’s Pyramid Stage set as part of a show presented by Nadia Jae, Chuckie and Melvin Odoom.
Zoe Ball takes her Radio 2 Breakfast Show to Glastonbury on Friday 28th June from 7-10am, with some special guests and live music from artists who will be performing over the coming days.
Dermot O’Leary chats to big name guest on the Saturday (3-6pm), before the station broadcasts Coldplay’s Pyramid Stage set that evening as part of a show presented by OJ Borg from 8pm.
On the Sunday from 5-8pm, Jo Whiley will preview and present Shania’s debut Glastonbury performance on the Pyramid Stage.
Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour will return to Glastonbury on Friday 28th June 10-11am, with Anita Rani presenting special guests, live music and exploring the women behind the event – including at the new Arrivals stage in Shangri-La – Glastonbury’s first dedicated South Asian space.
Lorna Clarke, BBC Director of Music says: “The BBC’s coverage of Glastonbury is one of the biggest jewels in the BBC’s pop crown and we’re evolving our programming to bring audiences many ways to enjoy the festival across our platforms – it’s their Glastonbury on the BBC.
“This year will see the debut of Glastonbury Channel II, a welcome addition to our multiple BBC iPlayer streams, giving viewers a rolling round-up of the key moments from each day.
“We’re also proud that for the second year, Pyramid Stage – Signed returns, with performances from Glastonbury’s most iconic stage in British Sign Language, bringing the Glastonbury experience closer to all viewers.
“This is in addition to over 90 hours of live performances from the five main stages on BBC iPlayer, extensive coverage on TV, 90 hours of radio broadcasts live from the festival, plus much more to discover on BBC Sounds – including Sidetracked by Glastonbury, presented by Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw, which will also be available on BBC iPlayer from the first week of June.
“I would like to thank Emily and Michael Eavis once again for allowing us this exclusive access to Glastonbury, as only the BBC can bring the nation together to enjoy their unique festival.”
Emily Eavis says: “We’re incredibly proud of our ongoing partnership with the BBC and always look forward to hearing about the exciting developments in their coverage each year.
“I’d like to thank Lorna Clarke, Alison Howe and their team for celebrating our festival so brilliantly and for sharing the special spirit of Glastonbury with an audience far beyond these fields. We’re so looking forward to welcoming them back to Worthy Farm in June.”
Find out more about the BBC’s coverage of Glastonbury here. […]

Bauer Media Audio UK has appointed Gary Stein into the newly created role of Director of Audio with immediate effect.

Gary previously held the role of Group Programme Director of the Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio networks.
In his new position, Gary will sit on the UK Executive board and reports into CEO Simon Myciunka. As the strategic and creative lead for all content for all of Bauer audio services in the UK, his focus will primarily be on shaping and implementing the content strategy, which includes overseeing the Content Directors and teams across Bauer’s stations.
Simon Myciunka, CEO for Bauer Media Audio UK said: “Gary’s vision and leadership has helped us build two of the most exciting new audio brands in the UK with Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio, and through this well-deserved promotion, I look forward to seeing him steer our ambitious UK teams in creating more stand-out moments that our audiences can enjoy both on-air and on-demand.”
Gary Stein said: “I’m absolutely delighted to take on the role of Director of Audio at such an exciting time for Bauer Media Audio UK. Our strong, well-loved audio brands entertain millions of listeners each week, with our creativity and collaboration driving innovation in the audio space.
“Evolving our products and platforms to attract new audiences and enable new ways of listening remains at the forefront of our ambition. I’m looking forward to working with our brilliant programming teams and industry partners to unlock greater opportunities for our brands.”
In addition to Gary’s promotion, Bauer’s UK Chief of Staff Peter Davies will become Chief Operating Officer, managing areas of the business including production and properties, as well as oversight of the engineering teams.
Meanwhile Alice Douglas has been promoted to General Counsel for the UK Audio business from her role as Associate General Counsel. Both roles sit alongside Gary and Simon on the UK Executive board.
Simon Myciunka added: “It’s fantastic to welcome Alice to our senior Leadership team and also appoint Peter into his new role as Chief Operating Officer. Both offer extensive expertise and experience and contribute a great deal as we focus on enriching everyday lives.” […]