UK

One of Downtown Radio’s first presenters, Cathy Devine has passed away at the age of 85.

Candy was a well-known voice in Northern Ireland having worked at the station for nearly 40 years after joining for its launch.
Originally from North Queensland, Candy worked for Australian TV before moving to Europe in the 1960s. She was also a singer, which is why she first moved to Northern Ireland.
Joining Downtown Radio as part of the original line-up in 1976, she remained at the station until her retirement in 2013. Following the death of her husband Donald, she returned to Australia to be with her children who lived there.
In 2014 Candy received an MBE for Services to Broadcasting and to the Community in Northern Ireland.
Former colleague John Rosborough posted on X: “So very sorry to hear that Candy Devine has passed away.  A wonderful colleague and outstanding broadcaster, she was loved by the local audience and much missed after she returned to Australia to be with her family.  To them I send my deep condolences at this saddest of times.”
Content Director at Downtown Radio Stuart Robinson said: “Candy was a household name on radio in Northern Ireland having been with Downtown from launch in 1976 right through until her retirement in 2013.
“Candy was a great broadcaster and communicator and was an inspiration to many aspiring broadcasters coming up through the radio industry.
“Having grown up listening to Candy, it was a great honour to work with her at Downtown.”

So very sorry to hear that Candy Devine has passed away. A wonderful colleague and outstanding broadcaster, she was loved by the local audience and much missed after she returned to Australia to be with her family. To them I send my deep condolences at this saddest of times. pic.twitter.com/z7d9fD05Cr
— John Rosborough (@JRRadioNI) October 31, 2024

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Liverpool’s Sound Radio is celebrating it’s first anniversary of being on air.

The station launched one year ago today on DAB across the city and boasts at being 100% local for daytime shows and during its dance weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Station Director Dan Roach said: “Sound launched to give scousers back exactly what they want – loads of tunes and presenters who are passionate about Liverpool.
“I’m very proud of our team because I know just how hard we work. A huge thank you to our listeners and advertisers too – let’s do year two!”

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Former radio personality from Ghana and big Les Ross fan, Prince Akwasi is joining BRMB to host a soul and RnB show.

Now a pharmacologist, Prince’s journey to BRMB started three weeks ago when he visited the studio to express his admiration for Les Ross.
During his visit, Prince mentioned that he’d worked on various stations in Ghana before relocating to the UK to pursue a career in microbiology. Inspired by Les Ross, he decided to reignite his passion for radio!
Prince says: “Les is my hero in broadcasting, and my family grew up with him. For me to be on the same station as Les Ross has made my community very proud.”
Paul Ellery, BRMB’s Programme Director added: “It was a stroke of luck to find Prince. He’s a great guy and will become a great broadcaster here in the UK, thanks to the experience he gained on radio in Ghana.”
Prince with Friday nights Soul and RnB can be heard on BRMB from this Friday at 11pm.

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Schedule changes at BBC Asian Network will see Bobby Friction move from weekdays to front a brand-new weekly specialist music show on the station.

Alongside Bobby’s new show, which starts in April, three new weekday programmes will launch on the station fronted by Asian Network presenters, 6-8pm Monday-Wednesday, with more details to follow in 2025.
Since joining the station 19 years ago, Bobby has hosted BBC Asian Network’s Saturday afternoon Album Chart Show, presented the week nightly Friction show, his own Drivetime show, and his current show, which broadcasts Monday to Wednesday, 6-8pm.
Bobby says: “I’m really looking forward to the next phase of my work with Asian Network. It’s been nearly 20 years since I started, and I still feel as fresh and as creative as my first day. Expect a very deep dive into South Asian music from across the planet with this new show.”
Head of BBC Asian Network, Ahmed Hussain added: “Bobby Friction is a huge part of the Asian Network family and will continue to be a pivotal part of the network. I look forward to hearing the energy and vibes Bobby brings to his new music show in 2025!”

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Heart’s Yasmin Evans and podcaster Josh Smith are to host this year’s Audio Production Awards.

Josh is a journalist, presenter and host of the hit podcast Reign, while radio and TV presenter Yasmin hosts Sunday afternoons on Heart.
The Awards, sponsored by Audible, will be held at a gala evening at the BFI on London’s South Bank on Wednesday 20th November.

Early bird rates are available until 4 November. The Pay What You Can Scheme, supported by Amazon Music and Wondery, is available again for freelancers and individuals who would otherwise find the cost of a ticket a barrier to attending. Email hello@audioproductionawards.co.uk for further information on accessing a free or discounted ticket.
For more information and tickets go here.

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Magic Classical’s Calming Pet Sounds in partnership with Dogs Trust will provide a playlist to keep dogs calm during the fireworks.

Presented by Magic Radio’s Emma B, owner of Boo the Labrador and Berry the Pug, the playlist can also be found on the Rayo app and has been created following Dogs Trust’s advice that shows staying calm and using music to mask sounds outside can help improve behaviour during fireworks.
Emma said: “I know with my own dogs how stressed they can be during firework season and this playlist will be just perfect to play to them as we cuddle up and have a cosy night in!”
Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust added: “This time of year can be an anxious time for dog owners, as we worry about how our four-legged friends will cope with the loud and sudden bangs of fireworks.
“It’s important to recognise the individual needs of your dog, for example, if your dog wants to hide in their cosy space, let them. If they seek reassurance, give it to them. And if your dog doesn’t seem worried, you could keep them distracted with a game or treats, to keep their attention away from the noises outside.
“By tuning into Magic Classical’s Calming Pet Sounds you could mask scary noises, and if you are calm, your pooch is more likely to also feel relaxed.”
Calming Pet Sounds from Magic Classical is available on the Rayo app.

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