UK

Community station West Kent Radio has applied to extend its FM coverage to include the town of Sevenoaks.
The application has been published by Ofcom and is now open for consultation.
West Kent Radio is currently licenced to serve Tonbridge, Southborough and Tunbridge Wells, to the south of Sevenoaks, on three FM frequencies.
In support of the application, Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott said she believed the extension would help address the gap in local broadcasting. “I know that for many residents – particularly older people and those who are less digitally connected – it is incredibly important to have access to trusted, relevant and timely local news and traditional FM radio,” she said.
Laura added: “Sadly, the reduction in BBC local radio services and the decline of local print journalism has left a real gap in the provision of reliable, community-focused content. I firmly believe that West Kent Radio, which already provides high-quality, volunteer-led broadcasting in neighbouring areas, is well placed to fill that gap.”
West Kent Radio’s News Editor, Martin Webber, highlighted the support the station has built locally. He said: “West Kent Radio has been building a team with considerable experience in UK media to curate a truly informative and engaging service for our listeners.”
He added that the station has been able to offer a wide range of contributors through strong collaboration. “Thanks to the excellent cooperation from BBC Radio Kent, our partners at Sky and all our local councillors, MPs and local people who have engaged with us, we have access to a range of voices that is unique to our station.
“Sevenoaks is deeply integrated into our existing area and we are hopeful Ofcom will be able to agree to our coverage extension request.”
West Kent Radio launched in 2021. Its commitments under Ofcom include promoting healthy lifestyles, facilitating discussion and expression of opinion, and strengthening community links across its broadcast area.

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More than 100 former staff came together in Bradford on Saturday to mark 50 years since the launch of Pennine Radio.
The reunion was held at the Bankfield Hotel in Bingley, with attendees sharing memories, listening to classic jingles, and browsing a display of station memorabilia collected from across the decades.
Among the guests were four of the original launch team from 1975, Peter Milburn, Dorothy Box, Peter Levy and Lesley Blessington. A montage of old show clips was played during the evening, prompting stories and conversations about the station’s early years and its later transformation.
The event was organised by Melanie Perrett and Brian Cooke, who spent a year tracking down past presenters, producers, journalists and technical staff to bring them back together. For many, it was the first time seeing old colleagues for decades.
Alan Ross, who delivered the welcoming speech, said afterwards the evening had been “a fitting tribute to some great radio stations and people.”
He also paid tribute to the effort that went into reuniting so many familiar faces in one place.
Although Pennine Radio began broadcasting in 1975 to serve Bradford and West Yorkshire, the station later rebranded as the Pulse before becoming part of Bauer’s Hits Radio network. Many of those who worked there went on to careers in broadcasting around the UK.
Organisers described the gathering as likely to be the last of its kind, making the evening especially significant for those who attended. The anniversary highlighted the enduring impact of Pennine Radio on the city’s broadcasting history and the role it played in the lives of staff and listeners alike.
James Cridland has also featured the event in his latest radio newsletter, Radioland, which you can subscribe to here.

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Absolute Radio Live will be back at the London Palladium on Sunday 16 November this year, raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

The comedy event will be hosted by Absolute Radio presenters Jon Richardson and Matt Forde and features James Acaster, Kerry Godliman, Adam Hills, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Tom Davis and Dinesh Nathan.
All profits from the night will support Prostate Cancer UK’s research and awareness work. The charity says one in eight men will get prostate cancer, with Black men at double the risk.
Alison Day, Director of Communications at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Absolute Radio Live and look forward to a stellar evening of laughter at the London Palladium. From James Acaster to Fatiha El-Ghorri, the night will be one to remember.”
She added: “With all profits from ticket sales going to Prostate Cancer UK, it’ll make a lasting impact on men’s health too.”
The charity is currently funding its TRANSFORM trial, aiming to develop a safe and effective national screening programme. Money raised will also help pay for awareness campaigns and support services for men living with and after prostate cancer.
Absolute Radio Live has become a regular fixture on the comedy calendar, pairing well-known and emerging comedians to raise money for charity. This year marks another collaboration with Prostate Cancer UK at one of London’s most famous venues.

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Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch will host a monthly phone-in on LBC, starting tomorrow at 8pm.

The programme, called Call Kemi, will be presented by Iain Dale and broadcast across the UK on LBC and the LBC app. Listeners will be able to ask questions directly to Kemi on a wide range of topics including the economy, immigration, healthcare, education and defence.
The one-hour slot will give callers the chance to put their concerns to the Leader of the Conservative Party each month. LBC has confirmed no subject will be off limits, with the station promising a direct and challenging exchange between Kemi and listeners.
Kemi said: “I’m delighted to be launching Call Kemi on LBC, starting this Tuesday 16th September alongside the great Iain Dale. I can’t wait to speak directly to LBC listeners across the country every month about the issues that matter most to them.”
Iain Dale added: “Holding politicians to account is what LBC listeners do best. Kemi Badenoch is a no nonsense politician and she doesn’t hold back. At a time when people’s trust in politicians appears to be at an all time low, this is her opportunity to show the British people what she is made of.”
Tom Cheal, Senior Managing Editor of LBC, said the new phone-in gives audiences “unfettered access to those in power” and ensures listeners can challenge political leaders directly.
Call Kemi follows LBC’s history of live political phone-ins, which began in 2013 with Call Clegg featuring then Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. Other politicians to take part in similar formats on the station have included Sir Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and Sadiq Khan.

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The BBC has officially launched three new digital music stations on DAB+ today.

Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind are now available on DAB+ across the UK, following their debut as streams on BBC Sounds last year.
The plan was to launch five new stations, but BBC Radio 2’s extra service, and an improved 5 Sports Extra station faced objections from Ofcom following campaigns from the commercial radio sector.
Radio 1 Dance offers 24-hour coverage of electronic music from global DJs. The station’s launch week begins on 15 September and features special sets from Carl Cox, Danny Howard, Disclosure and Eric Prydz, alongside highlights such as the Radio 1 Ibiza Prom.
Radio 1 Anthems brings music from the 2000s to the present day, with themed collections including Workout Anthems and Chillout Anthems. A major announcement linked to the station will be revealed on 16 September during Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James.
Radio 3 Unwind delivers calming classical music with a focus on wellbeing. Dr Sian Williams hosts the morning programme Classical Unwind, while Niall Breslin presents Classical Wind Down.
Edith Bowman fronts Cinematic Soundtracks, and The Sleeping Forecast pairs classical sounds with the iconic Shipping Forecast.
Head of Radio 1 Aled Haydn-Jones said: “R1 Dance and R1 Anthems provide a strong and confident offer for younger listeners – delivering more choice and music to match every mood.”
Radio 3 Controller Sam Jackson added: “Radio 3 Unwind has already been positively received as a stream on BBC Sounds and I’m really pleased to now bring it to a wider audience on DAB+.”
The three stations are the first additions to the BBC’s music portfolio since the launch of 6 Music, 1Xtra and Asian Network in 2002. Ofcom approved the move as part of plans to give audiences more choice and to widen the range of music and voices available on BBC Radio.
The BBC says the launch reflects changes in listening habits, with 75% of the population now tuning in to radio digitally. DAB/DAB+ covers 97% of the UK population and is available in all new cars, while 68% of households own a compatible radio.
The new stations will sit alongside existing networks on DAB+ and continue to be available via BBC Sounds.

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Ofcom has ruled that Castledown FM breached election broadcasting rules by allowing a candidate to present shows during the election period.
The community station, which serves Tidworth, Ludgershall and Perham Down, aired two editions of The Morning Show on Monday hosted by Brian Pratt on 14 and 28 April this year. At the time, Brian was standing as an independent candidate in the Wiltshire local elections for Tidworth North and West.
Election law prohibits candidates from presenting any programmes during the official campaign period, which began on 25 March and ran until polling day on 1 May.
While the 14 April show did not include election-related material, the 28 April edition featured multiple references to voting. These included reminders about polling stations, details of voter ID requirements, guidance on postal and proxy voting, and advice for people with disabilities on how to access support at polling stations.
Ofcom said the content was neutral and factual, but confirmed that Rule 6.6 of the Broadcasting Code was still breached because a nominated candidate presented both programmes. The regulator explained that the rule is in place to avoid any perception of unfair advantage and to protect trust in the democratic process.
Castledown FM accepted the breach, describing it as an “inadvertent oversight” during what it called a period of “significant operational disruption” as the station was relocating studios. The station said it had since “reinforced training and implemented additional checks” to prevent it happening again.
Ofcom noted the station’s cooperation and acknowledged that Brian did not mention his own candidacy or political views on air, but concluded that the rule was “clearly prohibited” regardless of intent or content.
The decision was published in issue 529 of Ofcom’s Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin on 8 September 2025.

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