UK

BBC Asian Network Comedy returns with another live show at the BBC Radio Theatre next year.

The event, on Friday 31 January 2025, will be hosted by Asian Network’s Nikita Kanda and SMASHBengali.
It will feature:

Fatiha El-Ghorri, comedian, writer and ‘Best Debut Show’ winner at 2023’s Leicester Comedy Festival
Dinesh Nathan, stand-up comedian and content creator
Bas Rahman, London comedy circuit regular and former Never Mind The Buzzcocks writer
Shalaka Kurup, Roast Battle UK Champion 2024 and West End New Act of the Year 2023

The show will also include a live DJ set from BBC Asian Network’s DJ Kizzi.
Fatiha El-Ghorri says: “I’m thrilled to be performing at Asian Network Comedy in London for a night of laughter alongside all the other brilliant comedians! Expect a night full of laughs to help chase away those January Blues…”
Nikita Kanda says: “I’m so excited that Asian Network Comedy is back! The line-up is wicked, and I can’t wait to host it with my breakfast brother SMSAHBengali. It’s always such a fun feel good night and of course full of belly laughs!”
SMASHBengali says: “I disappointed my parents by not being able to become a doctor…so I’m hoping this night counts towards the imaginary medicine degree I keep telling them I’m doing because you know what they say, laughter is the best medicine. Looking forward to hosting the night with Nikita, grab your tickets. It’s not one to miss!”
Ahmed Hussain, Head of BBC Asian Network says: “I’m really excited that we’re bringing Asian Network Comedy back to London for a night of non-stop laughter from some of the finest up-and-coming names in UK comedy. Asian Network Comedy has a strong history of supporting emerging South Asian talent, including stars like Romesh Ranganathan, Nish Kumar, Mawaan Rizwan, Sindhu Vee, Guz Khan and many more household names, so I’m delighted be championing these promising voices. It’s going to be a brilliant event kicking off with DJ Kizzi getting the party started!”
Tickets to the 18+ event are free of charge and are available to apply for through the BBC Shows and Tours website. The show will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds after the event.

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Radio and audio charity Sound Vision is launching its first annual appeal to raise funds to help it secure its ongoing operations.
The charity delivers its training through a network of hubs, where it establishes skills infrastructure around the training capacity of local radio stations.
It empowers individuals and communities through inclusive skills-based training that develops confidence and creativity in audio, radio and music.
They collaborate with Somer Valley FM in Somerset and recently expanded their provision to Wandsworth and Taunton, working with Riverside Radio and Tone FM.
Sound Vision was founded by Dom Chambers who has worked in the radio industry for 30 years. The former chair of the Community Media Association, who also chaired the Radio Academy’s Audio & Radio Emergency Fund has engaged with and supported over one hundred community radio stations across the UK.
Dom said: “We are getting requests from all round the country to develop our Sound Academy programmes. We need to grow at a sensible and manageable pace in line with resources.
“Ultimately though how fantastic would it be to have a national network of partnerships linking community broadcast media with solutions to many of the significant social challenges characteristic of these tough times. I’ve always thought that the radio industry is well placed to help lead on social action that makes people, their communities and ultimately society more resilient.
“We do everything we can to keep costs low, so that all charitable income can make the greatest difference to those who benefit from our services. Everyone in the Sound Vision family, paid or volunteer, is driven by a strong sense of compassion.
“We strive to create a level playing field of opportunity, so people get a fair chance irrespective of their starting point. The team provides a warm-hearted welcome to our unique studio environments and respect all abilities, so everyone can thrive.
“Times are challenging and demand for our services are growing. Donations enable us to fund our incredible SEND trainers and keep our training accessible to all. There is no charge for any of our programmes and we want to keep it that way. Social mobility remains a significant challenge, so it is essential we have the lowest barriers to entry.
“Please help support these vital programmes that are making a significant difference in the lives of young people across the UK.”
See more at soundvision.charity.
Picture is of Junior who is a participant in Sound Vision’s supported training at Riverside Radio in Wandsworth.

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Will Best is taking over Hits Radio Sunday mornings in the new year.
His first show will be on Sunday January 12th at 9am.
Will has been broadcasting since his television debut in 2010 and is known for his work on Channel 4, ITV and the BBC.
Will has recently covered for Sam Thompson whilst the regular Hits Radio Evening Show host has been Down Under with ITV for I’m a Celebrity…Unpacked! and was also the host of an Off the Record session for the station with David Guetta this summer.
Will said: “I knew if I hung around the Hits Radio studios long enough they’d have to give me a job eventually!
“I can’t want to get cracking in the New Year and spend Sunday mornings with listeners for all the biggest tunes and biggest throwbacks.
“It’s going to be a great start to 2025.”
Will has previously covered at BBC Radio 1 but this will be his first regular radio show. Wes Butters is currently listed as the Sunday morning host on Hits and will remain part of the schedule elsewhere.

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Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball is taking place this weekend and the whole event will once again be live on Global Player and TikTok.

Capital will be live backstage from 9am on Saturday and Sunday before the show starts at 6pm.
Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby will kick things off from 9am – 12pm, before Jimmy Hill goes live backstage from 12pm – 3pm.
Sonny Jay and Aimee Vivian will count down to the live show between 3pm – 6pm, before Will Manning takes the reins with all the backstage action from 6pm – 11pm.
Performances from Coldplay, Katy Perry, Becky Hill, Teddy Swims, Perrie, Tom Grennan and more will be streamed live for free at the sold out event.
Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball with Barclaycard will be on at London’s O2 Arena for two days – Saturday 7th & Sunday December 8th.
As part of Global’s partnership with ITV, ITV1 and ITVX, and STV and STV Player, will broadcast an entertainment special with all the best bits from Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball with Barclaycard, on Sunday December 15th at 5.30pm.

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New tour dates for The News Agents Live on Stage have been announced for Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh in 2025.
The Global podcast, hosted by Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall, is heading out of London following its first live show at the Royal Albert Hall this week.
The News Agents Live on Stage with HSBC UK tour dates include:

Birmingham Symphony Hall – Monday 17 February 2025
Manchester Bridgewater Hall – Monday 24 February 2025
Edinburgh Usher Hall – Tuesday 11 March 2025

Emily Maitlis said: “We’ve been blown away by the response to our first live show at the Royal Albert Hall, and we can’t wait to hit the road in 2025.”
Jon Sopel said: “After barely surviving the pre-show jitters at the Royal Albert Hall, I’m somehow ready to do it all over again in Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Can’t wait to see you there!”
Lewis Goodall said: “Taking The News Agents on the road is something we’ve been dreaming of since we launched the podcast in 2022 and after such a fantastic response to our first live show in London, I’m delighted that we’ll be bringing The News Agents to Manchester, Edinburgh and of course my hometown of Birmingham in the new year.”
Vicky Etchells, Global Director of Podcasts said: “The News Agents is all about bringing our listeners inside the conversation, sharing the behind-the-scenes moments you don’t normally hear about on the news and what better way to do that than in front of a live audience!
“The News Agents Live on Stage with HSBC UK tour is set to be full of fun and surprises alongside the best analysis of the biggest stories in current affairs by Emily, Jon and Lewis.”
Global plans to host more live podcast events in person at venues across the UK next year.

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Sunny Govan Community Radio is bringing back its Winter Warmer events to support the local community during the colder months.
Running every Monday evening, these sessions aim to provide a warm, welcoming space for people to stay cozy, connect with others, and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks.
“The Winter Warmers are about more than just staying warm,” says Steven Gilfoyle, Development Manager at Sunny Govan Community Radio.
“We’re creating a space where people can come together, share stories, and build connections in a friendly and supportive environment.
“Sunny Govan Community Radio has been at the heart of the Govan community for over 22 years, supporting local residents with training, development opportunities, and events that make a real difference.
“With the Winter Warmers, we’re continuing our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of Govan and its residents.”
The events are free and open to everyone.

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