UK

The Bauer Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal has raised over £15 million this year for disadvantaged children across the UK.

Breakfast hosts on some of Bauer’s stations including Absolute Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, Hits Radio, KISS and Magic Radio all shared the good news on air this week, thanking all those that had helped Cash for Kids reach this total.
Greatest Hits Radio’s Ken Bruce said: ‘I was lucky enough to be able to spend a day at a Mission Christmas HQ this year and saw first-hand the incredible effort that goes in to making sure the most vulnerable in our society don’t miss out on the magic of Christmas.
“So to all those who donated, raised money, volunteered or distributed gifts to families and children – thank you. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
As ever a number of famous faces helped highlight the cause with broadcasters including Magic Radio’s Harriet Scott and Harry Judd, Ken Bruce, Absolute Radio’s Sarah Champion and Ben Burrell and Hits Radio’s Gemma Atkinson and Mike Toolan taking part in an all day outside broadcast from Mission Christmas HQ in Manchester.
Ant & Dec donated proceeds from a specially designed t-shirt from Newcastle based artist Mul; Terry Wogan’s daughter in law, author Kate Wogan chose to support the charity via her latest book, Uh Oh Milo! The Excited Elf. Elsewhere Cash for Kids ambassador Ferne McCann joined the brilliant Rock Choir at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink for the launch of their Christmas single in support of Mission Christmas; a cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘What Christmas Means to Me’ which also featured two very familiar faces from Magic Radio – Tom Price and Kat Shoob.
Major donations also came from The George Michael Fund thanks to some of his record royalties from the sales of ‘Last Christmas’, which this year is celebrating its 40th anniversary. This donation has been turned into £500,000 of gifts thanks to the brilliant support of Rachel Lowe Games and Puzzles.
Skipton Building Society not only directly donated £50,000 but also allowed their premises to be used as drop off points for presents. B&M Home Stores and Wickes were also among the national retailers allowing their stores to be used as gift collection points. 
The team at Cash for Kids worked throughout December ensuring that gifts reached the homes of the children who need them most. The charity works with many local grass-root organisations as well as social workers, head teachers and the emergency services who nominate families in crisis to be supported by the appeal.
See more at cashforkids.org.uk.

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talkSPORT has won radio rights to the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, bringing listeners over 100 hours of programming across the network next summer.

From 2nd to 27th July 2025, talkSPORT will broadcast all the action from the qualifying home nations (England and Wales), plus the opening match, both Semi-Finals and the Final, all live from Switzerland.
As well as the action on the pitch, the Women’s Euros content across the talkSPORT network will feature discussions, phone-ins and a daily podcast capturing the drama and colour over the course of the tournament.
Head of talkSPORT Liam Fisher said: “We can’t wait to bring the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 to talkSPORT listeners in July, with great commentaries, on location broadcasts and all the key moments of the event.
“See you in Switzerland for kick off.”
UEFA Marketing Director, Guy-Laurent Epstein, said: “We are delighted to work with talkSPORT again following their coverage of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 tournament.
“It promises to be a fantastic tournament and I’m looking forward to hearing what they have in store.”

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Cumberland Council has named one of its gritters after BBC Radio Cumbria’s breakfast show presenter Mike Zeller.
The Mike Zeller Ice Dispeller “does exactly what it says on the side of the gritter,” joked Mike when the name was unveiled on air.
The name was chosen as part of a competition the council ran to get people to name five of its 20-strong fleet, with the name to remain in place for four years.
Mike said when he was contacted by the council he was “utterly flattered and taken aback”.
“It was lovely, I am genuinely touched by it and, I have to say, my family are as well,” he told the BBC.
He said it was due to the relationship his show had built “when it comes to getting the all-important winter safety messages out”.
The other winning names, unveiled on air, were Gritter Spitter, Control Salt Delete, Luke Grittler and La’al Salty.
Cumberland Council and Karl Melville, the council’s assistant director of transport, and Denise Rollo, Labour councillor, helped choose the winners.
Karl said: “These amazing people we have on as our staff go out there day in, day out, regardless of the forecast and treat out network to make it safe for everybody else,” he said.
Denise added: “It’s been absolutely amazing the amount of names we had coming in – there’s been some really good names, so it was fairly tough choosing winners.”

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Former Radio Wave presenter Ian Shepherd is joining Central Radio to host weekend breakfast.

Station Director Steven Normyle: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Ian Shepherd to the Central Radio family.
“Ian is a true local radio legend who has dedicated his career to entertaining, informing, and connecting with audiences in Lancashire and beyond.
“His passion for radio and his love for this region are evident in everything he does, and we know he will be a fantastic addition to our station. Our listeners can look forward to vibrant shows packed with great music, lively conversation, and the unmistakable energy Ian brings to the mic.”
Ian added: “Local radio is the heartbeat of a community, and I’m incredibly excited to be part of Central Radio’s journey.
“I can’t wait to get back on the air, connect with listeners, and share stories, laughter, and, of course, some brilliant tunes. It feels fantastic to be back doing what I love most and to work with such a passionate team.”
He starts his new show on January 4th 2025 across small-scale DAB multiplexes in Blackpool, Preston and east Lancashire.

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Broadcaster Adil Ray is joining Smooth Radio this Christmas to guest-present three programmes.
Adil will host his own show on Sunday 29th December from 2pm to 6pm, and Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th January from 10am to 1pm.
Along with television work, Adil has worked on BBC Radio 2, 5 Live, Asian Network, Radio Aire, Century and Choice/Galaxy in the past.
Adil said: “I cannot wait to get back to the best job in the world! Radio! And to be joining Smooth when they’re absolutely flying.
“I will now be singing along to the Smooth playlist not only in my car but in the studio too! I hope you’ll join me. Bring your dancing shoes!”
According to Wiki, Adil started his love of radio by being part of a pirate radio station in Huddersfield.

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Rick Jackson has hosted his last breakfast show on Greatest Hits Radio on the south coast today as the BBC announces he’s joining Radio Solent.

He’ll host afternoons on the BBC station in the new year, following 30 years on commercial radio including Wave 105.
Rick was on Drive at Wave for 18 years, before moving to Breakfast seven years ago.
He began his broadcasting career on the Isle of Wight at the age of 17, and has spent his entire career in the commercial sector, including 12 year presenting breakfast on Power FM.
The move means Bauer will no longer have a regional-opt-out at breakfast on the former Wave 105 service (and other local frequencies), following on from the announcement that the regional afternoon shows will end.
Rick said: “I’m very excited to be joining BBC Radio Solent and bringing my blend of music and entertainment to the afternoon show. I promise lots of fun and up to the minute information on the school run and drive home, where everyone can star in the show!”
BBC Radio Solet Executive Editor, Ian Ramsdale, said: “Rick is an exceptionally talented broadcaster, who knows exactly what makes the South-Coast tick.
“His fun and friendly style will fit perfectly at BBC Radio Solent. We’re so excited to have him as part of the team, and looking forward to him entertaining the residents of Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight through the afternoon.”
In responce, Bauer confirmed to RadioToday that Simon Ross will be heard across the South: “We’d like to thank Rick for fifteen incredible years of broadcasting for us across the South and wish him well in his new chapter.
“From Monday we’re delighted to announce that listeners in the region will be able to tune in to Bauer’s biggest breakfast show – Greatest Hits at Breakfast – with the brilliant Rossie.”

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