UK

Following an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, presenter Janice Forsyth is stepping down from the BBC.

Janice has worked for the BBC for more than 30 years, presenting shows on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Four and BBC Radio Three.
She is also the co-founder of a podcast production company which was set up five years ago and will continue in the role.
Janice presented the Culture Studio on BBC Radio Scotland, which then became the Janice Forsyth Show and then the Afternoon Show, from 2013 until early 2024.
In a statement, she said the diagnosis had been difficult, explaining that since 2022 she had been finding some tasks such as navigation difficult, and had experienced anxiety.
“I’d hoped that I was simply worn out by my many years as a freelance broadcaster and perhaps exhausted following the loss of our dear Mother, Patricia, the previous Christmas, but sadly, I now have a firm diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s disease,” she said.
“It’s been a huge blow, but I’m also feeling some relief that I finally have an explanation for lapses I’d been experiencing, and I’m managing to remain buoyant most of the time.
“Much as I have loved seeking out and sharing the best of music/literature/theatre/cinema with you, I’m happy now to have the time and freedom to enjoy all of these simply for my own pleasure.
“Call it living in the moment, and you won’t be far off!
“I never took my role lightly and hope I always gave my best, both for your sake and that of my interviewees.
“It’s been a blast, and I send a high five to everyone who tuned in on Saturday mornings or on more recent weekday afternoons and heard something interesting.”
Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: “Janice has been a hugely popular personality on our airwaves for many years.
“The many production teams she has collaborated with have appreciated her outstanding skill as a presenter on radio and television.
“Her warmth, relaxed interviewing style, and peerless knowledge of arts, music, and culture in Scotland and beyond, have made her a firm favourite with audiences over the decades.
“Everyone at BBC Scotland wishes Janice all the very best and we’ll be pleased to continue to explore suitable opportunities where we can work together.”

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BBC Radio 1 will join forces with four other radio stations across Europe to host Europe’s Biggest Gig.

The live music event will see the five countries come together to showcase their own national music scene and an artist tipped for big things, who will perform a live session.
Taking place on Tuesday 25th February from 6.30pm, Radio 1’s Jack Saunders will host for the first thirty minutes before handing over to broadcasting partners across the European Broadcasting Union.
Representing the UK, South-London soul singer Nia Smith, will perform a session of her tracks in the Radio 1 Live Lounge.
Nia Smith says: “So excited to be performing for Radio 1 at Europe’s Biggest Gig!! Ty so much Jack, very grateful.”
Jack Saunders says: “Live music is at the heart of what we do on the show so why not take that to the rest of Europe? It’s a chance to bring fresh unique voices to the biggest stage. Nia Smith is going to blow people away with her talent and I can’t wait to hear what the other countries bring.”
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “We’re really excited to launch Europe’s Biggest Gig which will join the hugely popular Europe’s Biggest Dance Show and Europe’s Biggest Soundsystem Party brand.
“It’s an exciting way to showcase the incredible artists emerging across the continent. By joining forces with our broadcasting partners, we’re giving artists a platform to reach new audiences and bringing fans closer to future stars poised for success. We can’t wait to share this special night with listeners across Europe.”
The countries, broadcasters and artists performing are (in order of broadcast):

UK, BBC Radio 1, Nia Smith
Ireland, RTÉ 2FM, Orla Gartland
Belgium, Studio Brussel, Sylvie Kreusch
Germany, 1LIVE, Berq
Iceland, Rás 2, Elín Hall

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The introductory live-in care agency, Country Cousins has launched a national radio campaign on Classic FM.

Running for 12 weeks, the campaign aims to reach over 3.62 million listeners, introducing more families to the benefits of live-in care and offering support to those who may not yet know where to turn.
Airing across Classic FM London, Classic FM South, Classic FM Digital, Classic FM Calm and Classic FM Movies with 1661 ad spots, it will reach listeners on average 6.6 times. The campaign also includes an offer of 50% off its Lifetime Membership fee.
George Neel, Group Commercial Director at Trinity Homecare Group, said: “This campaign is an exciting milestone for Country Cousins. Many families aren’t aware that live-in care is an option, or they don’t know where to turn when a loved one needs support.
“The benefits of staying at home with the right care in place are significant—over 97% of older adults say they would prefer to remain in their own home rather than move into residential care, and studies show that home care can lead to better health outcomes, greater independence, and improved quality of life compared to moving into a care home.
“By launching this campaign on Classic FM, we’re ensuring that more people hear about the benefits of live-in care and the compassionate service that Country Cousins has been providing for over six decades. We’re confident this will help many families find the care solution they need.”

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PRIDE FM is a new radio service dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ communities across the UK.

Available online, through a dedicated app and on smart speakers, with local opt outs also on DAB where available, the new national 24/7 radio station is being launched by Bridgemore Ltd.
The localised stations will feature tailored programming to support individual PRIDE events and celebrations across the country. Its aim will be to entertain, educate and inform, while celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQI+ community.
The new venture is the brainchild of CEO and founder John Dash, who says: “Over the years, I’ve witnessed how radio has the unique power to unite and strengthen communities.
“Through conversations with PRIDE event organisers nationwide, it became clear that there was a strong desire for a dedicated radio service tailored to these communities.
“We’ve brought that vision to life, combining cutting-edge broadcast technology, online streaming, and production.
“I’m incredibly proud to launch this new service. In today’s climate, there’s an undeniable need for more tolerance and understanding, and PRIDE FM was created with that mission in mind.
“We aim to tell local stories and amplify important issues on a national scale. All wrapped up in a fab schedule of music and entertainment.”
Talks are underway with a variety of brands to secure foundation sponsorships and in addition to its radio services, PRIDE FM will offer event organisers a wide range of additional benefits. These include an event app (for ticketing and what’s on details), support for sourcing entertainment and assistance with event resources.

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Veteran broadcaster Sarita Sabharwal is to return on-air with a regular weekend show on Lyca Gold Radio.

With over four decades experience in UK Asian media, Sabharwal previously worked with Lyca Radio and Dilse Radio (now known as Lyca Gold Radio) before stepping down in 2020 after six years.
Her radio career includes working at stations such as Radio Asia, Sunrise Radio, and after leaving Lyca Radio, she launched her own online station, Dhoom Radio. She also had a brief stint at Jeo Radio.
Raj Baddhan, CEO of Lyca Radio Network, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Sarita Sabharwal back to the Lyca Radio Network. She is a true icon in the media industry, and I am certain our listeners will be equally excited to hear her on air again.
“Sarita will join our weekend programming on Lyca Gold later this month as part of our ongoing efforts to refresh and enhance our content.”

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Radio X 90s has hired Rob Ellis to host weekdays 11am to 2pm from Global’s Broadcast Centre in Manchester.

The new mid-morning show, which launches on Monday 24th February, will be on 106.1 FM in Manchester and across the UK via Global Player and on smart speakers.
Rob said: “The 90s is one of the best decades to have lived through, and the biggest reason is – THE MUSIC! The 90s was my era, these are my tunes and radio is my trade.
“I’m absolutely buzzing and couldn’t feel more lucky to be part of Radio X 90s. To be broadcasting nationally from Manchester, the seminal home of 90s music, it couldn’t be more perfect. One word for it, MINT!”
Radio X 90s in Manchester will be owned and operated under a brand licence by Communicorp UK.

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