UK

The Manchester Camerata orchestra has become the newest official partner at Classic FM.

The partnership will see Classic FM support Camerata’s vision in the transformative power of music both through their live concerts and community-based programme.
This week, Classic FM listeners are hearing Manchester Camerata’s new recording of early Mozart piano concertos – the tenth volume of its acclaimed Mozart Made in Manchester series – because it’s Classic FM’s Album of the Week; Alexander Armstrong is championing it on-air daily around 11.15am.
Philip Noyce, Classic FM’s Managing Editor, said: “The team at Manchester Camerata echo our vision and enthusiasm to make classical music accessible and relevant to everyone, regardless of age or background, so this is a very exciting new partnership.
“From their captivating live concerts to their impactful community-based work, Manchester Camerata is blazing a trail in classical music and we are thrilled to welcome them as one of Classic FM’s official partners.”
Bob Riley, CEO of Manchester Camerata, said: “Classic FM has been synonymous with the UK orchestral landscape for over 30 years. We are constantly striving to create positive change within the industry and push beyond the traditional expectations of an orchestra – so to have Classic FM’s support with us on this journey is just magic.”
Photo credit: Mark Allan

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Double-bass player and founder of the Chineke! Foundation, Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE, is to host a new series on Classic FM.
Chi-chi’s Classical Champions will highlight the talents of Black and ethnically diverse composers and performers – those who have enjoyed success, as well as those yet to receive recognition.
Across six weeks, Chi-chi will showcase exceptional music, share the stories behind the works and performances, and play a wide range of recordings – all personally chosen by her – from artists of diverse backgrounds spanning the 16th century up to the present day.
The series is focused on classical compositions that haven’t always had a platform – with the central aim that music featured will be broadcast on other programmes across Classic FM’s schedule.
The first series of Chi-chi’s Classical Champions was broadcast in 2020.
Chi-chi Nwanoku said: “I’m delighted to be back on Classic FM with a new series of Chi-chi’s Classical Champions. This series is a wonderful opportunity to break down barriers and shine a light on outstanding pieces of music and musicians for Classic FM’s listeners. Curating each show has inspired me through the many amazing discoveries and trailblazers who should be enjoyed, honoured, and shared.”
Philip Noyce, Classic FM’s managing editor, said: “Chi-chi Nwanoku is a true pioneer in the world of classical music, who shares our passion to make that music relevant and accessible to everyone. We are honoured that Chi-chi has agreed to present another series on Classic FM, sharing her expert insight and celebrating many inspiring composers and musicians.”
Chi-chi’s Classical Champions is broadcast every Friday (from 18th October) from 9pm to 10pm on Classic FM.

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Radio News Hub has appointed Lee Alleston as Commercial Director.
Lee brings over 18 years of experience to the role, most recently serving as Head of DAX and Digital at Global Media, where he led commercial operations and partnerships for Global’s Digital Ad Exchange (DAX) and podcasts as well as other digital led media solutions for regional sales.
In his new role at Radio News Hub, Lee will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive commercial strategies to drive revenue growth, whilst creating innovative opportunities for agencies, brands and media owners.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lee to the Radio News Hub team,” said Stephanie Otty and Jamie Fletcher, founders and Directors of Radio News Hub.
“With his strong track record of commercial success and passion for the audio industry, Lee is perfectly positioned to help take the business to the next level.
“His leadership and vision will be invaluable as we continue expanding into new markets and developing strategic partnerships.”
“I’m excited to join such an ambitious, fast-growing company like Radio News Hub,” said Alleston.
“Radio News Hub is transforming the way news and programmes are delivered to audiences around the world. I look forward to working with the team to build on their success and open up more opportunities for collaboration and innovation across the media landscape.”

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More programme and news sharing is coming to BBC Asian Network and 5 Live as the BBC announces proposals to cut dozens of radio jobs across the newsrooms.

BBC Radio 5 Live will commission a new shared overnight programme with BBC local (rather than the current deal with BBC News), whilst BBC Asian Network will take news bulletins from Radio 1 at all times, and drop content from Drivetime.
The Ankur Desai show, 60 Minutes and Asian Network News Presents will cease, losing 18 jobs.
5 Live’s overnight show will be replaced with a reshaped show commissioned by 5 Live and produced by the BBC’s Nations and Local division, along with other team changes and sharing bulletins with Radio 2, losing eight jobs.
And the Radio Newsroom (which makes bulletins for 2,3,4,6 and World Service) to make one bulletin overnight not two (World Service bulletin to go out in UK), and Radio 4’s News Briefing at 5.30am will be dropped, losing five jobs.
Deborah Turness, CEO of the BBC News, announced today a proposal to close 185 roles and open 55 new ones – a net reduction of 130 posts. As a result of the changes in News, Media Operations is also proposing to close the equivalent of 25 posts.
Here’s the information as sent to staff:
BBC News proposals
There are three key principles that underpin our decision making: maximising the impact of our highest quality journalism across many platforms; streamlining our operations to duplicate less and work smarter; and investing to grow as we re-shape with the skills and roles we need to serve our audiences. Here is an overview of our proposals:
1. Reducing the overall amount of content we create
It’s relevant here to remind everyone that over two years ago the DG laid out a target for all BBC divisions to reduce content creation by 20 per cent. We are working towards that target and these measures will support our efforts:
• The commissioning team will empower editors to make earlier decisions so we waste less resource
• We will ensure that we resource stories where we know there is demand.
• This will be done by centralising control of London-based resourcing in Planning and Commissioning rather than where it currently sits in story teams
• We will be tougher on deciding what we do not cover and saying no to lower impact content
• We will also continue with existing initiatives to find new ways to tell stories and rely less on resource intensive TV packages
2. Making our On the Day newsdesk a single team
Under these proposals, the On The Day newsdesk will no longer be divided by Home and Foreign or Content and Live. We will move to a single, story-led structure and empower the desk to manage demand, reduce duplication, and prioritise live, digital and high impact journalism.
3. Expanding our live streaming operation
We will bring together the Live Streaming team with the News Channel breakout resources to build a single unit, dedicated to producing high quality streams available to all BBC News live outlets, seven days a week. This is a single solution that can work for many and will reduce demand on our newsdesks, story teams and colleagues on the ground. As we phase in this operation, we will work with all stakeholders to build this service.
4. Stopping some output and streamlining some production
Here we have had to make some hard decisions, informed by audience shifts, and how we now reach consumers on digital platforms with our high quality content.
• First, we will close the bespoke Asian Network News service and the station will instead take Newsbeat bulletins and commission a new locally made Current Affairs show.
• We will close HARDtalk as we focus on continuous live and breaking output on our News Channel, and do more to use and promote the high impact interviews and important conversations that are happening every day across our platforms.
• We will move production of the overnight programme on 5Live from News to the BBC’s Nations and Local teams.
• Domestic radio will take World Service summaries overnight.
• We will synchronise the production of Radio 5 Live and Radio 2 news bulletins to be more efficient.
5. Further developing our ‘follow the sun’ digital strategy
To deliver a better round the clock service we will increase the number of digital roles in time zones outside the UK, closing some roles in London and opening new positions in Sydney to enhance our morning offer.  

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The Thousand Mile Challenge will see BBC radio presenters from across the UK swimming in aid of BBC Children in Need.

BBC Local Radio stations in England will team up with colleagues from BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru 2, BBC Radio nan Gaidheal, BBC Radio Shetland BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle to form special swim teams. Each station will complete twenty-four miles.
Former Team GB swimmers and Olympians, Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster are supporting the presenters by sharing their experience, training tips and giving words of encouragement.
Taking place between Monday 4th November and Friday 8th November, the swimmers will be taking part indoors and out, in pools, rivers and lakes at various locations across the UK. There will be updates on BBC local stations and social media.
The BBC’s Director of Nations, Rhodri Talfan Davies says: “A thousand miles is some swim! What a way for our radio presenters from across BBC Local and all four nations to come together and raise money for Children in Need.
“It’s going to be tough, for sure, but with the support of millions of listeners, our aim is to help support vital charity projects in communities right across the UK.”
Simon Antrobus, BBC Children in Need’s Chief Executive says: “We’re thrilled to see the BBC Nations and Regions get behind BBC Children in Need’s 2024 Appeal with such an epic challenge.
“Right now, we are only able to fund 1 in 8 organisations who ask us for support. Only with the generosity of the public can we continue help to lighten the load for hundreds of thousands of children, and young people across the UK and help change their lives.”
Find out more on the BBC Children in Need website.

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talkSPORT 2 has created a new deal with New Zealand sports radio station Sports Entertainment New Zealand (SENZ).

The move means the station will bring listeners live, exclusive coverage of India’s Test series with New Zealand.
Coverage will be fronted by former New Zealand captain Jeremy Coney, IPL star Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, former England fast bowler Steve Harmison as well as former England spinner and current Surrey Head Coach Gareth Batty, and former England spinner Monty Panesar.
Daniel McHardy, Jon Norman and Jarrod Kimber make up the rest of the team which will be supported by scorer Garry Morgan.
The Test series will be broadcast on talkSPORT 2, talkSPORT’s Cricket YouTube Channel, SENZ in New Zealand and SEN in Australia with additional content posted after play via talkSPORT’s ever-popular Following On Podcast.
talkSPORT Cricket Editor, Jon Norman, said: “Ahead of England’s Test tour of New Zealand, which will also be live on talkSPORT, I’m delighted to team up with SENZ to bring cricket fans coverage of another iconic three Test series featuring two teams that have also competed in the World Test Championship Final.”
Christopher Haigh, Chief Media Officer for Entain Australia & New Zealand, the operators of SENZ, said: “This is a world-class team that’s been compiled to bring the action to cricket lovers in both hemispheres. Live cricket coverage is hugely valued by Kiwi sports fans, and we’re very pleased to partner with talkSPORT 2 to deliver this for a keenly awaited tour.”
In New Zealand, coverage can be heard via SENZ Radio on 28 frequencies nationwide as well as via the SENZ app.

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