UK

The winners of the small-scale DAB licence in Banbury have shelved plans to launch saying the world has moved on and the licence would not be financially viable.

The board of NOxDAB wrote to Ofcom on August 30th 2024 to inform them we will not be progressing plans to launch a DAB multiplex for Banbury, Brackley and Bicester.
The company assessed other operator’s experiences, alongside considering the financial viability of small-scale DAB now in 2024.
They said: “It is clear to us (and evidenced by other multiplexes) there is now far less interest in carriage than there was three years ago, particularly in smaller, more rural areas.
“The chances of a project “washing its face” appear directly linked to maximising the population covered using the smallest number of transmitters. In our area power levels, interference rules and the lie of the land led us to a three transmitter solution which would achieve a population level deemed too low to be attractive to most broadcasters, at the carriage rate which would be required to cover the costs.
“We are also aware that other operators – particularly rural operators – are finding SSDAB not technically robust. Drop-outs within a polygon whilst driving between transmitters is fairly common due to power and height limitations.”
NOXDAB adds that IP listening will probably takeover overtake traditional listening as another reason to hand back its licence.
The statement on noxdab.com adds: “We would like to thank Ofcom for giving us the opportunity.”
Ofcom has confirmed the licence, which was awarded in Round 4, has been revoked, and will consider whether to re-advertise it based on any future expressions of interest.

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The Radio Academy’s professional mentoring programme for mid-career radio and audio professionals, RAMP, is now open for applications.

Anyone with a minimum of five years’ experience and ready to take a significant step in their career is welcome to apply.
The application closing date for RAMP 2025, supported by Broadcast Bionics, is November 7th 2024.
The programme is open to people working in all disciplines of audio or radio including production, presentation, journalism, technology, craft, commercial, brand and support roles.
A free webinar will take place on Wednesday 23 October at 1pm hosted by former RAMP graduate and Radio Academy podcast producer Georgy Jamieson. It will delve into how and why to apply; feature previous graduates and discuss how RAMP can propel your career.
The scheme runs for six months and includes dedicated, confidential one-to-one mentoring sessions, facilitated peer-to-peer development, training workshops, networking events and ongoing support from the RAMP Lead and Radio Academy team.
The 20 applicants will be shortlisted by a panel of Radio Academy trustees with interviews to follow. Successful applicants will be matched with a mentor based on their specific situation and goals. Applicants must have at least 5 years’ experience working in audio.
Aradhna Tayal Leach, Managing Director at The Radio Academy, said: “Often professionals reach a point in their audio career where they feel stuck – perhaps unsure or unsuccessful in advancing to the next position. RAMP has been carefully designed to offer bespoke mentoring and guided support to help audio professionals through this phase by bolstering their confidence and knowledge to be able to take the next steps.”
Dan McQuillin, Managing Director at Broadcast Bionics, said: “Empowering broadcasters to create compelling, creative content is at the heart of everything we do at Broadcast Bionics. That’s why we’re thrilled to support RAMP once again—a unique mentoring program designed to unlock the creativity and talent of ambitious audio professionals. I encourage each participant to fully embrace the opportunity to learn from their mentors and peers on this one-of-a-kind journey.”
See more at radioacademy.org/mentoring.

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BBC Radio 5 Live will air coverage of the 2024 and 2025 Autumn Rugby Internationals as part of a new two-year audio rights deal.

BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport website and app is set to bring listeners every home nation game and the France v New Zealand clash this November.
Heidi Dawson, Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra said: “Securing the Autumn Internationals is a further demonstration of our commitment to international rugby for our sport listeners to enjoy.
“Hosting every single home nations game live, as well as the mouthwatering clash between France and New Zealand, 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra will provide a commentary team of expert analysts to bring listeners all of the action pitch side.”
Welsh rugby fans can follow the men’s Welsh Rugby team with all international games on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru as well as BBC Sounds. In Scotland, audiences can tune in to every Scotland international game on BBC Radio Scotland Extra, 810MW and online.
BBC Sport NI has live audio commentary of all four of Ireland’s Autumn Internationals on BBC Sounds. Ireland v New Zealand and Ireland v Australia will be available on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster, Ireland v Fiji and Ireland v Argentina can be listened to on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Foyle.
This latest deal follows the recent announcement that BBC Sport will show the women’s Rugby World Cup exclusively in 2025.

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The Sliding Doors podcast, hosted by Jennie Becker, is celebrating 100 episodes today with Tony Blackburn as a special guest.
Tony delves into his three Sliding Doors moments in this interview about his life on radio, being crowned the first king of the jungle and his favourite memories from his life and career over the past 60 years.
The 100th episode series also includes guests such as Dame Zandra Rhodes, Shirley Ballas, Paul Sculfor and Jimmy Tarbuck.
Jennie told PodcastingToday.co.uk: “Sliding Doors is based on my love of the 90s classic film. Each episode will delve into your sliding doors moments and decisions, which changed the course of your life (personal or professional).
“I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the last 100 episodes that I’ve recorded and to record someone very special, and that is the broadcasting legend Tony Blackburn.
“My family and I have listened to him for so many years that he’s a part of our radio life and podcasting is an evolution of broadcasting and for me it’s lovely to have him on.
“It’s his 60th anniversary in broadcasting this year and it was great to hear about his life. He doesn’t do that many in-depth interviews and it was great to hear about how his journey has evolved with all the different things he’s done.
“He’s in a great era of his life – he’s has had a lot of ups and downs but is still smashing it on the radio, touring the country and is a great inspiration for people. I wanted to make something special of the 100th episode and I think Tony is the perfect person for that.”
“Previous guests have included Bradley Walsh, Dame Arlene Phillips, Martin Kemp, Dame Prue Leith, Rachel Stevens, Candice Brathwaite, Dr Hilary, Roxie Nafousi, Dan Walker, Ranvir Singh, Dr Alex George, Babatunde Aleshe, Simon Rimmer, Kelvin & Liz Fletcher, Patrick Grant and Ade Adepitan. Sell out live shows with Anna Mathur.

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Special programmes are to broadcast on BRMB for World Mental Health Day in partnership with Birmingham Mind.
The special edition of the show, along with a podcast, will highlight the help and support available, along with conversations from volunteers and service users on their own recovery from poor mental health.
The programme ‘A Space to Speak Your Mind’, is produced by former Galaxy Birmingham presenter and BRMB/Free Radio Producer, Richard Perks, who has had his own lived experience around mental health and as a passionate Brummie is keen to tell people that there are services available in the city to those going through difficult times.
Richard now openly talks about the anxiety and depression he suffered throughout his working life before he reached out to a local Mind service; and how a recent recognition of being Neurodivergent has contributed to much of his poor mental health and the difficulties he has experienced.
He believes radio is a perfect way of having open conversations and breaking the stigma around Mental Health.
Rachel McNair at Birmingham Mind, said, “Hearing our service users talk so passionately about the support they have received not only validates the service we provide but helps to stamp out the stigma still associated with accessing mental health services and community wellbeing support.”
The show will air at 6pm on World Mental Health Day, Thursday 10th October, and will be available as a podcast.

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Former Radio City employees are holding an event to celebrate 50 years of commercial radio on Merseyside.

Around 200 people will gather at Dicey Reilly’s on Wolstenholme Square in Liverpool on Friday 18th October to mark the occasion.
Broadcasting from the original Stanley Street studios before moving to St. John’s Beacon in 2000, 194 Radio City began its 50 year journey at 5.58am, with an announcement from its founding Managing Director Terry Smith who said “It’s two minutes to six on Monday October 21st 1974.
“For the very first time, this is 194 Radio City broadcasting to Merseyside.”
Event organisers Molly Marshall (Hits Radio Liverpool/former Radio City) and Carolyn Hughes (former Radio City and now Carolyn Hughes PR Ltd) who have been responsible over the years for many of the radio stations landmark celebrations did not want to let the milestone anniversary pass without marking the historic occasion.
Molly said: “Radio City has always been a fantastic place to work and for many has been a stepping stone to illustrious careers. For others their time at Radio City was a very special part of their lives and I feel so privileged to heave worked there for almost 40 years and counting!”
Radio City original line up
Carolyn added: “Whilst there are no official celebrations planned for former employees, we didn’t want to let this monumental date pass and it is testament to the station’s former employees that 200 of them are travelling from as far away as Australia to mark the occasion and to raise a glass to the vision and the legacy of Terry Smith who founded the station, whilst also acknowledging the amazing contribution that the talented former employees played in the continuing success of the station.”
The 50th anniversary celebration will honour the station’s history and legacy with music, photographs, video footage and soundbites from the decades, which have been carefully curated by former employee Al Stirling, who has created a nostalgic website for former employees to mark the occasion.

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