UK

Bauer Media has introduced Bridget Jones Radio, a pop-up station celebrating the new movie.

Timed to coincide with the release of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the station is now live via Rayo, online streaming, and smart speakers.
The station, powered by Magic Radio and the Hits Radio Network, will broadcast throughout February, delivering 24-hour programming with music, celebrity interviews, and discussions.
Music from the film will feature, plus interviews with the cast, and is part of a wider, multi-brand campaign with Universal Pictures.
Presenters include Magic Radio’s Harriet Scott and Kat Shoob, as well as Hits Radio Breakfast’s Fleur East and James Barr.
The campaign will be further amplified through promotions across Bauer Media’s network, including Magic Radio and Hits Radio, featuring on-air competitions, Galentine’s Day takeovers, and social media activations aimed at engaging listeners with Bridget-inspired dating stories.
Simon Kilby, Managing Director of Bauer Media Advertising: “The launch of our digital platform Rayo allows us to push creative boundaries with pop-up stations like this.
“Bridget Jones is a cultural icon with a nostalgic soundtrack—partnering with Universal Pictures to bring this station to life was an obvious choice to excite audiences and drive them to cinemas.”

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New research from Radiomonitor shows that radio remains the dominant music platform, outpacing streaming services in audience reach.

In Europe, radio provides five times the exposure of Spotify, rising to 48 times in markets like Nigeria.
Spotify’s top track of 2024, Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter, had 1.6 billion streams globally, while UK radio alone played it 1.3 billion times.
Beautiful Things by Benson Boone had 120 million Spotify UK streams but 1.8 billion UK radio listens.
Weekly chart comparisons highlight radio’s edge. In the UK (week 6, 2025), Spotify’s top song had 3.6 million streams, whereas the top radio track had 51.4 million listens. The average top 200 radio song is heard 10 times more than its Spotify equivalent.
Radiomonitor’s data confirms this trend globally, with Radio Multiples (RM) showing radio outperforms streaming in all examined countries. Even in markets where streaming is strong, radio remains the leading platform for music exposure.
Beyond numbers, radio’s curated programming and presenter-led context drive streams, downloads, and concert ticket sales. With live music revenues far exceeding recorded music, radio’s impact is more significant than ever.
A No. 1 on the Radiomonitor airplay chart signifies the most listened-to song across all platforms combined.

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DH One is set to become known as 100% Whatever Westcountry as the station plans a rebrand on its 100.5FM frequency in North Somerset, Cheddar Valley, the Levels and Coast.
The station promises to “talk about Whatever’s Happening in the Westcountry” and “play Whatever songs sound good.”
Station Director and weekday morning show host Allan Lake is running the station, and says: “This new station can bring something truly special to our communities. I’m excited to share it with everyone and give listeners a local station they can be proud of.”
The station adds that 100% Whatever Westcountry aims to deliver a blend of high-quality programming, unique local journalism, and extensive coverage of community events and local information every 20 min in the daytime.
It also plans to offer training opportunities for those interested in interview techniques and modern Media skills.
The brand has been licensed from 100 Percent Broadcasting, where A spokesperson said: “Creating a station that’s consistently engaging can be challenging for smaller broadcasters.
“We’re thrilled Allan and his team are combining their local expertise with our proven radio format and trade marked brand franchise to deliver a fantastic listening experience for the community.”
Subject to final regulatory and technical approvals, 100% Whatever Westcountry will replace the current station on 100.5 FM from Friday 14th February.

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Bauer Media has agreed to sell its stake in digital advertising platform Octave to News UK, marking the end of the five year joint venture between the two companies.
The agreement reflects a shared vision and mutual decision to concentrate on their own strategic priorities, beginning a new chapter for Octave under the sole ownership of News UK.
Octave was launched in 2020 as a partnership to harness the growing demand for digital audio advertising run by both Bauer Media and News UK.
David Wilcox, News Broadcasting Commercial Director, said: “I am extremely proud of what we have built with Octave. My thanks go to the Bauer team for their collaboration over the last five years.
“Meanwhile, I’m incredibly excited to be able to fast track the next chapter of Octave growth, delivering superb targeting and return on investment for our clients in the digital audio space – and beyond – across our scale brands.”
Simon Myciunka, CEO of Bauer Media Audio UK, said: “Octave has been a great success for both Bauer Media and News UK, allowing advertisers and clients an effective way to target audiences through our radio stations and digital platforms, and gather extensive audience insights.
“Having achieved what we set out to do with Octave, we both now recognise the need to take ownership of our own digital audio advertising and so part ways with News UK and Octave later this year in good faith and with continued ambition to innovate and deliver opportunities for advertisers in the growing digital audio space.”
The Octave transaction will have no immediate impact on Octave’s clients and both Bauer Media and News UK will reveal their future plans to the market in due course.

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Hits Radio’s national breakfast show is airing on the former Metro and TFM frequencies in the north east this week whilst Steve and Karen are on holiday.
Instead of the region’s only local show on the station, listeners are getting the established weekday Hits Radio Breakfast Show with Fleur East, James & Matt from London.
This is the first time Bauer has used the existing Hits Radio national breakfast show as cover on a large station like this, instead of a using a local cover presenter.
Until recently, at least one local show had to be broadcast but the new Media Act now allows 24/7 programming from outside the TSA.
Listeners have been quick to let Steve and Karen know what they think of the stand-in show on their Facebook page, with the majority of comments not liking the alternative offering.
No introduction or split link was offered at the start of the week to explain the change, although the three presenters are already known to regional listeners via a networked weekend show.
Next week, the Hits Radio Breakfast Show with Fleur East, James & Matt will also air on the former Hallam FM frequencies as Big John takes a break.
Bauer did not comment on the move when asked by RadioToday.

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Wisebuddah has created new themes and jingles for BBC Radio 2 including the new Scott Mills Breakfast Show.

Commissioned in partnership with the BBC Popular Music Station Sound Team and recorded at the Metropolis Studios in London, the package featured the House Gospel Choir.
The themes are backed by two lead singers, a drummer, brass players, and a curated ensemble of musicians.
Wisebuddah said the jingles bring to life the collective experience of millions tuning in each morning and create a sense of belonging, where every listener feels part of the show’s community.
Wisebuddah’s Managing Director, Phil Tozer: “The beauty of radio is its ability to unite people, and this jingle package embodies that collective spirit. Everyone involved has created something special – the sound of a nation, all in tune, sharing a moment with Scott every morning.
“This is more than just a jingle package; it’s the sound of connection.
“With over 175 mixouts, the package ensures Scott Mills’ Breakfast Show remains fresh, exciting, and in tune with the audience.”
The project also included new show packages for Trevor Nelson, DJ Spoony, and Kitchen Disco, extending Wisebuddah’s signature sound across a range of BBC Radio 2 programmes.
Have a listen to five of the themes here.

@bbcradio2 This must be so surreal 😅 #ScottMillsBreakfastShow @scottmills @House Gospel Choir ♬ original sound – BBC Radio 2

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