UK

Music licensing platform Slipstream has acquired Anthem Entertainment’s production music businesses, specifically UK-based Cavendish Music and US-based Jingle Punks and 5 Alarm Music.

The acquisition comprises more than 650,000 tracks, together with music production capabilities and now positions Slipstream as the largest global independent music licensing platform.
The deal was facilitated by Pollen Street Capital, whilst Moelis & Company acted as exclusive financial advisor to Anthem Entertainment on the transaction.
Dan Demole, co-founder of Jingle Punks and former President of Anthem Production Music Group, and Jesse Korwin, former Managing Director of Jingle Punks, founded Slipstream in 2021. Now, with this new acquisition, they are reclaiming their previous businesses, marking a full-circle moment for both.
Cavendish Music is the UK’s oldest and largest independent production music publisher, celebrated for its high-quality compositions and extensive catalog used across global media platforms.
Quotes
Dan Demole, CEO of Slipstream, said: “This acquisition is a homecoming for us. Jesse and I built both Jingle Punks and Slipstream on the foundation of making great music accessible to every type of creator. We now have an unprecedented opportunity to build on the success of both brands while leading the next wave of innovation in music licensing. With this vast catalog and our tech-enabled platform, we’re not only the largest independent player in the space, but also the most innovative.”
Jesse Korwin, Chief Revenue Officer of Slipstream, adds: “Our focus is to blend creativity with technology, making it easier for TV networks and producers, brands, filmmakers, and creators of all sizes to find and license the perfect soundtrack for their content. We’re excited to leverage our experience in production music and our deep understanding of client needs to deliver something truly groundbreaking for the industry.”
Anthem Entertainment will make an investment in Slipstream as part of the transaction. Anthem Entertainment CEO, Jason Klein, commented: “Anthem’s focus since my appointment in January 2023 has been on building its core music publishing and recorded music divisions, while considering the best path forward for our production music businesses.
“This sale to Slipstream has placed Jingle Punks, 5 Alarm and Cavendish Music back in the familiar and capable hands of proven leaders in the production music and technology space. Dan and Jesse already know these businesses and have a unique vision for their future as part of Slipstream. Our belief in them as leaders and their vision is the reason we have also chosen to invest in Slipstream going forward.”
Michael Katramados, Partner at Pollen Street, adds: “We are very excited to be partnering up with the Slipstream team and supporting them in a transformational acquisition that will create one of the market leaders in production music. Combining a vast music library, fresh tech and Dan and Jesse’s deep industry expertise, makes this a very exciting business to be part of and one that could contribute materially in reshaping an industry that is evolving at a rapid pace.”
Photo: Dan Demole and Jesse Korwin

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QVC UK has booked its first ever radio sponsorship campaign with Bauer Media, across Magic Radio and Greatest Hits Radio.
Helping to reach Gen X women across the UK, the campaign aims to establish QVC as the ultimate all-occasion shopping destination amongst listeners, especially in the run up to the festive season.
From October until the end of the year, QVC will become the official sponsor of weekday afternoons with Neev Spencer on Magic Radio and Saturday afternoons with Kate Thornton on Greatest Hits Radio, with credits and trails throughout.
Alongside radio, the sponsorship will also include videos on Magic Radio and Greatest Hits Radio’s social channels.
Kate Thornton will give a sneak peek into her present buying routine, while Neev and fellow Magic Radio presenter Emma B will get ready to sparkle at their Christmas party with help from QVC’s partywear.
Leveraging Bauer’s publishing portfolio, the campaign will also utilise Bauer Illuminate’s first party data to target audiences online. High impact video content will be delivered directly to specific audience segments across titles including Grazia and heat.
Simon Kilby, MD, Bauer Media Advertising said: “The festive period is always one of the most competitive times of the year for advertisers, with every brand trying to get in front of their audiences.
“We’re delighted that QVC has booked its first ever radio sponsorship with us, utilising our presenters and their close relationships with their listeners to cut through and both raise awareness and consideration of QVC as well as drive audiences to buy their products, creating impact across the funnel.”
Jayne Bristow, Commerce Director at QVC UK says “I am pleased to be partnering with Bauer Media for our Quarter 4 brand campaign, where we will showcase QVC’s premium gifting offer across Magic Radio and Greatest Hits Radio.
“Our target audience are smart Gen X women who love to shop. This partnership will enable us to raise awareness of the QVC brand and drive new customers to our website.”

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Large sections of the Media Act 2024 relating to regulation of commercial radio in the UK have now become law, paving the way for operators to make changes to their output.

The Media Act received Royal Assent on 24th May this year – making it through Parliament and into law as part of the ‘wash-up’ period before the general election.
Some sections of the Act became law immediately, while others are only now taking effect. This includes Part 5 of the act, concerning regulation of commercial radio, which came into force last Thursday (17th October).
The regulator will now consult with stakeholders on changes to the rules around the broadcast of local news and information on certain radio licences, as well as considering how to implement changes which will see all DAB multiplex operators required to publish information about costs, in the same way that small-scale multiplex operators have to.
RadioToday understands, however, that sections of the Act relating to the requirements for locally-made programming – and seeking permission for changes to music formats – take effect immediately.
This means groups including Global and Bauer could now drop regional programmes from brands such as Capital, Heart, Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio.
Similarly, national and local commercial radio multiplex operators will now be able to make changes to the station line-ups without seeking Ofcom permission in advance.
In an update on Thursday, Ofcom said: “The Secretary of State of Culture, Media and Sport has made commencement regulations which bring Part 5 of the Media Act 2024 into force, as well as a section of Part 1 to allow for our preparatory work on Public Service Broadcasting reform.
“Commencement of Part 5 allows us to continue our plans for implementation, including:

Consulting on new local news and information requirements for analogue commercial radio stations, while retaining current requirements in the meantime.
Removing requirements from analogue licences relating to music and locally-made programming.
Consulting on new requirements on DAB multiplex providers to publish information about payments radio stations make for carriage.
Ending the need for DAB multiplex providers to ask Ofcom for permission to add or remove digital radio stations.”

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Christian station Radio Maria has joined three new DAB+ multiplexes in Peterborough, Norwich and King’s Lynn.

In addition to these new regions, the station is available on DAB+ in London, Cambridge, Bristol, South Birmingham, Stockport and Greater Manchester.
The expansion coincides with a milestone for Radio Maria – its fifth anniversary in England – and follows a recent Mariathon fundraising event which raised over £40,000
To mark the occasion, the station will host a Mass of Thanksgiving at St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich on Wednesday 23rd October at 10am. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Peter Collins, Bishop of the Diocese of East Anglia, alongside Fr Toby Lees OP, Priest Director of Radio Maria in England.
Quotes
Pierre Petrou, Head of Operations for Radio Maria in England said: “The expansion into these areas is a significant milestone for Radio Maria in this country. We are excited to bring our programming to more people across East Anglia, helping them deepen their faith and stay connected with the Christian community.
“Our listeners and supporters have been instrumental in making this growth possible and we are deeply grateful for their generosity and dedication. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we look forward to continuing our mission to inspire, educate and bring people together through the power of faith-based broadcasting.”
Steve Potter, East Anglian SSDAB multiplex operator added, “I’m excited to welcome Radio Maria to the Peterborough, Norwich and King’s Lynn multiplexes. By utilising the latest in digital radio technology, we make a diverse range of programme services available to these areas, ensuring that more people can easily tune in and connect with inspiring, uplifting and nourishing content.”

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The Audio Production Awards short list is out, and nominees include Meera Kumar, Jake Shears, Carys Afoko and Gary Younge, Stak, Rusty Quill and Deborah Ayorinde.

The event, organised by AudioUK, will be held at the BFI, London Southbank, on Wednesday 20th November.
Tickets are available here. tinyurl.com/APAs24-tickets
Full list of Nominees for the Audio Production Awards 2024 below. 

Best Audiobook Producer Sponsored by Sue Terry Voices
Alfie Thompson – Penguin Random House
Chris Thompson – Penguin Random House
Kate MacDonald – Penguin Random House
Lily Ridett – Freelance
Rosemary O’Dowd – Penguin Random House
Sophie Ahmed – Audio Always

Best Arts & Culture Producer
Arthur Hagues – Prison Radio Association
Geoff Bird – Freelance
Leonie Thomas – Overcoat Media
Lou Mensah – Shade Productions
Sharuna Sagar – BBC
Silas Gray – Eclectivity

Best Comedy Producer
Bertie Moores – Audio Always
Ed Morrish – Lead Mojo Productions
Jon Holmes – unusual
Lyndsay Fenner – Mighty Bunny
Matt Tiller – Tillervision
Sasha Bobak – BBC Studios Audio

Best Drama and Fiction Producer
Alex Curran – Granny Eats Wolf
Boz Temple-Morris – Holy Mountain
Charlotte Mélen – Almost Tangible
Nicolas Jackson – Afonica
Samuel Robinson – Freelance
Terry Mynott – Moonkarta

Best Ensemble Cast
Carys Afoko and Gary Younge – Over the Top, Under the Radar
Nish Kumar and Coco Khan – Pod Save the UK
Sayeeda Warsi and David Baddiel – A Muslim & A Jew Go There
The Ensemble Cast of Green Wing: Resuscitated
William Hanson and Jordan North – Help I Sexted My Boss
Zak and Jules – Life After Prison

Best Entertainment Producer
Charlie Murrell – Sony Music Entertainment
David Manero – Listen
Faye Lyons-White – Loftus Media
Helena Webb – BBC Radio 1 / BBC Audio
Josephine McDermott – BBC News
Katie Boden – TBI Media

Best Factual/Documentary Producer Sponsored by Great Big Story
Anna Sinfield – Novel
Emma Barnaby – Freelance/Raw TV
Jude Shapiro – Peanut & Crumb
Meera Kumar – Freelance
Ross Sutherland – Falling Tree Productions
Talia Augustidis – Falling Tree Productions

Best Lifestyle and Society Producer Sponsored by Everybody Media
Anne McNaught – Boffin Media
Beth Madden – Prison Radio Association
Catherine Carr – Pocket Productions/Whistledown
Lina Prestwood – Scenery Studios and Social Broadcasts
Matt Nielson – Chalk and Blade
Sam Taylor – Prison Radio Association

Best Music Producer
James Taylor – Overcoat Media
Matt Tasker – BBC Audio
Ollie Brookes – Prison Radio Association
Rob Littlejohn – Independent
Shreni Yajnik – Listen
Silvia Malnati – Reduced Listening

Best Narrator
Deborah Ayorinde – Unedited
Hannah Lavery – Almost Tangible
Jassa Ahluwalia – Bonnier Books UK
Joe Jameson – Freelance
Rebecca LaChance – Almost Tangible
Russ Bain – Actor

Best New Producer Sponsored by Amazon Music and Wondery
Cat Gough – Reduced Listening
Jasmine Hill – Listen
Mahsa Chadry – Audio Always
Nadia Medhi – Freelance
Taqwa Sadiq – Freelance and BBC
Verity de Cala – Transmission Roundhouse

Best New Voice Sponsored by BBC Sounds
Anouska Lewis – BBC Sounds Audio Lab & Mags Creative
Daisy – RAW for Audible
Jake Shears – Mercury Studios
Petra Barran – Scenery Studios and Social Broadcasts
Lucinda Rouse – Haymarket Media Group & Rethink Audio
Sophiena – Audio Always

Best News and Current Affairs Producer
Courtney Yusuf – The Guardian
Edward Drummond – Times Media
James Shield – Freelance/The Times and Sunday Times
Sam Chantarasak – The Times and Sunday Times
Tim Johns – BBC
Will Roe – The Times and Sunday Times

Best Presenter/Host, presented in honour of David Knowles
Craig Charles – Audio Always
Dan Snow – History Hit
Jake Harris – Yoto
Jon Holmes – Freelance
Josie Long – Falling Tree Productions
Justin Dealey – BBC Three Counties Radio

Best Sonic Branding Producer
Adam Venton – Little Monster Media
Emily Roberts – Kerrang! Radio and Planet Rock Station Sound
Gordon Lundy – Absolute Radio
James Stodd – Greatest Hits Radio
Matt Barnard – Bauer Media Group
Sam Parker – WIZZFX

Best Sound Design Producer
Amber Devereux – Tin Can Audio
David Chilton – Almost Tangible
Martin Austwick – Freelance
Nathan Freeman – Granny Eats Wolf
Tess Davidson – Freelance
Tony Churnside – Freelance

Best Sports Producer
Finn Ranson – Stak
Ilona Toller – Whistledown Productions
Jack Winstanley – IMG
Joe Aldridge – IMG
Justin Dealey – BBC Three Counties Radio
Lochlainn Harte – Freelance

Grassroots Production Award Sponsored by Morley Radio
Carousel Radio
Lou Mensah – Shade Podcast
Prison Radio Association – Life After Prison
Prison Radio Association – Outside In
Rosa Schling – On the Record and Hannah Kemp-Welch – Freelance
University of Manchester / Imperial College London – Let’s Talk About Cough

Little Ears Producer
Alice Homewood – Mags Creative
Becky Green – Audio Always
Eloise Stevens – Freelance
Jake Harris – Yoto
Lance Dann – Resilience Ltd
Lucy Wroe – Small Wardour Ltd

Producer of the Year Sponsored by The Podcast Show
Charlotte Mélen – Almost Tangible
Ed Morrish – Lead Mojo Productions
Jon Holmes – unusual
Leonie Thomas – Overcoat Media
Meera Kumar – Freelance
Talia Augustidis – Falling Tree Productions

Production Company of the Year Sponsored by Audible
Almost Tangible
Blanchard House
Novel
Overcoat Media
Unedited
Whistledown Productions

Publisher or Network of the Year
BBC Asian Network
Black Library
Resonance
Rusty Quill Ltd
Sky News
Stak

The Sustainability and Climate Award
Audio Always
Ben Weaver Hincks – Restord
Eleanor McDowall – Falling Tree Productions
Get Birding – Peanut & Crumb
James Miller and Bella Lack – Freelance
Robin Markwell and Tracey Williams – BBC Audio

Quotes
Chloe Straw, Managing Director of AudioUK, said: “The breadth of talent in the UK continues to fill me with joy each year. AudioUK’s Audio Production Awards provide a space to celebrate talent in a way that no other awards ceremony offers – spotlighting the producers behind some of the most creative and meticulously produced stories and shows in the world. And of course there remains an opportunity to celebrate those in front of the mic, with our hotly contested presenter and narrator categories. Congratulations to all of the nominees, and thank you to all the judges who share their time and expertise in order to judge these awards.
“I’d like to thank the Audio Production Awards team – Katie Banham and Naomi Oiku, without whom there would be no awards – make sure you get them a drink at the ceremony. Thank you to Megan Bradshaw, our Chair of Judges, for her wise guidance and words. To our EDI consultant Yassine Senghor, who provides unconscious bias training and guidance as part of the judging process. And thank you to the Steering Team, Kellie While and Leona Fensome.
“To our lead sponsor Audible, their support enables us to put the awards on every year, and to celebrate the people who make the audio industry. Thank you to Amazon Music and Wondery, our Pay What You Can Scheme partners, if you are unable to access the awards due to finances, please get in touch for free or discounted tickets. And thank you to our category sponsors, BBC Sounds, Everybody Media, Great Big Story, Morley Radio, Sue Terry Voices and The Podcast Show and our drinks reception sponsor BetterHelp”.
Megan Bradshaw, Head of Podcasts, Europe, Australia and New Zealand at Amazon Music and Chair of Judges said: “It was an honour to act as 2024 Chair of Judges for the APAs: the Awards recognise the best in audio production, and we actively ask our judges to consider the talent that most shines this year, against the context of the cultures we operate in, and the diverse audiences we as an industry aim to serve (and aspire to reflect). Many congratulations to all the nominees – see you on the 20th November at one of London’s iconic arts venues – the BFI.”

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Around 200 former Radio City staff gathered in Liverpool over the weekend to mark 50 years since the station launched.
They attended an organised event at Dicey Reillys on Wolstenholme Square to raise a glass to celebrate five decades of broadcasting.
People travelled from as far as Australia, Europe and all over the UK to acknowledge the milestone anniversary.
Many of the station’s former sports presenters were present, most of whom have gone on to work for BBC, Sky and international channels, whilst many former presenters have enjoyed radio and TV careers.
The evening also saw people raise a glass to founder Terry Smith, who passed away three years ago, without whom Radio City would have remained a dream.
Former employee Al Stirling has created a nostalgic website for former employees to mark the occasion and access imagery and video footage from the celebration.
Launched on Monday 21st October 1974 the radio station went on to become one of the most successful in the UK enjoying record listening figures and a multitude of industry awards for excellence.
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 a special place in many hearts throughout the region, and also with the many former employees who travelled far and wide on Friday to acknowledge this very special day.
“50 glorious years and so many memories made for so many people, I am beyond proud to be one of the longest serving members of staff and delighted that we could celebrate 50 wonderful years.“
Carolyn Hughes (former Radio City employee/CHPR) said” “With no formal celebrations planned for former employees for the 50th anniversary we knew we wanted to make sure that there was a celebration and an acknowledgement to the former staff for all the dedication they put into making Radio City one of the most successful independent stations in the country.
“We had no idea whether it would just be Molly and I, or a couple of dedicated proud former employees. When the final numbers hit the 200 tickets available we were thrilled that so many staff who worked so hard to make the station the award winning station it was were able to come together and raise a glass to 50 glorious years.
“The amount of love, affection, talent and genuine appreciation in the room on Friday evening was testament to the amazing team who built the Radio City legacy.”

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