UK

Tony Blackburn celebrates 60 years in radio later this month and BBC Radio 2 will be marking the occasion with a day of special features.
Radio 2 will highlight the anniversary on July 25th, the date Tony first appeared on Radio Caroline on in 1964.
Gary Davies (in for Vernon Kay, 9.30am-12pm) will be doing a special edition of his De Ja Woo feature where he’ll invite listeners to share their memories of Tony who will join Gary in the studio, and he’ll be chatting about his broadcasting career on The Jeremy Vine Show (12-2pm).
Tony will also mark the moment on Sounds of the 60s with a Summer of ’64 special (Saturday 27 July, 6-8am), and in The Golden Hour – having introduced Motown to British radio in 1964 and being such a huge champion of it – he’ll be playing all his favourite Motown hits (Sunday 28 July, 7-8pm).
On BBC Sounds there will be another opportunity to listen to Happy Birthday, Tony Blackburn! marking his 80th birthday in 2023, Tracks of My Years featuring the songs that have soundtracked his life, and Clash of the Pirates which celebrated 60 years of pirate radio with fellow pirate DJ Johnnie Walker earlier this year.
Happy anniversary, Tony! […]

Ofcom has delayed the launch of an online only service from the BBC saying it could have a significant adverse impact on competition.

The BBC wanted to launch an extra Radio 2 “oldies” station online before getting approval to put it on DAB from a Pubic Interest test.
But now, following the latest RAJAR results which show online listening is bigger than AM/FM, Ofcom says the regulatory process must take place first.
Separately, Ofcom has accepted that a new Radio 1 00s service and Radio 3 chill service can go ahead on BBC Sounds.
Commercial radio body Radiocentre has welcomed the news, with CEO Matt Payton saying: “This decision represents a significant shift by Ofcom, as it is the first time that it has accepted that an online-only BBC radio service could have a material impact on competition. This stands to reason considering the rapid growth in online radio listening and the importance of online revenues.
“Obviously, we would have preferred to see all these new BBC services subject to a full Public Interest Test and regulatory process. However, this is an encouraging first step.
“Hopefully it signals a greater focus from Ofcom on BBC accountability and market impact, which is something we will also be seeking from the new government.” […]

Listeners to Fun Kids have created a time capsule containing their thoughts on what the future brings.

A flying car, a singing nail clipper, and edible computers and more ideas are now locked in the capsule, to be discovered by future generations.
Adam Stoner from Fun Kids says: “We’ve had submissions about everything from climate solutions to flying cars to navigating a world with AI. Filled with hope and optimism, this time capsule reminds us that we’re all responsible for building the future we want.”
Among drawings, photographs, music, and books are digital copies of voice recordings, Fun Kids podcasts, and images sent in by Fun Kids listeners, plus a letter to the future signed by Fun Kids presenters.
Created by US design studio CW&T, the time capsule is made from a decommissioned scuba-tank with custom electronics. A countdown clock in the capsule’s lid displays how long remains before the time capsule unlocks itself. It’s the first ever electronic time capsule and will seal its contents for 26 years.
The time capsule is now on display at Bristol’s We The Curious science centre where it was locked by Fun Kids Breakfast presenter George Butler in front of its members.
Jen Forster from We The Curious says: “We’re all about questions and exploring the world around us, it’s so important that children and young people have a voice, and are heard. As a science centre we think a lot about the future, and how to make it a better world for everyone, so we’re really excited to be part of this project encouraging people to think about both where we are now, and what the future may hold.”
The capsule was delivered to the UK by DHL and East Midlands Airport, where it has been slowly filled with contributions. We The Curious re-opened to the public last week following repairs after a fire in 2022.
The capsule is due to unlock on 30th June 2050. […]

Cheshire’s Mix 56 has hired Rebeckah Vaughan as its newest presenter.

Rebeckah was a contestant on the television show Big Brother in 2011, and lives in the Cheshire area.
The station says: “Bringing her passion for music and local content to the airwaves, Rebeckah is set to captivate listeners with her engaging personality and extensive music knowledge.”
Rebeckah tells RadioToday she is ready to leave her television past behind and focus on providing listeners with the latest news, local content, and a mix of timeless classics from the 80s, 90s, and noughties: “I’m excited to share my love for music and connect with the Cheshire community through the power of radio,” she expressed. […]

The BBC is set to offer more support for the UK audio sector thanks to a new Terms of Trade agreement worked out with AudioUK.

The deal will see increased investment in speech programming, more commercial opportunities for production companies, a training partnership to nurture talent, and the return of the BBC Radio Indie Development Fund for 2024/25.
A new Terms of Trade agreement for audio commissions has been developed together with AudioUK following detailed negotiations to secure a fair, future-facing deal for the independent audio production companies that produce a huge volume of distinctive content for the BBC.
The deal increases the funding production companies receive for content and opens up more opportunities for them to exploit their IP and take advantage of the commercial distribution market, either through BBC Studios’ global infrastructure should they choose, or via third parties.
The BBC’s Radio Indie Development Fund will return for 24/25 which funds projects that help to build up production capabilities across the UK, and the BBC also plans to invest in AudioUK’s successful Audiotrain training programme.
Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer said: “Today’s ambitious deal with AudioUK, on behalf of the independent audio sector, ensures that the BBC will continue to be the place where producers come with their best ideas, resulting in an unrivalled content offer for our audiences. The BBC has a unique role to play in the thriving UK audio sector, and our increased investment will boost British creativity and develop skills and production capabilities across the UK.”
Chloe Straw, Managing Director of AudioUK said: “The independent production sector has driven the rapid growth of the audio market over the past decade, thriving both creatively and commercially. The BBC excels when collaborating with the sector, and we are pleased with its recognition of the need for a new approach to the Terms of Trade, to reflect developments in the audio industry and give producers more choice when it comes to their IP, as well as a baseline for commissioning terms.
“These terms provide a standard framework within which producers from across the UK can engage with the BBC. We very much welcome the BBC’s support for our Audiotrain scheme as well as its continued backing of independent audio businesses through the Indie Development Fund.”
Here are more details from the BBC:
New Terms of Trade
Under the new Terms of Trade, speech prices will be increased overall by 10% for commissions, with the BBC actively developing plans to invest in music audio, strengthening the supplier base and meeting the challenges and opportunities specific to that genre. The BBC will review the tariffs across music and speech content on an annual basis.
The deal brings together the linear and on demand rights in one agreement, allowing for more flexibility, and grants the BBC the licence to buy three packages of network transmission, combined with a five year licence on BBC Sounds in speech, 12 months in music. Producers will be able to choose how they wish to exploit ex-UK and commercial rights, with the option to use BBC Studios as a distributor, should they choose, or do so independently, and they will receive a greater share of revenue for all forms of commercial exploitation. The BBC will also work in partnership with the producers to roll out a clear process for transferring audio-originated IP to screen.
The Terms represent a framework for producers engaging with the BBC, but they do not preclude the BBC and an individual producer from concluding an agreement covering variations to the Terms, should they both wish to do so.
Investing in Audiotrain
Building on the BBC’s extensive commitment to developing people with new skills, the BBC will invest in Audiotrain, AudioUK’s training programme, over three years. Audiotrain nurtures talent, refines skills, and fosters innovation within the audio industry. With its focus on providing practical training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, Audiotrain aligns perfectly with the objectives of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy. 
Backing the best ideas
The BBC is committed to a level playing field and fair competition so that the best ideas are commissioned for our audiences – across independent producers, BBC Studios and BBC public service. In addition to the existing contestability framework, the BBC has also committed that 100% of new speech programmes will be competed.
Applications for the BBC Radio Indie Development Fund will open in mid-July, with successful applicants receiving a one-year investment of between £10-£25k towards a variety of areas, ranging from increasing and diversifying the talent pool to boosting production capabilities and training. The fund supports the BBC’s priorities, including increasing diversity and content from all parts of the UK, allowing the BBC to better reflect, represent and serve all audiences.
The BBC will also be increasing its transparency and reporting on pricing, tariffs and contestability data via the annual Supply Report – as well as continuing to develop its engagement with producers across our commissioning website, briefs, webinars and events. The BBC will also look to evolve the radio commissioning framework to ensure it remains fit for purpose across both Speech and Music programming. […]

Steve Wright’s cause of death has been revealed as a ruptured ulcer in his stomach, according to his death certificate, seen by the BBC.
The BBC Radio 2 presenter died suddenly in February at the age of 69.
A report on the BBC website says the certificate stated that the causes of death were acute peritonitis and a perforated gastric peptic ulcer.
Hundreds of thousands of tributes were paid to Steve by listeners and the radio industry earlier this year, including BBC Director General Tim Davie.
At the time, Tim said: “All of us at the BBC are heartbroken to hear this terribly sad news. Steve was a truly wonderful broadcaster who has been a huge part of so many of our lives over many decades.
“He was the ultimate professional – passionate about the craft of radio and deeply in touch with his listeners. This was deservedly recognised in the New Year Honours list with his MBE for services to radio.
“No-one had more energy to deliver shows that put a smile on audiences’ faces. They loved him deeply. We are thinking of Steve and his family and will miss him terribly.” […]