UK

East Sussex community radio station Seahaven FM has been saved from closure.
The service announced it would close on January 10th 2025 due to a lack of funding.
But now the station says it has had an overwhelming amount of support to keep it going.
Station Manager Nick Mallinson says: “It’s been a roller-coaster ride in the last few weeks. We have received an overwhelming number of supportive calls and messages from listeners.
“They do not want to lose the company of our local presenters, the wide range of music from across eight decades and the useful local information.
“Local people and organisations have also donated generously on our Local Giving page. Some are choosing to donate regular amounts which will help our cashflow throughout next year.
“Also, a wonderful and anonymous local sponsor from Eastbourne has guaranteed financial support during 2025. So, we are now busy planning for the Next Year and beyond!
“Our final present this Christmas is the arrival of an experienced broadcaster to join our management team. He has both run his own successful business and managed a large charitable organisation which, like Seahaven FM, is mainly staffed by volunteers.”
Seahaven FM says new sponsors, donors, advertisers, volunteers and listeners are always welcome and more details can be found at SeahavenFM.radio.

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; false;clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width: 600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ […]

BBC Sounds will be available as an in-car app for all BMW and MINI vehicles with a data connection running the latest firmware.
Any of those vehicles running BMW or MINI OS 9 will be able to browse and listen to content without the need to connect to a mobile phone.
Once signed in, listeners will get a personalised experience which synchronises their playback history across devices, and allows features such as rewind and pausing live radio.
Storm Fagan, chief product officer for the BBC, said: “People love to listen to the BBC when they’re in the car – it’s a huge part of how people interact with the BBC, and drivetime shows are still some of the most popular radio we make.
“But as technology in cars gets better, drivers have far more entertainment options. By launching this dedicated in-car app, we’re able to give drivers the full BBC Sounds experience – enabling them to listen to all their favourite podcasts, music mixes and, of course, live radio while they’re behind the wheel more easily than ever before.”
Andrew Furse, BMW Product Operations Manager, said, “We’re proud to make it easier than ever for BMW and MINI customers to enjoy their favourite BBC content on the move. This latest integration complements the wide range of apps already available in our vehicles and underscores our commitment to delivering a seamless in-car entertainment experience.”
The in-car BBC Sounds app will be available, along with all other apps, within the vehicle’s Appstore. The vehicle’s Appstore is only available to drivers with a data service, such as a subscription to BMW Digital Premium or MINI Connected Package.
Currently, the following cars can install BBC Sounds for Android Automotive:

BMW 1 Series (2024 onwards)
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé (2025 onwards)
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (2024 onwards)
BMW X1/iX1 (2023 onwards)
BMW X2/iX2 (2024 onwards)
BMW X3 (2024 onwards)
All MINI models (2024 onwards)

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; false;clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width: 600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ […]

Su Harrison is leaving Radio Essex breakfast after 24 years since starting on the radio with Martin Day.

Martin and Su were first put together on Essex FM in 2000, before the station was rebranded to Heart in 2009.
Due to networking at local radio stations and cuts, Martin and Su were then left without a home in May 2019 before Radio Essex signed them up.
PD Chris Brooks told RadioToday that Radio Essex has a new line up for 2025. He said: “Martin Day will continue to wake up Essex but with a newly formatted show, other changes to the schedule include Jack Burke from 10am, the 1pm slot will be filled by Lauren Underwood and Chris Brooks continues at drive with Joe Kinch on evenings.
“Chris and Scott will be kicking off the weekend from Friday at 4pm, and listeners will continue to be entertained by Ross and John every Saturday and Sunday morning, followed by Conor Knight at 10am.
“This does however mean that Su Harrison will be leaving the station. Su has been a valued member of the Radio Essex team for many years and we will miss her voice on the airwaves.
“We are excited to bring the new schedule to life, and of course wish Su all the best in her next chapter.”

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; false;clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width: 600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ […]

Over 1,300 presents have been donated to the NLive Radio Christmas Present appeal 2024.
This is the third year the Northampton local radio station has run the appeal, and the amount received has increased this year by over 20%.
The presents, worth an estimated £6,500, have been distributed to four partner local charities to go to those in need.
Station Manager Martin Steers said: “I’m blown away by the generosity of Northampton, and am thankful to all those who have donated to this year’s appeal, I also want to thank all our donation locations, and our sponsor The Duston School without which our appeal wouldn’t be possible”.
The presents ranged from baby items, toiletries, and toys and gifts for all ages.
Tracey Hamilton, Charity Manager at one of the places to benefit, Spring Charity said, “I am overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of NLive radio listeners who have been so generous with donations of gifts! Our families will be so relieved that they can select a gift for their child and ensure there is a special present under the tree this year. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; false;clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width: 600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ […]

South Herts small-scale DAB is getting ready to launch next year across South Hertfordshire and parts of North London.

The two-site Single Frequency Network (SFN) will provide coverage across South Hertfordshire, reaching key towns and communities while overlapping into several North London boroughs.
Owners are now actively inviting expressions of interest from broadcasters seeking to reach South Hertfordshire from February 25th 2025.
A South Herts DAB Representative told RadioToday: “This is a significant milestone for digital radio in South Hertfordshire.
“Our state-of-the-art network will not only enhance listening options for audiences but also provide an invaluable platform for broadcasters to grow their reach.
“We’re excited to bring this project to life and look forward to welcoming a fantastic line-up of radio services.”

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; false;clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width: 600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ […]

Blue Sky Radio has teamed up with a local hospice to help raise money for their Christmas Jumper Day.

The station broadcast live from the “Dougie Mac” hospice across the entire day and out and about in their outside broadcast vehicle visiting local businesses who were supporting the fund-raising day.
It’s expected that the Stoke-on-Trent based hospice will raise around £50,000 from the day.
Kevin Fernihough who presented his mid-morning show from the event said: “Many of us at Blue Sky Radio have personal experiences of the fantastic work that Dougie Mac does – thank you to the whole team.
“This is a fantastic organisation who do so much for local people, helping raise awareness across Staffordshire and Cheshire is a privilege.”
Pictured: Kevin Fernihough from Blue Sky Radio and Deb Vickers from Dougie Mac

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; false;clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width: 600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ […]