UK

Nation has surrendered two FM licences in Scotland and will give up two transmitters in Wales.
In Scotland, 103FM and 106.9FM, which carried Nation Radio Scotland for Helensburgh and Dumbarton, have been given back to Ofcom.
Those frequencies started life as Castle Rock FM and later carried YOUR Radio.
In Wales, Radio Pembrokeshire’s relays in Tenby and Fishguard on 107.5FM will be turned off around the middle of 2025, leaving the station with its main transmitter on 102.5FM which already covers most of the areas in question.
According to Ofcom’s analysis, the population coverage reach (adults 15+) of the existing service is 107,382. By removing the two transmitter sites at Tenby and Fishguard, the population reach who would still be able to receive the service would drop to 98,303, reducing the coverage of the service by 8.5%.
Requesting the change, Nation says there is a continuing trend of declining analogue listening and it expects its DAB listening to overtake analogue within the next licensed period.
Nation submitted a range of commercial impacts linked to declining local revenues, declining audiences and increasing costs. Information was provided to Ofcom which highlighted the range of cost increases across a number of areas, which the Licensee has been considering in the context of maintaining the existing transmitter network.
Further, the proposal highlighted that in order to maintain the current levels of service, the existing transmitter network would need to be updated or replaced, which would require immediate capital expenditure on behalf of the Licensee.
The surrendering of smaller FM licences which duplicate DAB areas for radio stations is on the increase across Europe, and RadioToday understands this trend will continue over the next few years here in the UK.

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A partnership between Greatest Hits Radio and the Dogs Trust charity means a new dog feature has been introduced during Ken Bruce’s morning show.
Starting today, the campaign – Ken Bruce’s Underdogs – will be helping to find dogs currently in the care of Dogs Trust their forever homes.
In the brand-new feature on his show, Ken will be shining a spotlight on an ‘Underdog of the Month’ who is available for adoption.
Ken Bruce said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be able to spend some time with Rocky and his friends at the Dogs Trust rehoming centre on my recent visit. As the adopter of several rescue dogs myself, I know just what an unbelievably rewarding and life affirming thing it can be – for both owner and dog.
“I am hopeful that this fantastic new partnership between Greatest Hits Radio and Dogs Trust will result in many more dogs finding their forever homes with loving families.”
As well as the Underdog of the Month feature, Greatest Hits Radio listeners will also be able to access advice on their pet from the experts at Dogs Trust including training and behaviour tips and practical guidance on being a responsible dog owner.
And throughout 2025 other Greatest Hits Radio presenters will be visiting Dogs Trust rehoming centres across the UK as the station aims to find as many homes as possible.
Owen Sharp, CEO of Dogs Trust said, “We are delighted to have the support of Ken and Greatest Hits Radio for this exciting partnership. Every year, we receive thousands of requests for people thinking about giving up their dog and we are currently have over 1,600 dogs in our care, 400 of which we class as Underdogs – dogs who have been in our care for over six months.
“By sharing the stories of our Underdogs, we are hoping that even more of these dogs will find their forever home.”

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The annual Christmas Charity Appeal radio auction on Channel 103 has raised more than £60,000 to help disadvantaged families in Jersey.

Islanders bid on more than 200 lots during a five-hour live broadcast on the Jersey radio station.
The auction raised £52,059, while Pledge Your Wedge, through which people are asked to give a donation in exchange for the chance to win a holiday, raised a further £6,200.
“Once again the generosity of listeners in Jersey has been amazing,” said Fiona Walker (pictured), who co-hosted the live show with Channel 103 Breakfast presenter Peter Mac and BBC Radio Jersey afternoon presenter Darcy Kelly.
One of this year’s star lots was a VIP Tour and Tea of Government House in Jersey which raised an incredible £10,000.
The money raised by the appeal goes to improve Christmas for 1,500 disadvantaged individuals or families in Jersey each year, supplying 250 hampers, 1,250 food vouchers, 1,300 fuel vouchers and 1,000 young persons’ gift vouchers.

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Classic FM has announced its first ever Classic FM Live at the Movies event scheduled for April 2025.

It’ll take place on Thursday 24th April, 7.30pm, at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Classic FM Live at the Movies is sponsored by Viking and follows the launch of Classic FM’s new sister station Classic FM Movies, in September, which plays film music 24/7. The event will feature the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra – an official partner of Classic FM – conducted by Anthony Gabriele, with special performances from a line-up of world-class musicians. Hosted by Classic FM presenters, the evening will be packed with the best movie themes including Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, Mission: Impossible, The Lordof the Rings, and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Lights and fireworks will accompany the musicians in the finale.
Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking UK, said: “2025 marks the 10th anniversary of our sponsorship of the Classic FM Live concert series at the Royal Albert Hall. Classic FM Live is an event both our Viking guests and our UK team members all love and look forward to each time.”

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BBC Asian Network Comedy returns with another live show at the BBC Radio Theatre next year.

The event, on Friday 31 January 2025, will be hosted by Asian Network’s Nikita Kanda and SMASHBengali.
It will feature:

Fatiha El-Ghorri, comedian, writer and ‘Best Debut Show’ winner at 2023’s Leicester Comedy Festival
Dinesh Nathan, stand-up comedian and content creator
Bas Rahman, London comedy circuit regular and former Never Mind The Buzzcocks writer
Shalaka Kurup, Roast Battle UK Champion 2024 and West End New Act of the Year 2023

The show will also include a live DJ set from BBC Asian Network’s DJ Kizzi.
Fatiha El-Ghorri says: “I’m thrilled to be performing at Asian Network Comedy in London for a night of laughter alongside all the other brilliant comedians! Expect a night full of laughs to help chase away those January Blues…”
Nikita Kanda says: “I’m so excited that Asian Network Comedy is back! The line-up is wicked, and I can’t wait to host it with my breakfast brother SMSAHBengali. It’s always such a fun feel good night and of course full of belly laughs!”
SMASHBengali says: “I disappointed my parents by not being able to become a doctor…so I’m hoping this night counts towards the imaginary medicine degree I keep telling them I’m doing because you know what they say, laughter is the best medicine. Looking forward to hosting the night with Nikita, grab your tickets. It’s not one to miss!”
Ahmed Hussain, Head of BBC Asian Network says: “I’m really excited that we’re bringing Asian Network Comedy back to London for a night of non-stop laughter from some of the finest up-and-coming names in UK comedy. Asian Network Comedy has a strong history of supporting emerging South Asian talent, including stars like Romesh Ranganathan, Nish Kumar, Mawaan Rizwan, Sindhu Vee, Guz Khan and many more household names, so I’m delighted be championing these promising voices. It’s going to be a brilliant event kicking off with DJ Kizzi getting the party started!”
Tickets to the 18+ event are free of charge and are available to apply for through the BBC Shows and Tours website. The show will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds after the event.

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Radio and audio charity Sound Vision is launching its first annual appeal to raise funds to help it secure its ongoing operations.
The charity delivers its training through a network of hubs, where it establishes skills infrastructure around the training capacity of local radio stations.
It empowers individuals and communities through inclusive skills-based training that develops confidence and creativity in audio, radio and music.
They collaborate with Somer Valley FM in Somerset and recently expanded their provision to Wandsworth and Taunton, working with Riverside Radio and Tone FM.
Sound Vision was founded by Dom Chambers who has worked in the radio industry for 30 years. The former chair of the Community Media Association, who also chaired the Radio Academy’s Audio & Radio Emergency Fund has engaged with and supported over one hundred community radio stations across the UK.
Dom said: “We are getting requests from all round the country to develop our Sound Academy programmes. We need to grow at a sensible and manageable pace in line with resources.
“Ultimately though how fantastic would it be to have a national network of partnerships linking community broadcast media with solutions to many of the significant social challenges characteristic of these tough times. I’ve always thought that the radio industry is well placed to help lead on social action that makes people, their communities and ultimately society more resilient.
“We do everything we can to keep costs low, so that all charitable income can make the greatest difference to those who benefit from our services. Everyone in the Sound Vision family, paid or volunteer, is driven by a strong sense of compassion.
“We strive to create a level playing field of opportunity, so people get a fair chance irrespective of their starting point. The team provides a warm-hearted welcome to our unique studio environments and respect all abilities, so everyone can thrive.
“Times are challenging and demand for our services are growing. Donations enable us to fund our incredible SEND trainers and keep our training accessible to all. There is no charge for any of our programmes and we want to keep it that way. Social mobility remains a significant challenge, so it is essential we have the lowest barriers to entry.
“Please help support these vital programmes that are making a significant difference in the lives of young people across the UK.”
See more at soundvision.charity.
Picture is of Junior who is a participant in Sound Vision’s supported training at Riverside Radio in Wandsworth.

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