The year started off with sad news from Oxford as the investor in three national Union JACK stations decided to try and sell the services. Unfortunately, the plug was pulled and they left without a formal announcement, and many good people lost their jobs.

It was a massive story for staff at local radio, on and off the air, as plans were announced to blow up Local BBC Radio and start all over again. The saga is ongoing and we wish all affected staff the best of luck in 2023.

A story about old shows ending, new shows starting and a bit of a change around on the schedule. It was the press release where< Angela Griffin, DJ Spoony and Michelle Visage joined BBC Radio 2.

 

6. talkSPORT suspends radio presenter Trevor Sinclair after personal tweet

5. BBC Radio 5 Live suspends overnight programmes temporarily

Due to a temporary staff shortage at MediaCity because of Covid, 5 Live decided to syndicate the World Service instead of giving some freelancers a go.

4. Kermode and Mayo take their film review to Sony Music

3. Radio 2 and 6 Music on the move as BBC closes Wogan House

A shock decision was announced in November to close Wogan House in London (just after a big refurb too) along with Bridge House in MediaCity. What would Terry think!

2. Steve Wright in the Afternoon isn’t ending – it’s just on a break

If I was a betting man, I’d say this was the biggest story in the radio year, but according to our stats, just one other story drummed its way to the top of the chart. But this story isn’t over yet – Steve’s next move has yet to be announced.

1. Owain Wyn Evans named as replacement for BBC Radio 2 early breakfast

Surprise! Owain has quite a following, parachuting this article to number one, which is a good sign for Radio 2. He’ll start his new show this month as a replacement for Vanessa Feltz.

 

So what will next year bring?

 

Before bringing out the RadioToday crystal ball for 2023, let’s look at some of our predictions from this time last year. On January 1st 2022, we predicted:

• More local Hits Radio and GHR services on FM through rebrands and acquisitions by Bauer – this happened in Stafford, Dorset and other places and will continue in 2023 no doubt.
• Capital and Heart expanding on FM through deals or acquisitions at Global – No movement from Global on this in 2022 but we suspect this might happen in 2023
• A new national talk and/or news service from Bauer – this hasn’t happened – but maybe this year?
• More content creation companies and tech starts up acquired by radio groups – one or two, and probably more going forward
• Bauer Ireland to look at operating a DAB multiplex full of services in the Republic – not yet, but again something we are expecting before too long
• A major name to leave BBC Radio 2 daytime – well we’re taking that as a yes!
• Another new direction for Local BBC Radio – also correct but we didn’t think it would be quite as destructive
• A major newspaper group enters the radio market with radio versions of its local newspapers – not happened
• A couple of independent national DAB services to close – turns out at least three closed in 2022

So how about 2023? Here are some wild predictions:

• Steve Wright joins Bauer
• Global creates a direct rival to Bauer’s Greatest Hits Radio
• Another major daytime change coming to BBC Radio 2
• Bauer and Global turn off more AM transmitters
• BBC turns off Radio 4 Long Wave transmitter
• Two local FM frequencies owned by a group sold to new digital start-up stations
• Un-launched community stations hand-back FM licences
• Major TV duo sign for a radio group to host radio shows and podcasts
• Local BBC Radio changes go ahead but with an alternative plan
• Commercial radio news operation changes hands
• LBC and legal commercial radio mark 50 years of broadcasting with special services
• Bauer starts to roll out its Brands strategy in Ireland with another local acquisition
• At least one remaining heritage commercial radio station rebrands in England
• Spare capacity on SDL taken by Global
• Changes incoming at talkSPORT
• JACK 2 Hits and JACK 3 Chill rebrand to something more appropriate as Jack 2 returns to 107.9FM
• More Small-Scale DAB licences handed back claiming to be unviable
• Nation Broadcasting announces The Big Switch – Part Dwy
• Another five local stations launch in Blackpool
• South Coast Radio, Great North Radio and Scot FM return as online stations
• Major international investment arrives in the UK radio industry
• Global expands Summertime Ball and Jingle Bell Ball events to other locations