Cool FM, Downtown Radio and Downtown Country have begun broadcasting from Bauer Audio Northern Ireland’s new City Quays base.

The move brings to an end 50 years of broadcasting from Kiltonga in Newtownards, with Cool FM marking the change by taking its Breakfast Show out of the studio and onto the road.

Pete Snodden, Paulo Ross and Rebecca McKinney hosted the programme live from the Cool bus as it travelled from Kiltonga to Belfast, with listeners hearing updates from the journey and the station’s final farewell to its long standing home.

The arrival at City Quays marked the formal start of a new chapter for Bauer Audio Northern Ireland in Belfast city centre.

Stuart Robinson said: “After 50 years at Kiltonga, closing the door on our final broadcast there was bittersweet.”

Pete said the bus broadcast was “as chaotic as you’d imagine,” adding that arriving at City Quays with microphones still live felt like “the start of a new adventure”.

The new base will be home to Cool FM, Downtown Radio and Downtown Country and any future services offered by Bauer Media in Northern Ireland.

GlitterBeam is expanding its 30 Hours for a Rainbow radiothon following its first event last year, which raised more than £5,000 for charities.

This year, it will run from 11am on Saturday 27th June to 7pm on Sunday 28th June, extending to 32 continuous hours of programming.

The event will air on DAB and stream via YouTube and social platforms, with founders Eugenio Ceriello and Michael Walton-Dalzell leading the full broadcast.

A wider team of presenters will join throughout, with output changing every two hours to keep the schedule varied.

Listeners and viewers will also be encouraged to take part through activity linked to venues and events across the UK.

The weekend will feature live studio performances, interviews with guests from entertainment and community sectors, and a live on-air murder mystery involving Murder Actually.

Eugenio said: “This is about building on what we proved in December. We’re taking the radiothon to another level: more hours, more content, and a bigger footprint.”

Michael added: “Keeping a live broadcast going for 32 hours is demanding, but it creates a real sense of shared experience.”

Further details on participating venues, supported charities and how to donate will be released ahead of the event.

Emma Bunton says early starts and missing family time led her to step back from the Heart breakfast show back in 2018.

Speaking on the Unlikely Friends podcast this week with Jill Francis, Jay Jones and Lee Francis, Emma described how hosting breakfast radio became difficult alongside raising young children.

She said she felt she was missing out on the school run and admitted: “I got to a point where I was just very tired.”

Emma also shared what she enjoyed after leaving early mornings, including being able to stay up later and spend more time with her family, while still keeping her love of radio.

Lee Francis reflected on his own experience at Virgin Radio, describing it as unexpectedly isolating. He said: “I found it incredibly lonely. Three hours a day by myself in a room.”

The discussion also turned to pirate radio, with Jay revealing he grew up in a house where his father ran an illegal station.

He explained how DJs would come to the house with vinyl, while transmitters were kept elsewhere to avoid detection.

The group also spoke about how listening habits have changed, suggesting younger audiences may not experience radio in the same way, while admitting they still get a thrill from hearing their names mentioned on air, and regularly message Chris Moyles for a shout out.

Scammers using Shine Radio’s name are targeting authors with fake podcast interview offers.

Petersfield’s Shine Radio has warned that emails claiming to invite writers onto its Talking Books programme are fraudulent, despite appearing convincing and personalised.

The messages reference real presenters including Suzie Wilde and Tim O’Kelly, and often include details about an author’s work to make the approach seem genuine.

Some recipients have been asked to pay fees for interview slots, share personal information or click on suspicious links. The station has stressed it will never charge guests to appear on air.

The use of artificial intelligence means messages can be tailored to individuals, making them harder to detect than traditional scam emails.

Shine Radio is advising authors to be cautious of requests for payment, urgent language, unfamiliar links or inconsistencies in email addresses and branding.

The station is also encouraging people who have received similar emails to come forward to help warn others.

Capital has confirmed that Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard will take place on Saturday 6th June.

The event will again be held at Wembley Stadium, with 80,000 fans expected to attend, while the line-up will be revealed live across two mornings on Capital Breakfast tomorrow and Wednesday.

Listeners will also be able to watch the event live, with streaming available on YouTube and Global Player, extending access beyond the stadium audience.

Jordan North, Chris Stark and Siân Welby announced the return on air, saying: “We’re thrilled that Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard is back! As the UK’s biggest summer party, this year’s line-up is already shaping up to be huge.”

They added: “Make sure you’re listening to Capital Breakfast on Tuesday and Wednesday to find out which Ballers will be joining us at Wembley Stadium!”

Tickets will go on general sale at 9am this Thursday 30th April via Global Player.

Regulators in the United States have cleared a change to iHeartMedia’s foreign ownership structure, confirming no national security review is required.

The decision follows a filing linked to investors connected with Global through businessman Michael Tabor, allowing shares to be reorganised between related companies and additional individuals to be approved within the ownership chain.

Authorities concluded the proposal did not raise concerns requiring escalation, after reviewing the application, prior filings and existing compliance arrangements with the US Department of Justice.

The approval does not change how much of iHeartMedia the investor group can own, and their stake remains capped at 14.99 percent.

It allows flexibility to move or manage shares internally without seeking fresh approval each time, but does not permit any increase beyond the existing limit.

The wider foreign ownership position of iHeartMedia has already been approved at high levels across multiple investors, but individual groups remain restricted to prevent any single party gaining control.

The move doesn’t suggest a Global takeover is imminent, as that would require a separate process, including new regulatory approvals and likely a full national security review.

This clearance simply removes a potential obstacle for a minority investor, rather than signalling any shift in control of one of the world’s largest radio operators.

In other news, Variety is reporting a potential merger between iHeartMedia and SIRIUSXM – read all about that, here.

The Wales Community Radio Network has produced and distributed a special election programme ahead of the 2026 Senedd Election.

A 60‑minute and 90‑minute version of the programme has been made by Bro Radio in the Vale of Glamorgan and is presented by WCRN Chair Nathan Spackman.

Both versions feature contributions from leaders or senior representatives of the six main political parties.

The programme also highlights the role vote.wales in accessing information about the parties and candidates standing in an area, as well as details of the new voting system at this election.

The programme is available to all member stations of the Wales Community Radio Network, along with Hospital Radio and SSDAB services.

The election programme comes off the back of the WCRN releasing its Election Manifesto, for a future Welsh Government to provide further public investment, the distribution of all Government advertising on Community Radio and recognising the sector for its role in being an entry point for journalism in Wales.

WCRN Chair and programme host Nathan Spackman said: “We know that not every station is in a position to be able to create their own election programmes, but each understands the important role Community Radio plays in helping local people engage with the democratic process.

“We hope to be able to continue to engage with parties post-election, to secure stronger support and financial investment into Community Radio right across Wales.”

Jeremy Vine says he still does not know why Scott Mills left the BBC, describing the situation as unresolved.

Jeremy Vine told listeners at Times Radio he remains “in the dark” about the circumstances surrounding Scott Mills’ departure, adding that he does not expect clarity any time soon.

Jeremy, chatting to Fi Glover, said: “Still in the dark. I don’t know any more than you. I almost don’t want to know more.”

He suggested there may have been an issue with how information was shared internally, saying: “Something happened where the BBC wasn’t told the full story. It might have even been an internal communication problem. I don’t know.”

Jeremy added that the decision to end Scott’s contract appeared to be taken quickly, leaving unanswered questions that may only be addressed by Scott himself at a later stage.

He also described Scott as widely liked by both colleagues and audiences, highlighting his standing within the organisation.

Reflecting on how the BBC handles such situations, Jeremy said the Corporation now acts swiftly when concerns arise, pointing to other recent cases where presenters have left suddenly.

He said: “If you misbehave in any way at all, historic or present, you’ll be terminated.”

The BBC has not provided further detail on Scott’s exit, and no additional statement has been issued.

A new BBC Radio 6 Music stream can launch without further scrutiny after Ofcom ruled it will not harm competition.

Ofcom has reviewed the BBC’s plans to introduce an additional 6 Music stream on BBC Sounds and agreed it does not represent a material change under current rules.

The regulator concluded the proposal is a modification to an existing online service rather than a new UK public service, meaning it does not require a Public Interest Test before launch.

The planned stream will be a 24-hour, music-only offer focusing on indie rock and pop from the 1980s to 2010s, alongside newer grassroots material. It is designed to target younger audiences aged 25 to 45 who are seen as less well served by BBC Radio 6 Music.

Ofcom’s analysis found the impact on commercial radio would be limited, with estimated listening losses for major operators such as Global and Bauer remaining small across their wider portfolios.

The regulator also noted the growing influence of global streaming platforms and the continued shift towards online listening, factors which reduce the likelihood of significant market disruption.

While some impact on stations including Virgin Radio was identified, Ofcom said this would not be significant, even under different modelling assumptions.

As a result, the BBC can proceed with the launch, expected in summer 2026, without further regulatory approval.

A BBC spokesperson told RadioToday: “We welcome Ofcom’s agreement with our assessment that the new 6 Music extension, available exclusively on BBC Sounds, will not have a significant, adverse impact on fair and effective competition.

“We look forward to bringing this unique stream, which will tell the story of indie music in a way only the BBC can, to listeners this summer, continuing our commitment to offer audiences even more choice and value from the licence fee.”

BFBS will continue delivering radio, news and entertainment to UK forces worldwide after securing a new long-term agreement with the Ministry of Defence.

The 10-year contract extends the organisation’s role in providing trusted media services to British Armed Forces personnel and their families, wherever they are based, including operational and remote environments.

The deal comes as global defence issues remain prominent, reinforcing the importance of secure and reliable access to news, sport and entertainment for serving personnel.

BFBS CEO, Ben Chapman, said: “We are very excited to announce this renewed partnership with the MOD, and to fulfil our mission of uniting the UK Armed Forces and their families with trusted, creative media experiences for the next decade.

“BFBS plays a vital role in supporting the operational readiness and welfare of our military wherever they are serving, and we help to maintain a healthy democracy by ensuring that all those who serve our country have access to trusted, relevant, and secure media.”

BFBS is also developing a next-generation platform designed to modernise how content is delivered, alongside work to expand access in challenging locations, including submarines.

Maj Gen (Ret’d) Chris Wilson, Chair of Trustees for BFBS said the service contributes to morale and retention through entertainment, Forces News coverage and initiatives such as esports and training.

He highlighted the role of these services in supporting personnel across different aspects of military life.

The organisation has already seen growth across its digital platforms, including more than one million subscribers to its Forces News YouTube channel, and the launch of its esports league last year.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said the agreement shows a long-term commitment to ensuring personnel can access media suited to their needs, wherever they serve.

Sara Cox has addressed listeners after being confirmed as the new host of BBC Radio 2’s flagship Breakfast Show.

Speaking on her weekday Teatime programme, Sara told audiences she was briefly lost for words when offered the role, describing it as a long-held ambition and joking about finally getting the slot she had been “waiting in the wings” for.

She said she would not trade her seven years on the 4–7pm show, calling it “the most golden” period of her career, and asked listeners to join her when she moves to mornings later this year.

Sara added: “I’m absolutely buzzing… on Breakfast it will be the usual manking around, excellent music, and hopefully you lot as well.”

The move sees her take over the UK’s biggest breakfast radio programme, which reaches 6.5 million listeners each week, on the country’s most listened-to station.

The announcement was first revealed on air by Trevor Nelson, who congratulated Sara and told listeners she had “always wanted this” and would do “a great job”, prompting a surge of supportive messages from audiences.

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said Sara already has a strong connection with listeners and is well placed to build a relationship with breakfast audiences, following previous appearances in the slot.

Sara will begin hosting the programme this summer, with her successor on Teatime yet to be confirmed.

BBC Radio 2 has appointed Sara Cox as the new Breakfast Show host, replacing Scott Mills.

The change puts one of Radio 2’s most established voices into one of its biggest weekday shows, with the BBC saying the presenter for Sara’s current 4pm to 7pm slot will be announced later.

Sara said she was “ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed” to be taking on the role, adding that hosting the Breakfast Show had been a long held ambition since joining the station. She also thanked her Teatime listeners and said she hoped they would follow her to mornings.

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said Sara had already shown she could connect with the Breakfast audience and would bring “warmth and humour” to the programme.

Sara joined BBC Radio 1 in 1999 and hosted its Breakfast Show until the end of 2003. She moved to Radio 2 in 2011, launched Sounds of the 80s in 2013, and has fronted the weekday Teatime slot since later in 2018, with the programme extended to three hours in 2022.

Vernon Kay, Rylan Clark and Gary Davies were all favourites to take the post before today’s announcement, which was made at 2.30pm.

Sara adds: “There are not enough adjectives to really sum up how I’m feeling about being trusted with such an iconic show but let’s start with ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed. It’s been a dream to host the Breakfast Show since I joined Radio 2 and it feels like a bit of a full circle for me. I’ve had the most glorious seven years of my career on Teatime so thank you to my brilliant Teatime listeners who hopefully will join me at Breakfast for excellent music and all my usual nonsense plus some superstar guests. I honestly can’t wait to wake the nation up with the biggest most fun breakfast show ever.”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 said: “I’m delighted that Sara Cox will be the new host of the prestigious Radio 2 Breakfast Show. Sara is adored by her millions of listeners at Teatime, and having regularly deputised in the slot, I already know she’ll build a brilliant rapport with the Breakfast audience and get the nation going each morning with her trademark warmth and humour. She captured the hearts of the country last November, raising a staggering £11.5m for Children in Need on her Great Northern Marathon Challenge and thoroughly deserves this gig. I can’t wait to hear her first show.”

Bob Harris is aiming to return to his BBC Radio 2 shows next month, despite his cancer spreading.

The presenter says he is recovering at home after radiotherapy and rehab following the discovery that his prostate cancer had spread to his upper spine.

In an update shared with listeners, Bob said the past few weeks had been “an extremely testing time” after he was admitted to hospital with severe back pain.

Further scans found the cancer in his upper spine, and he then began a course of radiotherapy which kept him in hospital for two weeks.

Bob said he is now “feeling stronger every day” and has started a rehabilitation programme.

He also said he had been able to get outside in the sunshine for the first time, with his son taking the photograph shared alongside the post.

He thanked his family for helping him through one of the hardest periods of his life, and also praised Helen Thomas and the BBC Radio 2 team for their support. Bob said he hopes to be back on Country by mid May and on Sounds of the 70s by the end of May.

He also thanked listeners who had sent messages after the conversations he and Zoe Ball recorded for his 80th birthday programme.

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BBC Radio Scotland is making changes to its weekday schedule across Mornings and Afternoons.

From 1st June, Grant Stott will return as presenter of Afternoons Monday to Thursday, 1.30pm – 4pm, with Arlene Stuart taking over on Fridays.

Meanwhile Connie McLaughlin has been confirmed as presenter of the Morning programme 9am – midday, three days a week, with Stephen Jardine continuing to host the Thursday and Friday.

The current Afternoons presenters Michelle McManus, Len Pennie and Nicola Meighan will step down on Friday 29 May.

Victoria Easton Riley, Head of Audio and Events at BBC Scotland, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Grant back to Afternoons and to bring Arlene into our daytime team.

“We’re enormously grateful to Michelle, Len and Nicola for the energy, creativity and passion they’ve brought to the programme. We wish them every success, and our door is open for future collaborations.”

Grant Stott said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be returning to Afternoons. We’ll be bringing listeners everything they need to stay plugged into Scotland’s buzzing arts and culture scene, all with the perfect soundtrack.”

Arlene added: “I’m so excited to join BBC Radio Scotland on Friday afternoons to kick start the weekend. I love radio and the connection it brings with listeners; I can’t wait to get behind the mic and get the conversations started.”

Connie McLaughlin said she looks forward to continuing her relationship with listeners through lively debate and audience views.

Amazon Ads and Global have announced a programmatic integration giving advertisers using Amazon DSP access to Global’s commercial audio brands.

The deal connects Amazon DSP directly with Global’s DAX platform, allowing campaigns to run across digital audio, mobile, Global Player and smart speakers including Alexa.

It combines Amazon’s shopping, streaming and browsing data with Global’s audience reach, giving advertisers a clearer way to target listeners and measure results across campaigns.

Global says its radio brands delivered more than one billion listening hours on Alexa in the UK last year, where listeners can live stream Capital, Heart, Classic FM, LBC, Smooth, Radio X, Capital XTRA and Gold Radio, rewind and catch up on shows, and browse thousands of podcasts and playlists.

Phil Christer, Managing Director UK at Amazon Ads, said: “Amazon DSP now offers advertisers extensive reach across premium audio in the UK, setting a new standard for how brands plan, activate, and measure audio advertising.”

Tom Streetley, Director of Commercial DAX Audio at Global, said the partnership builds on years of collaboration with Amazon and Alexa, adding new ways for advertisers to reach audiences and assess performance.

Global’s podcast catalogue, including The News Agents and Up To Speed, will be added to the integration later this year, extending inventory available through Amazon DSP.

Richard Bacon is back interviewing high achievers in a new weekly podcast exploring what drives success.

The broadcaster has launched Why Are You More Successful Than Me?, an ongoing audio and video series featuring conversations with figures from across media, sport and business.

Each episode sees Richard sit down with guests he considers more successful than himself, using the central question to guide in-depth discussions about ambition, decision-making and personal motivation.

He said: “I’ve missed interviewing. I’ve missed sitting down with people I’m genuinely interested in, people who are driven, who’ve built things, who’ve taken risks, and really finding out what makes them tick.”

The series focuses on how success is defined, examining whether it comes from money, freedom, recognition or something less tangible, while also looking at setbacks and key turning points.

Initial guests include Gary Lineker, Dexter Fletcher and Elizabeth Day, with Emma Barnett, Lynda La Plante and Chris Chibnall also confirmed for future episodes.

For Richard, the podcast marks a return to long-form interviewing after more than two decades working across TV and radio in the UK and the United States, alongside his current role developing formats.

Produced by Yes Yes Media, the series launches today, 23rd April, with episodes available across podcast platforms and full video versions on Spotify and YouTube.

A wide range of UK radio and audio programmes have been shortlisted for this year’s ARIAS awards.

The Audio Academy has revealed the full list of nominees for the 2026 Audio and Radio Industry Awards, with winners set to be announced at London’s Roundhouse on Thursday 21st May.

Now marking ten years in its current form, the ARIAS continues to recognise work across radio, podcasts and audio production, with entries spanning major broadcasters, independent producers and global platforms.

It also marks ten years since the UK’s biggest commercial radio group, Global, pulled its support for the Academy and the event.

Those competing for the big titles will do so knowing the results went unchallenged from some of the UK’s biggest podcasts and radio brands such as LBC, Classic FM, Capital and Heart.

But among those shortlisted are titles including The Louis Theroux Podcast, British Scandal and Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball, alongside presenters such as Greg James, Romesh Ranganathan, Tyler West and Nadia Jae.

Rylan will return as host for the ceremony, saying: “This night is all about celebrating the best of radio and audio and how much it means to so many people around the country.”

There are 21 categories this year, covering areas including breakfast shows, comedy, factual output and news, as well as technical innovation and commercial partnerships.

Nominees come from organisations including the BBC, Bauer Media, Fix Radio and Tortoise Media, alongside platforms such as Apple Music Radio and Audible.

The shortlist was announced at a nominations event in London, with entries judged by token industry figures.

FULL LIST OF NOMINEES

Best New Presenter

Anna Sinfield – Novel
Becky and Ben Saer – Becky & Ben’s Fertility Spotlight
Beth Ditto – BBC 6Music and BBC Sounds
Georgie Styles – Smoke Trail and Whistledown Productions for BBC Radio and BBC Sounds Audio Lab
Gok Wan – Magic Radio
Hugh Sheehan – BBC Sounds Audio Lab
James Chandler and George Butler – AI Haven’t a Clue
Louise Wener – Absolute Radio
Mia Thornton – BBC Sounds Audio Lab
Roxie Nafousi – Rise with Roxie, Bauer Media Audio UK
Siva Gold, BCFM – BCFM
Hattie Hasan and Steph Leese – Tradeswomen Together, Fix Radio

Best Music Breakfast Radio Show

1Xtra Breakfast with Nadia Jae – BBC Radio 1Xtra
Breakfast with Greg James – BBC Radio 1
Breakfast – BBC Radio 3
Boogie in the Morning – Forth 1
Bowie at Breakfast – Clyde 1
Magic Radio Breakfast with Gok Wan and Harriet Scott – Magic FM
Nick Grimshaw – BBC Radio 6 Music
The Bald Builders Breakfast – Fix Radio

Best Speech Breakfast Radio Show

5 Live Breakfast – BBC Radio 5 Live
Bloomberg Daybreak Europe – Bloomberg Radio
Good Morning Ulster – BBC Radio Ulster
Joe Sims’ ‘Proper Bristol Breakfast’ – BBC Radio Bristol
Sophie Law – BBC Radio Oxford
The Graham Liver Breakfast Show – BBC Radio Lancashire

Best Music Entertainment

ChillDaBeats with Phil Taggart – Slack Panda Productions
Garry Spence – Clyde 1
Haroon Rashid – BBC Asian Network
Hometime with Bush and Richie – Absolute Radio
Justin Dealey – BBC Three Counties Radio
Oh Gatekeeper with Joe Talbot – Slack Panda Productions
Remi Burgz – BBC Radio 1Xtra
Romesh Ranganathan – TBI Media for BBC Radio 2
Shaun Keaveny’s Community Garden Radio – Burning Bright Productions
Tyler West – Kiss

Best Speech Entertainment

British Scandal – Audible and Samizdat Audio
Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball – Persephonica
Fame Under Fire – BBC Sounds
Matt Chorley – BBC Radio 5 Live
Mistresses with Jameela Jamil & Dr Kate Lister – Audible and Mags Creative
Out of Doors – BBC Radio Scotland
NPR Talk – Prison Radio Association
Read On – The Audiobook Show from RNIB – RNIB Connect Radio
Rylan: How To Be In Love – Mindhouse Productions for BBC Sounds
The Louis Theroux Podcast – Mindhouse Productions

Best Music Award

20th Century Radicals – Reduced Listening for BBC Radio 3
21st Century Folk – Pomona Audio for BBC Radio 2
The Dance Music Archive with Andi Durrant – KISSTORY
Elton John’s Rocket Hour – Apple Music Radio
Facing The Music – Overcoat Media for BBC Radio 3
Folk on Foot
Jim Salveson – Freshly Squeezed: A New Music Podcast
Q Year’s Day – JazzFM
Radio 1’s New Music Show with Jack Saunders – BBC Radio 1
So Hear Me Out – Reduced Listening for Southbank Centre

Best Comedy

French & Saunders: Titting About – Listen and Audible
From The Oasthouse: The Alan Partridge Podcast – Baby Cow and Audible
It’s a Fair Cop – BBC Studios Audio for BBC Radio 4
IM1 – Manx Radio
Scott Bennett: Blood Sugar Baby – DLT Entertainment for BBC Radio 4
Shagged, Married, Annoyed – Avalon
The Jon Richardson Show – Absolute Radio
The Matt Forde Focus Group – Avalon for BBC Radio 4
The Skewer – Unusual for BBC Radio 4
Where There’s A Will There’s A Wake – Sony Music Entertainment

Best Factual Single Episode

Coldplay: Off The Record – Hits Radio
In Pieces – Reduced Listening for BBC Radio 4
Locked Up – BBC Radio 4
Lost in Lullabies – Sound and Bones for BBC Radio 4
No Contact, when adult children estrange – The Economist
Paul Simon’s Political Storm – Peanut & Crumb for BBC Radio 4
Pete Wicks’ Man Made – Prime Minister Keir Starmer – Bauer Media Audio UK
The Last Boat – The Economist
The Pop Legacy of Quincy Jones – Jazz FM and Greatest Hits Radio

Best Factual Series Award

Adrift – Blanchard House
Assume Nothing: Creation of a Teenage Satanist – BBC Sounds
Missing in the Amazon – The Guardian
My Stalker Moved in Next Door – Hits Radio
Pipeline: Left to Die – Daily Mail
The House at Number 48 – BBC Radio 4
The Spy Who – Audible
The Smuggler – BBC Radio 4
The Toxic Waste Scandal – BBC Radio Northampton

Best Drama or Fiction

Behind the Scenes at the Museum – BBC Studios Audio for BBC Radio 4
Doctor Who – Hooklight – Big Finish Productions
Four Gammons and a Unicorn – Pozzitive for BBC Radio 4
Lyra – BBC Studios Audio for BBC Radio 4
Ranger Rae And The Wildlifers – Fun Kids for National Trust
Shirley’s Party – Hooley Productions for BBC Radio 4
Shorts – Ben Burrell

Best News

Assisted dying, the debate beyond the bill – The Economist
Electoral Dysfunction – Sky News
From Glory to Horror: The Liverpool Title Parade – Hits Radio Liverpool
Hits and Headlines – Hits Radio
Hurricane Melissa: Jamaica’s Recovery – BBC Radio 1Xtra Newsbeat
Sitrep – BFBS
Teen Summit – BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Bitesize
The Bicester Fire – BBC Radio Oxford
The Mishal Husain Show – Bloomberg
The Smuggler – BBC Radio 4
Today in Focus – The Guardian
Trump100 – Sky News

Best Sports

F1 Explains – Formula 1 and Audioboom
Fighting Talk – World’s End for BBC Radio 5 Live
Not by the Playbook – BBC World Service
The Fast And The Curious
The Ryder Cup – BBC Radio 5 Live
The Women in Sport Podcast
Total Sport Merseyside – BBC Radio Merseyside

Best Event Coverage

BBC Proms 2025 – BBC Radio 3
Donald Trump’s State Visit – Electoral Dysfunction and Trump100 – Sky News
Live Aid Relived – Greatest Hits Radio
The King’s Trust Carol Concert – Magic Classical
The Oasis Reunion – Absolute Radio
The Shipping Forecast Day – BBC Radio 4
Tool Theft Rally – Fix Radio
Train Tracks – Tandem Productions for BBC Radio 3
Vernon Kay At The Oasis Homecoming Concert – BBC Radio 2

Best Sonic Branding

Absolute Radio
BBC Asian Network
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 6 Music
Superscoreboard – Clyde 1
Live Aid Relived – Greatest Hits Radio
Magic Radio

Best Commercial Partnership

Christmas saved for 318,767 children thanks to B&M – Cash for Kids and Hits Radio
Comedians Chatting Cancer – Cancer Research UK and Acast
Historic Scotland Podcast – Think Publishing and Historic Scotland
How To Fail – Dove and Sony Music Podcasts
The Citroën Apprentice Driving Force – Fix Radio and Citroën
Staying Relevant in Vegas with Avios – Acast and Staying Relevant Productions
The ‘Altogether Different’ Start to the Day with KISS Breakfast – Channel 4
Wickes – Bauer Media Audio UK

Best Social Impact

Bantam of The Opera – BBC Radio Leeds
Black Girls and Sport: A Break-up Story – Women in Sport
Criminally Queer – Reduced Listening for BBC Sounds Audio Lab
Fix Radio on mental health
Fun Kids Windrush
Kids Live at 5 – Cheshire’s MIX56
Life After Prison – Prison Radio Association
Lost Souls – Hits Radio
Pipeline: Left to Die – Daily Mail
Stop a Stroke – BBC Radio Manchester
The Grave Robbers – BBC Studios Audio for BBC Radio 4
The Scars – Story Publishing

Best Technical Innovation Award

Illuminated: The Organ Symphony – Loftus Media for BBC Radio 4
Radio Essentials PrepPad® – Essentials Digital Media Ltd
The 2005 Ashes: Settling the Score – BBC Radio 5 Live
The Wargame – Sky News and Tortoise
Train Tracks – Tandem Productions for BBC Radio 3
Voice Notes Suck

John Myers Local Station of the Year

BBC Radio Manchester
BBC Radio Merseyside
BBC Radio Sheffield
BBC Radio Ulster
Clyde 1
Forth 1
Lyca Radio
Original 106

Audio Brand of the Year

Apple Music Radio
Audio Always Originals
BBC Sounds
Rayo
Sony Music Podcasts

UK Radio Station or Network of the Year

BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 3
BBC Radio 4
Fix Radio
Greatest Hits Radio
Hits Radio
Jazz FM

Radio Times Moment of the Year

BBC Radio 3 Breakfast: 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz
Chelsey Ward shares her lived experience of racist abuse in Yorkshire – BBC Radio Sheffield
Comedian Dan Skinner swims with the Blue Tits Chill Swimmers off the Pembrokeshire coast – Think Publishing and Great Western Railway
I Don’t Like Cricket, I Love It – BBC Three Counties Radio
“Listen love, you’re trying ever so hard” – Bloomberg
Live Aid Relived – Greatest Hits Radio
Sarah Speaks: The Southport Attacks – BBC Radio Merseyside
Scotland V Denmark World Cup Qualifier – BBC Radio Scotland
The Human Cost: How Tool Theft Pushed One Listener to the Brink of Suicide – Fix Radio
The King’s Music Room – Apple Music

Radio Caroline has taken second place in a poll of the nation’s favourite trademarks, conducted by the Intellectual UK Property Office.

The poll was to mark 150 years of trademark registration. Only Rolls Royce beat Radio Caroline to the top spot.

People were asked by the IPO to nominate their favourite trademark and say what makes it iconic. The results highlight brands woven into our national identity over the years.

Announcing the results of the poll the IPO said: “Radio Caroline, the pioneering radio station that began broadcasting from the North Sea in 1964, gave a generation its soundtrack – and a taste of rebellion. For many, it represents a moment when British youth culture found its voice.”

Radio Caroline Station Manager, Peter Moore, said: ‘We are delighted our trademark has been recognised as one of the nation’s most iconic brands, as the Intellectual Property Office celebrates such a significant milestone.

“What makes this especially meaningful is the enduring relationship we have with our listeners. Many have been with us since our pirate radio days, and their loyalty has been the foundation of everything we’ve achieved.

“At the same time, we’re proud to have welcomed new audiences over the years as the station continues to evolve.

“Today, Radio Caroline is stronger than ever – embracing new technologies while staying true to the spirit that made it so special in the first place.

“This recognition is a testament to our past, present and future, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.”

1. Rolls-Royce
2. Radio Caroline
3. Twinings
4. Cadbury
5. Bass
6. Burberry
7. Transport for London (TfL) roundel
8. Calpol
9. Mini
10. BBC

Radiocentre has told MPs to reject any move to put advertising around BBC content.

The commercial radio body has submitted evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee as part of scrutiny of the BBC Charter Review, arguing that ad funded BBC services would damage the wider commercial market and would not be sustainable in their current form.

Its submission also points to polling by More in Common which found 65% of people oppose adding advertising alongside the licence fee. The same research said 17% of respondents believe BBC radio offers truly unique content.

Radiocentre chief executive Matt Payton said: “The government should rule out advertising across all BBC platforms at the earliest opportunity” ahead of the next stage of the review process.

Matt also said uncertainty around the BBC’s long term funding model was unhelpful in a difficult economic climate. Radiocentre said its updated economic analysis shows advertiser funded BBC radio would have a significant negative effect on commercial media across the UK.

The organisation has also published its full response to the government’s Green Paper consultation for the first time, alongside its evidence to MPs. The Committee’s work follows the Department for Culture, Media and Sport launch of the Charter Review process in December 2025.

Global has taken its Formula 1 podcast onto London’s biggest screens with a new 3D outdoor campaign.

Up To Speed is being promoted with full-motion anamorphic creative appearing across high-impact digital sites, including the Outernet, where a racing car appears to accelerate out of the display.

Additional bespoke content has been created for digital escalator screens on the London Underground, showing a large F1 tyre cascading past commuters to create an immersive visual moment in busy travel hubs.

The campaign was delivered by Global’s in-house creative, marketing and PR teams, working with agency Tommy, and is designed to bring the podcast’s energy into physical spaces across the capital.

Host Jolie Sharpe said: “I’m so impressed with Global’s creative efforts to promote the show and I think it all looks incredible.”

The podcast features a line-up including Will Buxton, Naomi Schiff, David Coulthard and Jolie, offering insight, reaction and behind-the-scenes access to Formula 1.

David Coulthard said: “Together I believe we can provide insights to the world of Formula 1 and answer the questions that the race fans want answered.”

Produced by Global Studios, Up To Speed has reached one million downloads since launching in February, alongside strong engagement across social platforms.

A new study suggests advertisers can increase campaign returns by allocating more budget to audio.

Radiocentre has published findings from High Gain Audio, an ROI analysis by WPP Media, showing how Multiplatform Audio can improve overall campaign performance when used more prominently in media plans.

The report finds that allocating 25% of total media spend to audio delivers the strongest uplift, with overall campaign ROI 9% higher than campaigns without audio in the mix.

Multiplatform Audio includes both broadcast radio and digital formats such as podcasts, streaming and connected listening.

It also sets out how advertisers should divide investment between broadcast radio and digital audio. The data indicates digital formats work most effectively when supporting radio, rather than replacing it, to achieve the strongest outcomes.

Radiocentre’s Planning Director, Mark Barber, said: “Multiplatform Audio offers an opportunity to significantly amplify campaign ROI, with the maximum advantage attained when audio is allocated 25% of total media budget.

“We anticipate this robust deep-dive analysis, and the related planning guidance will encourage advertisers to consider investing more ambitiously in Multiplatform Audio to unlock its powerful ROI benefits.”

WPP Media Analytics’ Managing Partner, Ffion Turner, added: “Audio remains one of the most effective yet often untapped channels for driving advertiser profit.

“In an increasingly fragmented media landscape, audio offers advertisers a clear and proven way to amplify overall campaign effectiveness.”

Alongside the report, Radiocentre has launched the Commercial Audio Audience Analyser, giving advertisers access to listening data by format, age and gender to support planning decisions.

The full report can be found here.

Community radio has gained national recognition after Rebecca Steers was Highly Commended at a major university alumni awards ceremony.

Rebecca, a graduate of Anglia Ruskin University, was acknowledged in the Alumni Contribution to Culture category for nearly two decades of work supporting and developing the UK community radio sector.

The honour was presented at the university’s Chelmsford campus, celebrating graduates making an impact across culture and society. Rebecca began her radio journey as a student, later helping secure a community licence for CUR1350, now Cam FM, while serving as station manager.

Since then, she has founded and co-founded several sector initiatives including Scout Radio, the Community Radio Awards and the UK Community Radio Network.

Through the network, Rebecca has supported collaboration between stations and represented the sector in discussions with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on funding, regulation and the role of volunteer-led broadcasting.

Professor Roderick Watkins said: “It was a great pleasure to welcome back so many of our outstanding alumni and celebrate their impact both in the workplace and in the communities they serve.”

Rebecca said: “Community radio has shaped my entire career… it really reflects the collective effort of community broadcasters across the UK.”

The recognition highlights the growing influence of community radio within the wider media landscape, with Rebecca’s work spanning local station management, national coordination and youth engagement.

Alex Dyke is back on local radio with a new weekend show on Isle of Wight Radio Retro.

The presenter will host Bubble Gum and Cheese every Saturday and Sunday from 10am, forming part of the launch schedule for the new sister station to Isle of Wight Radio.

The service will focus on music from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, alongside a lineup of presenters already known to Island listeners.

Weekday output includes Jenni Costello on breakfast, while Nick Osborne takes on afternoons with his Drive Home programme, featuring a regular Dinnertime Disco segment. Evenings continue with The Nightshift from 10pm, centred on soul and funk.

At weekends, Andy Knight will host the morning show, with Mark Dodson presenting The Rewind on Sunday evenings.

Alongside its music output, the station will carry local news, travel updates and information about events across the Isle of Wight.

The launch marks an expansion of the Isle of Wight Radio brand, adding a dedicated retro format while maintaining a strong focus on local content and familiar voices.

Podcast! RadioToday’s Stuart Clarkson finds out about the upcoming launch of Track Radio in the latest edition of the RadioToday Programme.

On this episode we speak to Track Radio’s CEO Iain Macintosh as the station prepares to launch a new sports and music radio station on 4th May.

Plus Roy and Stu talk through some of the bigger radio industry stories since our last podcast in March, including the big news about Fleet Services removing the Scott Mills Bridge plaque.

The NAB Radio Show is underway in Las Vegas and once again British companies and executives are playing a visible role as the global media and broadcast industry gathers for its flagship annual event.

Running from April 18 to 22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the show brings together more than 60,000 professionals, with around 1,900 exhibitors and hundreds of speakers showcasing the latest developments in AI, streaming, cloud production and audio.

Among those flying the flag for UK radio and audio are Aiir, Broadcast Bionics, Broadcast Radio, BW Broadcast, Glensound, RadioDNS, Radioplayer, and Sonifex all exhibiting their platforms to an international audience of broadcasters and technology buyers.

International software company and RadioToday site sponsor RCS also has a large presence in the central hall.

These companies reflect the UK’s strength in software-led broadcasting, particularly in areas such as cloud playout, AI-driven production tools, speech recognition and dynamic ad insertion.

On the conference side, UK voices are also contributing to the programme with hundreds of sessions covering everything from artificial intelligence and creator tools to broadcast infrastructure and monetisation strategies, highlighting how the industry is rapidly evolving.

For radio, the presence of British firms is particularly notable in the shift towards hybrid distribution, streaming integration and cloud-based workflows. Radioplayer continues its push into connected car platforms globally, while Aiir, Bionics, Broadcast Radio and RCS are showcasing tools designed to modernise station operations and digital output.

The NAB Show itself has evolved into a platform that extends far beyond traditional broadcasting, bringing together broadcasters, creators and technology companies at scale. Organisers say this year’s programme reflects rapid change across the industry, with artificial intelligence, the creator economy and cloud transformation dominating the agenda.

Among the high-profile speakers is Jonathan Liu, CEO of Zhong, who joins the programme to discuss how digital creators are building global media businesses. His session, focused on scaling creator-led brands, reflects the growing convergence between traditional media and online platforms.

Other speakers include figures from sport, television and digital media, covering topics ranging from streaming and monetisation to content production and audience engagement.

More than 550 sessions are taking place across 11 stages, alongside expanded areas such as the Creator Lab and dedicated AI pavilions, as the event doubles down on emerging technologies shaping the future of content.

A reimagined TV and radio hub is also part of this year’s show floor, giving audio broadcasters a stronger presence within the wider media ecosystem.

With attendees from more than 18,000 organisations and a growing international presence, the event continues to act as a global marketplace for ideas, technology and business across broadcasting and beyond.

See more at NABShow.com.

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