Matthew Biggs’ final appearance on Gardeners’ Question Time will air on BBC Radio 4 during Mental Health Awareness Week.

The programme was recorded at The Serge Hill Project and marks Matthew’s last edition after more than 30 years on the show.

Matthew joined the panel in 1994 and has been living with cancer since 2020. He is now receiving palliative care after his illness entered its end stage.

The special edition features Matthew alongside presenters Peter Gibbs and Kathy Clugston, with panellists Pippa Greenwood, Christine Walkden and Anne Swithinbank.

Tom Stuart-Smith and Sue Stuart-Smith also appear in the programme, which explores gardening, wellbeing and mental health.

Mohit Bakaya, Controller of BBC Radio 4, said: “Everyone at Radio 4 is deeply grateful to Matthew for everything he has given to Gardeners’ Question Time over the years.”

He added: “This programme, recorded at The Serge Hill Project, feels like a fitting and moving way to celebrate his time with the show.”

During the broadcast, Matthew speaks about his diagnosis, treatment and the impact terminal illness has had on his mental and physical wellbeing. The programme was recorded with his wife Gill, daughters Chloe and Jessica, and members of the production team present.

Gardeners’ Question Time airs on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds at 3pm today, Friday 15 May.

Derby ONE has appointed Kirsty Corbett as the new presenter of Weekend Afternoons.

Kirsty will host the 12pm to 4pm slot every Saturday and Sunday, starting on Saturday 23 May.

She trained at the Erewash Sound Academy and has previously been heard on stations across Derbyshire. Alongside her broadcasting work, Kirsty also produces the Arts and Toast podcast, focusing on arts and culture across the region.

Her Sunday programme on Derby ONE will include interviews and content from the podcast, bringing local creative voices to the station’s weekend output.

Programme Director Dan Martin told RadioToday: “We are thrilled to welcome Kirsty to the team.”

He added: “I can’t wait for our local listeners at the weekend to get to know her great personality and hear her stories.”

Kirsty said joining the station was “a full circle, warm hug, kinda moment” after making Derbyshire her home nearly 20 years ago.

As part of the station’s updated weekend schedule, Chadders will move to Sundays from 4pm to 7pm.

Derby ONE launched in November 2025 and is available online, via smart speakers and through its mobile app. The station also plans to launch on DAB digital radio across Derby and surrounding areas.

This summer, the station will partner with events including The Ram Comedy Festival, DerbyVision and Echo Fest.

Laura Pittson is joining Boomerang Radio as the station prepares to expand on DAB+.

Laura was heard across Peterborough on Hereward FM in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including as part of the breakfast show.

She later presented Classic Gold breakfast with Tony Blackburn and is described by Boomerang Radio as his longest serving co-presenter on a breakfast show.

Chris Tibbles, Boomerang Breakfast presenter and Head of Programming, said the station is adding to its presenter line-up as it builds a team of familiar local voices.

He said: “I have worked hard to build up a strong family of presenters at Boomerang Radio.”

Paul Jackson is also joining the station, having previously worked with Chris at Lite FM in Peterborough and more recently broadcasting across Huntingdon and the Ouse Valley.

David Mortimer is joining too, with previous on-air work across Huntingdon, St Neots, Peterborough, Northamptonshire, Ely and Wales.

Boomerang Radio launched online in October 2025 before joining the Peterborough DAB+ multiplex in January.

It is now preparing to launch on the Cambridge multiplex in June, extending its coverage across Cambridgeshire.

More details are available here.

Manx Radio is facing a formal investigation into whether it is meeting speech content rules set out in its broadcasting licence.

The Isle of Man Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority has escalated the matter to its Compliance and Enforcement Section after months of discussions with the broadcaster failed to reach a resolution.

The regulator said complaints have been raised since late 2024 over the inclusion of the Manx Radio Gold service within the station’s overall output. CURA concluded the service is not separate enough from the main Manx Radio operation to require its own licence, meaning its programming must be included when assessing compliance with Manx Radio’s public service broadcasting obligations.

As the Island’s named public service broadcaster under the Communications Act 2021, Manx Radio is required to meet stricter speech content quotas than commercial rivals.

CURA said analysis carried out by the authority raised concerns that, when Manx Radio Gold programming is included, speech content falls below the 40% minimum required under the licence during certain periods.

The authority said it had shared its findings with Manx Radio in meetings and formal reports, while also inviting the broadcaster to propose remedies ahead of a future public consultation.

In the notice, CURA said: “There has been no progress towards resolving this matter and it appears the Authority and Manx Radio are now at an impasse.”

The regulator said the investigation will focus initially on speech content compliance but may expand if further issues emerge during the process.

Digital continues to grow in the latest RAJAR results, which also sees Commercial Radio extend its lead over the BBC and smart speakers account for almost 20% of all radio listening.

Across the UK, 50.6m adults, or 87% of the population tune in each week according to RAJAR for Q1, 2026.

Commercial radio is now accounting for 54.3 per cent of all radio listening compared with 43.4 per cent for the BBC – a difference of 7.91 million listeners .

Digital listening growth remains one of the biggest trends in the latest data, with online listening across all radio hitting a record 30.4 per cent share of total listening hours. That puts it comfortably ahead of traditional AM and FM listening, which now stands at 24 per cent.

For commercial radio specifically, online listening now represents almost a third of all listening hours at 32.9 per cent, up from 32.3 per cent a year earlier.

Smart speakers also continue to drive listening growth. Across all radio, listening through smart speakers now accounts for 18.8 per cent of total listening, up year-on-year from 17.6 per cent.

Commercial radio performs even more strongly on smart speakers, where they now deliver 21.8 per cent of listening hours, rising from 21.4 per cent last year and overtaking AM/FM listening, which has dropped to 19.1 per cent.

The figures further underline the continuing shift towards connected and on-demand listening, with broadcasters increasingly focusing on apps, streaming platforms and smart speaker distribution.

Observations

• LBC hits record 3.6 million listeners as speech radio booms during major news quarter
• Heart remaining the UK’s biggest commercial radio brand
• BBC Radio 1 Dance reached 505,000 listeners
• BBC Radio 1 Anthems attracted 433,000
• BBC Radio 3 Unwind launched with 388,000 listeners.
• BBC Radio 2 stays Britain’s most listened-to individual station with 12.6 million audience
• BBC Radio 2 Breakfast not affected by Scott’s exit as this happened at the end of Q1 – his last figures remained 6.4m
• KISS grows 15 per cent after relaunch as Bauer targets younger audiences
• 100FM in London recovering after Hits Radio rebrand –  up 29.4% year-on-year
• 105.8FM in London dropping with Greatest Hits Radio – down 39.1% year-on-year
• Times Radio posts fastest quarterly growth among national news stations
• talkSPORT grows audience ahead of FIFA World Cup coverage deal
• Weekly reach also hit a record 1.348 million listeners across the group’s stations.
• GB News celebrates its year-on-year growth putting them ahead of their rivals

National brands, locally

BBC Local, Greatest Hits Radio and Hits Radio all saw mixed results across their local services, while Capital’s local stations were mostly down in the latest RAJAR figures.

Across BBC Local Radio, 19 of the 37 measured stations increased their audience, with one unchanged and 17 down. The strongest performances included BBC Radio Wiltshire, up 31%, BBC Radio Leicester and BBC Three Counties Radio, both up 24%, and BBC Radio Tees, up 22%. BBC Radio Somerset saw the biggest notable fall, down 29%.

Greatest Hits Radio recorded increases at 24 of its 56 local stations, with three unchanged and 29 down. The best results included Greatest Hits Radio Cambridgeshire, up 47%, Greatest Hits Radio Northamptonshire, up 40%, and Greatest Hits Radio Berkshire and North Hampshire, up 37%.

Hits Radio had 18 stations up and 21 down across its 39 measured services. Hits Radio Berkshire and North Hampshire was up 52%, Hits Radio Cambridgeshire rose 41%, Hits Radio Oxfordshire increased 32%, and Hits Radio London was up 29%. Hits Radio Surrey and East Hampshire was down 35%.

Capital had the weakest set of local results among the major brands listed, with just one of its 17 stations up, two unchanged and 14 down.

Heart performed more strongly, with 14 of its 23 local stations up, two unchanged and seven down.

Smooth also recorded a positive local picture, with 12 of its 18 stations up and six down. Smooth Three Counties was up 47%, Smooth Thames Valley rose 31%, and Smooth North West and Wales was up 30%.

Overall, Smooth and Heart had the strongest balance of local station growth, while Capital saw the broadest decline. Greatest Hits Radio and Hits Radio both delivered standout individual increases, but with more stations down than up across each network.

BBC Radio

The BBC says it remains the UK’s biggest radio broadcaster, with the latest RAJAR figures showing 31.4 million people tune into its stations each week.

Overall BBC radio share increased to 43.4 per cent during the first quarter of 2026, while weekly reach stands at 54 per cent of the UK population.

The figures are also the first to include listening data for the BBC’s new DAB+ spin-off stations, launched last autumn. BBC Radio 1 Dance reached 505,000 listeners, BBC Radio 1 Anthems attracted 433,000 and BBC Radio 3 Unwind launched with 388,000 listeners.

BBC Radio 1 reported an overall brand reach of 8 million listeners aged 10 and over, with the main station itself reaching 7.66 million listeners.

Breakfast host Greg James continued as the UK’s biggest breakfast presenter for younger audiences, attracting 4.23 million listeners following his Comic Relief fundraising challenge earlier this year.

BBC Radio 2 remained the UK’s most listened-to individual station with 12.6 million weekly listeners. Vernon Kay also retained the title of the UK’s most listened-to radio programme, drawing 6.6 million listeners each week.

Speech stations performed strongly during a quarter dominated by major news stories and live sport. BBC Radio 4 increased quarter-on-quarter to 9.15 million listeners, while the Today programme grew four per cent to 5.79 million listeners.

BBC Radio 4 Extra also posted year-on-year and quarterly growth, reaching 1.59 million listeners.

BBC Radio 5 Live reached 5.4 million listeners during the quarter, while BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra climbed 56 per cent year-on-year to 907,000 listeners following a busy sporting schedule.

Music stations also posted gains. BBC Radio 3 increased 7.9 per cent quarter-on-quarter to 2.1 million listeners, while BBC Radio 6 Music, which won the Station of the Year award at last week’s Music Week awards, reached 2.6 million listeners, up 11 per cent on the previous quarter while Nick Grimshaw’s weekday Breakfast show attracted 1.26m listeners.

The BBC also reported growth for its local and national radio services, with almost 7.1 million listeners tuning into BBC Local Radio and Nations stations each week, up from 6.8 million previously. BBC World Service increased eight per cent quarter-on-quarter to 1.09 million listeners.

Beyond live radio, the corporation says BBC Sounds recorded 718 million plays between January and March, up five per cent year-on-year.

Head of Radio 2 Helen Thomas said Vernon Kay continues to host the UK’s most listened to radio programme, attracting 6.63 million listeners weekly. She also highlighted growing smart speaker listening, with one in five Radio 2 listeners now tuning in that way.

At BBC Radio 1, Head of Station Aled Haydn Jones said the network had increased its share of younger audiences and remained the UK’s leading youth station. He also praised Greg James for continuing to host the most listened to breakfast show among young listeners.

Global

Global gets 29 million weekly listeners, 279 million listening hours and a 27.7 per cent share of all radio listening this quarter.

The company says its brands continue to dominate commercial radio, with Heart remaining the UK’s biggest commercial radio brand on 12.5 million listeners a week.

Global also claims the top three commercial radio brands with Heart, Capital and Smooth Radio.

Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden added another 172,000 listeners during the quarter to reach 4.3 million weekly listeners.

Capital continues to outperform BBC Radio 1, according to Global, with 8.8 million listeners each week — around 1.4 million ahead of Radio 1. Capital Breakfast with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Siân Welby now reaches 2.8 million listeners and increased reach, hours and share both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter.

One of the quarter’s standout performers was LBC, which posted its highest ever audience with 3.6 million weekly listeners across the UK.

Global says major international news events helped drive growth, with LBC adding 148,000 listeners in the quarter. Breakfast host Nick Ferrari attracted more listeners for news and opinion programming, while James O’Brien celebrated his highest ever audience, reaching more than 1.5 million weekly listeners.

Elsewhere in the portfolio, Smooth Radio remains the UK’s third biggest commercial radio brand with more than 7.3 million listeners.

Radio X reaches 2.3 million listeners and increased hours and share year-on-year, while Classic FM continues as the UK’s biggest classical music brand with 4.4 million listeners.

Global also reported growth for Gold Radio, now reaching more than 1.6 million listeners weekly, while digital spin-off Classic FM Calm achieved a record audience of 386,000 listeners.

The Official Big Top 40 now attracts 1.6 million weekly listeners.

Group CEO Simon Pitts said the latest results reflected the continuing strength of Global’s brands, particularly LBC during a period dominated by major news stories, while Chief Content Officer James Rea said radio remains central to millions of people’s daily routines.

Bauer

KISS has bounced back in the latest RAJAR figures, with Bauer highlighting a 15 per cent quarterly increase for the main station following its relaunch and refreshed presenter line-up.

The station now reaches 1.5 million listeners a week, while KISS Breakfast with Tyler West and Chloe Burrows is up 12 per cent quarter-on-quarter after debuting earlier this year.

Across the wider KISS portfolio, KISSTORY climbed 6.1 per cent on the quarter to 1.8 million listeners, helping the overall KISS Network deliver 3.3 million weekly listeners.

The figures come as Bauer rolls out a major rebrand of KISS, alongside a high-profile marketing campaign across London aimed at younger audiences.

Elsewhere, Bauer says its stations continue to attract more than 22.1 million weekly listeners across owned and partner services.

The Hits Radio Portfolio, including Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio, now reaches 12.1 million listeners, or 14.1 million including partner stations.

The Greatest Hits Radio Network has 6.8 million listeners, while its decade spin-off stations attract another 1.3 million. Bauer also says Ken Bruce remains home to the UK’s most listened-to commercial radio show.

The Hits Radio Network reaches 6.5 million listeners following its ARIAS nomination for Network of the Year.

Rock brands also posted gains, with the Absolute Radio Network reaching 5.3 million listeners. The main Absolute Radio service increased to 2 million listeners, up 2.8 per cent year-on-year, while Absolute 80s now has 1.4 million listeners. Absolute Radio 00s was up 15 per cent year-on-year.

The Magic Radio Network delivers 3.4 million weekly listeners, with growth reported for both Magic Musicals and Magic Classical.

Among Bauer’s specialist stations, Planet Rock increased 7.8 per cent year-on-year to 1.1 million listeners, while Kerrang! Radio jumped 25 per cent year-on-year to 569,000 listeners.

Bauer says it now operates four of the UK’s top five digital commercial radio stations, including Absolute Radio and KISSTORY.

Simon Myciunka said the latest figures demonstrate audio’s continuing strength with audiences and advertisers, while Gary Stein said the KISS relaunch was designed to create a station that feels “energetic, relevant and genuinely connected” to listeners.

News Broadcasting

News has held onto its position as the UK’s most digital radio broadcaster, with 87 per cent of all listening now coming through digital platforms.

The latest RAJAR figures show the group, which includes talkSPORT, Times Radio, Talk and Virgin Radio UK, reaches 6.3 million listeners a week and delivers 45 million listening hours.

talkSPORT remained the company’s biggest brand with 3.6 million weekly listeners across the network, up 3.3 per cent on the quarter. The main talkSPORT service increased 1.6 per cent quarter-on-quarter to 3.3 million listeners.

talkSPORT2 posted one of the strongest gains in the portfolio, with listening hours up 15 per cent year-on-year to a record 1.6 million hours, while weekly reach climbed 19.3 per cent on the quarter to 549,000 listeners.

The network benefited from a busy football season, including Premier League managerial changes and extensive live coverage of the Cheltenham Festival, FA Cup and Carabao Cup Final. An interview with David Beckham also featured heavily during the quarter.

Times Radio was one of the quarter’s strongest performers, growing 11.4 per cent quarter-on-quarter to 604,000 weekly listeners, while listening hours rose 12 per cent to 5 million. News Broadcasting described it as the fastest-growing national news station during the period.

Meanwhile, Talk reported 6.1 million listening hours, up 41 per cent year-on-year, with weekly reach increasing 15.5 per cent to 560,000 listeners.

The Virgin Radio UK network reached 1.8 million listeners overall. Virgin Radio 80s saw listening hours rise 51.4 per cent year-on-year to 445,000 hours, while weekly reach increased 5.3 per cent to 277,000 listeners.

In Northern Ireland, U105 increased its reach by 8.6 per cent year-on-year to 228,000 listeners, delivering 1.85 million listening hours.

Scott Taunton said the latest figures reflected growing demand for digital-first audio and opinion-led content, particularly around major news events and live sport.

Nation

Nation Broadcasting has reported another record quarter in the latest RAJAR figures, with both listening hours and weekly reach climbing to new highs.

The broadcaster recorded 7.672 million listening hours across its portfolio during Q1 2026, remaining above the 7 million mark and increasing by almost 2 million hours compared with the same quarter last year.

Weekly reach also hit a record 1.348 million listeners across the group’s stations.

Founder Jason Bryant said growth had been helped by the addition of Nation 70s and Radio Exe to the RAJAR portfolio, adding that the company expects further gains as its national decade stations become more widely available on DAB.

Among the strongest performers was Nation Radio South, which increased reach by 28 per cent year-on-year.

Nation 80s added another 42,000 listeners during the quarter, while listening hours jumped 72 per cent quarter-on-quarter to 566,000 hours.

Nation 90s also posted strong growth, with listening hours increasing 48 per cent to 227,000 hours.

New arrival Nation 70s made its first appearance in the figures with more than 300,000 listening hours.

Nation says it remains the UK’s largest independent operator of local, regional and national commercial radio stations.

Independent Radio

Bloomberg Radio is up 36% from 81,000 to 110,000 weekly reach, Mi-Soul in London increased its weekly reach by 22%, adding 23,000 listeners, and KMFM Group is up 11%.

Boom Radio lost 56,000 listeners, taking it back down to 636,000 weekly reach. Boom Light was also down, heading under the ton to 80,000 from 102k last quarter.

Asian radio remains highly competitive in London, with both the Lyca Radio Network and Sunrise Radio Group claiming strong performances in the latest RAJAR figures.

Lyca Radio Network said its portfolio continues to perform well in the capital, with Lyca Gold now delivering longer listening hours than any other Asian commercial radio station in London. The station has also become the UK’s biggest Asian retro commercial service.

Raj Baddhan said the network was pleased with the continued consistency of Lyca Radio and hinted at more expansion, giveaways and partnerships in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Sunrise Radio Group says Sunrise Radio has retained its position as the UK’s biggest Asian commercial radio station.

Managing Director Tony Lit said the wider Sunrise portfolio also continued to grow, including Sunrise Hits and Sunrise Retro. Sunrise Retro, available on London DAB, increased its audience during the quarter, with further programming changes planned later this year.

The broadcaster has also expanded beyond traditional radio with the launch of The Sunrise Cornershop podcast, while marking 36 years on air with archive content and tributes shared online.

GB News Radio says it has recorded the fastest year-on-year audience growth of any UK network service. The station increased its weekly reach by 21% over the past year to 676,000 listeners, putting it ahead of Times Radio on 604,000 and Talk on 560,000 listeners during Q1 2026.

GB News Radio also outpaced some of its speech radio rivals on annual growth. Talk increased reach by 16% year-on-year, while LBC was up 6%. Times Radio was down 3% over the same period. Head of Programming Ben Briscoe said the figures showed more listeners were turning to the station for news, opinion and major story coverage, adding that the growth reflected the work of its journalism and production teams.

Finally, there are no major surprises around the rest of the remaining commercial and community radio stations in RAJAR from our observations so far.

You can see all of the latest figures in our easy to view charts at RadioToday.co.uk/rajar, and see more words over on websites by Matt Deegan and Adam Bowie.

Sandie Shaw will present a two hour Boom Radio programme on Bank Holiday Monday.

The singer has been given the freedom to choose songs which are personal to her, with the programme airing on May 25th at 8pm.

Sandie will talk about her early days “dancing her legs off” at Ilford Palais, as well as bluffing her way to see John Lennon.

The programme will also cover later moments in her life, including learning how to be chic and cool from Francoise Hardy and appearing on the Frankie Howerd TV show with Scott Walker from the Walker Brothers.

Sandie also speaks about women she admires, including Aretha Franklin, saying: “I just so respect that woman.”

She credits Patti Smith with helping her embrace a natural look, and Chrissie Hynde from the Pretenders with helping her come to terms with her musical past.

Music chosen by Sandie will include tracks from ABBA, Bryan Ferry, Bowie and John Lennon.

Registration has opened for IBC2026 ahead of the media and technology industry gathering in Amsterdam this September.

The four day event at the RAI Amsterdam from 11 to 14 September will bring together broadcasters, technology companies and production firms from more than 170 countries.

Organisers say this year’s event will focus on areas including AI, cyber security, cloud workflows, immersive experiences, sustainability and next generation production technology.

Future Tech, introduced in 2025, is being expanded by 30% for 2026 following increased exhibitor demand. The area in Hall 14 will include a new Start Up Zone featuring emerging companies, alongside the IBC Talent Programme, Hackfest and creator initiatives.

IBC is also introducing two new networking and collaboration features. IBC Exchange will host structured peer-led discussions in the Braindate Lounge, while IBC Connect aims to arrange meetings between exhibitors and senior decision makers.

The IBC Accelerator Media Innovation Programme will return to Future Tech, bringing together broadcasters, streamers and technology providers to work on collaborative projects. Google is returning as headline sponsor, with EIT Culture and Creativity joining as Innovation Partner.

Michael Crimp, Chief Executive Officer of IBC, said the event comes at “a defining moment for the global media and entertainment industry”.

Companies increasing their presence at the show include Avid, EVS, MediaKind, NEP and Vizrt, while more than 50 businesses will exhibit for the first time.

It’s free to visit and you can register here.

Mansfield 103.2 is under new local ownership after Paul Chadbourne and Nicola Chadbourne took over the station.

The independent commercial station has served Mansfield, Ashfield and Bolsover since 1 February 1999, with local presenters and advertising options for businesses across the area.

Paul and Nicola plan to grow the station while widening its commercial offer into video production, podcasts and social media. Paul has interests in other local stations including Rotherham Radio, Doncaster Radio and Derby One.

Paul Chadbourne, Managing Director, said: “We are a local business ourselves, and we’re here to help other local businesses grow.”

Tony Delahunty has left the role of Managing Director after 27 years with Mansfield 103.2, having first joined as temporary News and Sports Editor.

Tony said he leaves confident that Paul, Nicola, Programme Director Ian Watkins and the wider team will do “a brilliant job.”.

He added: “Thanks to everyone who made my careers master give me the advice ‘Delahunty your only chance is to surround yourself with people more talented than you’. It worked!”

New international research into in-car radio listening will be unveiled during WorldDAB Automotive 2026 in Frankfurt next month.

The event on 11 June will bring together broadcasters, car manufacturers and regulators to discuss the future of radio in connected vehicles, with a focus on prominence, discoverability and listening habits.

The new Car Buyer’s Research, conducted by Fifty5Blue, examines how drivers use audio in the car and what they expect from radio services. The findings will also explore how dashboard design, default settings and user experience influence listening behaviour.

Senior representatives from the automotive sector, the European Broadcasting Union, the Association of European Radios and WorldDAB are due to discuss the research during a panel session at the event.

The programme will also include updates on the Radio Ready initiative from Tomas Granryd and Bauer Media Group’s Tobias Nielsen, alongside sessions looking at DAB+ developments in Germany, Australia and Spain.

WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst said: “Radio’s role as a trusted, accessible and immediate medium is more important than ever.”

She added that the new research would provide “robust evidence for the automotive and policy communities on the continuing relevance of broadcast radio”.

Other sessions will focus on policy, media plurality and investment in broadcast infrastructure, including the launch of a new Public Policy Toolbox presented by David Fernández Quijada from South 180.

WorldDAB Automotive 2026 takes place in Frankfurt on 11 June and is free to attend.

Dana is presenting a Eurovision special on Boom Radio.

The 1970 winner will mark 70 years of the Eurovision Song Contest with a programme looking back at entries and winners from across its history.

The All Kinds of Everything singer will play music from the Swiss winner of the first Contest in 1956 through to Brotherhood of Man, ABBA, Johnny Logan, Sandie Shaw and Niamh Kavanagh.

Dana says Eurovision remains a platform where strong songs can still cut through. “Eurovision is a unique platform that gives a step up,” she said, adding that it gives writers and performers the chance to reach “a worldwide audience”.

She will also reflect on personal connections, including Johnny Logan, whom she has known since he was a teenager, and Sandie Shaw’s Puppet on a String, co-written by fellow Derry man Phil Coulter.

The programme airs on Boom Radio at 9pm on Thursday May 14th, during the week leading up to this year’s Eurovision final.

A allav vy kavos agas attendyans rag pymp mynysen may hylliv vy kewsel yn kever neppyth posek?

BBC Senior Head of Content Production for the West and South West Steph Marshall shares the story of a regional podcast for BBC Sounds with RadioToday.

Why am I writing to you in another language – or Kernewek, to be precise – you may ask? Well because, recently, Kernewek, the Cornish language, was upgraded to “top level protection” by the Government – alongside Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Welsh. But Kernewek is more than just a language to people in Cornwall – it’s a community, an identity, a way of belonging. 

That is why BBC Radio Cornwall has created the fantastic Learn Cornish podcast for BBC Sounds. Hosted by Cornish presenter Danni Diston, each episode explores Kernewek language and culture – as well as its significance in British life. The BBC has a duty to support the minority languages of the UK and no other broadcaster can do this at our level. That’s why we’re overjoyed to bring this latest podcast to listeners – why not give it a go – it’s great fun.

This sits alongside BBC Radio Cornwall’s other Kernewek offerings – such as news bulletins in Cornish on Fridays and “The Cornish Weather Word” at weekends. Brand new content to help primary school children learn Cornish will also be included on BBC Bitesize soon. Bitesize is the most trusted media brand amongst children, parents, and teachers. By supporting authentic language learning on the site, we’re ensuring this traditional and culturally important content remains accessible for children. 

But that’s not all – historic regional traditions, such as the flaming tar barrels in Ottery St Mary (Devon) or the Cheese-Rolling in Brockworth (Gloucestershire) were all livestreamed on BBC iPlayer last year and proved very popular. Unique events like this are steeped in local heritage – and only the BBC, and its local services in the community – can capture these centuries old celebrations. 

This May Bank Holiday we’ll be back following those mad enough to chase a wheel of cheese down the incredibly steep Coopers Hill. We’re also back with those – young and old – as they carry flaming tar barrels through the packed streets of Ottery St Mary in a tradition that probably goes as far back as the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. And we’ll chase the sun as it rises for the summer solstice around the country – culminating in the traditional celebrations at Stonehenge in Wiltshire. 

The West and South West are vibrant, creative places – full of distinct cultures, unique traditions, and a powerful sense of community. I was born here and I’ve worked and lived here most of my life. It’s my job is to lead the BBC’s local news and audio services here. I am fiercely passionate about how important it is for the BBC to showcase and celeberate our regions; to reflect the diverse views of people who live there and to make sure they get the chance to tell their stories! It’s why this mission is enshrined in the BBC’s very own Royal Charter.

BBC Local Radio stations in region also make some of the UK’s most exciting audio projects – like The LGBT Sport Podcast (BBC Radio Cornwall) and Sport’s Greatest Underdogs (BBC Radio Wiltshire and Gloucestershire). Award winning programmes like BBC iPlayer’s I Was There on the Salisbury Poisonings, The Sex Detectives from Bristol, and BBC Channel Islands’s coverage of the Blue Islands Airlines collapse – all show the power of trusted, local journalism from the area. 

This year’s nominations for BBC Local’s Make A Difference Awards has hit a record-breaking 16,000 across the UK – as we celebrate the homegrown heroes, and untold acts of courage and kindness from across the region. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the amazing stories from across Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Devon, and Cornwall. There won’t be a dry eye in the house. 

As we approach the BBC’s Royal Charter renewal, it’s vital to ensure that audiences get the impartial, local content and companionship that matters to them – on whatever platform they choose. This is something that only the BBC, as a public service broadcaster, can do. By reflecting communities, supporting minority languages, being a part of local life – the BBC can continue to provide value for all and tell your story wherever you are. 

Greatest Hits Radio is asking listeners to share songs that improve their mood as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

The Bauer Media station has partnered with the Mental Health Foundation for its Say It Through A Song campaign, encouraging audiences to submit tracks that bring them joy or positive feelings.

Listeners are being invited to send in their favourite songs through the Greatest Hits Radio website or by email ahead of the station’s Say It Through A Song Weekender, which begins on Friday 15 May.

The initiative will also feature contributions from presenters including Ken Bruce, Kate Thornton and Simon Mayo, who will share the music that lifts their own mood.

The station says the campaign is designed to encourage people to express emotions through music and highlight the positive impact songs can have on mental wellbeing.

Gary Stein, Director of Audio for Bauer Media Audio UK, said: “Audio, more than any other medium, has the power to connect, uplift and communicate.”

He added that the campaign would encourage listeners to “channel the music to help lift their mood, uplift others and express themselves”.

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday 11 May to Sunday 17 May across the UK.

Ocean City Radio in Plymouth has stopped broadcasting with immediate effect after rising operating costs and financial pressures linked to its DAB expansion.

In a statement to supporters and listeners, the station confirmed the service had closed and outlined the challenges faced by the volunteer-run broadcaster.

The station began life in 2018 as Radford Radio, operating from a converted caravan designed as a community radio hub. Around 30 volunteers joined the original project after a public meeting in Plymouth.

Following an earlier closure, the station relaunched as Ocean City Radio with new technology and a new website before later securing a DAB+ licence from Ofcom in 2023.

Station founder Stephen Anniss confirmed the Plymouth broadcaster had stopped operating, describing the project as “an epic journey” with both “highs and lows”.

The founder said the move onto DAB increased listening but also significantly raised costs through platform fees and music licensing payments to PPL and PRS.

He blamed the closure on “money, hackers and ruthlessness” and revealed the station had also been affected by identity theft linked to a hack on its bank account.

According to the statement, the incident prevented access to the station’s JustGiving account within 24 hours of the attack, meaning donations from supporters could not be transferred. It adds that annual copyright fees were “in the region of three and a half thousand pounds a year”, while DAB platform costs were around £3,000 before rent and overheads.

The station also struggled with volunteer availability and maintaining a consistent schedule as it attempted to grow advertising income.

The founder said: “Maybe, just maybe, had the station had full commitment from its team, we may have secured longevity of the station.”

Ocean City Radio thanked listeners, donors and supporters at the end of the statement following the closure announcement.

Tim Burgess is joining Virgin Radio UK to host a new Sunday evening music series exploring influential indie and alternative tracks.

The Charlatans frontman will present The Mixtape every Sunday from 6pm to 8pm for a 13 week run starting on 17 May.

The two hour programme will feature music from Tim Burgess’ personal collection alongside stories linked to the records and artists that shaped different eras of British guitar music.

The opening edition, titled Manchester Mixtape, will focus on the city’s late 1980s and early 1990s music scene which helped launch The Charlatans. Artists featured will include Buzzcocks, New Order, Stone Roses and Oasis, alongside acts influenced by the Manchester sound.

Future editions will move through Britpop and the indie rock revival of the 2000s, with the station promising a mix of music and memories from across several decades.

Tim said: “I’m really excited to be bringing my mixtapes to Virgin Radio UK and taking over Sunday nights at the station.”

Dennie Morris, Director of Audio at News Broadcasting, described Tim as “a true pioneer of British music” while welcoming him to the Virgin Radio line-up.

The Mixtape with Tim Burgess begins on Virgin Radio UK this Sunday evening.

KISS has launched a major rebrand centred around a new “Mischief Amplified” positioning across its radio, digital and social platforms.

The Bauer Media station says the new look reflects how younger audiences consume content across streaming, social media and podcasts, while building on KISS’s long-standing reputation for rule-breaking radio and entertainment.

Created with NOT W+K, the refreshed KISS logo takes inspiration from the phonetic “x” kiss sign-off commonly used in digital conversations. The new identity has been rolled out across all KISS sub-brands as part of a wider redesign aimed at creating a more unified digital-first presence.

The campaign was developed with Wieden+Kennedy London and includes outdoor advertising, social campaigns, podcast activity and partnerships with Spotify, Uber and Tinder.

Launch activity included advertising on the Flannels building on Oxford Street and a special installation at Vinegar Yard where people could listen to KISS Breakfast presenters Tyler West and Chloe Burrows.

A giant perspex studio mounted on a neon pink truck also travelled through London, with Tyler and Chloe broadcasting live before evening DJ sets from Switch Disco and Altego.

Anne-Marie Lavan, Chief Marketing Officer at Bauer Media Audio, said the rebrand marked “the beginning of an exciting new era for the brand”.

Anika Ramani from NOT Wieden+Kennedy said the redesign aimed to “fully embrace” the station’s mischievous identity through a flexible visual system designed for every platform.

BBC Radio 4 long wave will close on 27 June after years of uncertainty over the future of its 198 kHz service.

The BBC says daily on-air reminders will be broadcast to help listeners move to other ways of receiving Radio 4.

The closure is being blamed on the age of the long wave broadcast equipment, which the BBC says is reaching the end of its life.

The corporation says long wave is an older broadcasting technology, with listener numbers declining in recent years as more people use FM and DAB digital radio.

It said: “Radio 4’s Long Wave (LW) service will close on the 27th June 2026.”

The BBC says upgrading the long wave equipment is not considered cost effective for licence fee-funded services.

Guidance is being made available online and through the BBC helpline, including a factsheet on how to continue listening to Radio 4 after long wave closes.

The BBC has also reminded listeners that some older electricity meters use the Radio Teleswitching Service, which is carried within the long wave signal.

That service is run by the energy industry, not the BBC, and listeners with questions about RTS meters are being directed to their energy supplier or regulator.

Commercial radio could carry shorter and clearer consumer credit adverts under new proposals from the Financial Conduct Authority.

Radiocentre has welcomed the consultation, which looks at simplifying the rules around financial promotions and how representative credit examples are presented in advertising.

The trade body says the changes would make audio adverts easier for listeners to understand while reducing the amount of airtime taken up by detailed terms and conditions.

Radiocentre has worked with the FCA on the issue for several years. Confirmed industry guidance covering radio advertising was renewed at the start of this year.

Research submitted by Radiocentre last year found that simpler credit examples significantly improved listener recall. The study by Differentology suggested that clearer and more concise wording could increase recall by three to four times.

The FCA has set out proposals to simplify parts of its handbook dealing with financial promotions as part of a consultation launched on 29th April. It is inviting discussion on how its cost disclosure rules, including the presentation of representative credit examples in ads, could be amended to promote better consumer understanding.

Radiocentre chief executive Matt Payton said: “These proposals are a real step forward. All the evidence suggests that listeners would welcome the simplification of ads that feature consumer credit.”

He added that more suitable rules for audio advertising would benefit both listeners and advertisers.

AIR Radio has opened its new studios in Weymouth during celebrations marking the station’s fifteenth birthday.

The community radio station officially launched its new base at Jeffery House in Maiden Street during a special event attended by civic guests, advertisers and local representatives.

The service was previously based at a local school but all that changed last year and was in danger of closing until local businessman Jamie Lyones joined and spearheaded a new studio build.

The new AIR Studios were formally opened by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Professor Michael Dooley.

Guests at the launch included South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton, alongside the Mayor and invited supporters connected to the station and wider community.

AIR says it will now return to broadcasting live throughout the day, from the newly opened studios in Weymouth town centre.

Jamie Lyones told RadioToday it’s been a lot of hard work but the town deserves it.

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Smooth Country will provide broadcast coverage and sponsor the main stage at Country Calling Festival 2026.

The Global station has been confirmed as the official broadcast partner for the three day country music event in Chelmsford, Essex, taking place from 14 to 16 August.

As part of the agreement, Smooth Country will also become presenting sponsor of the festival’s main stage, The Outpost, where headline performances from Randy Houser and Parmalee will take place.

The partnership will see the station broadcast backstage interviews, digital content and behind the scenes coverage across the weekend, with content shared on radio and social media platforms.

Donna Zanetti from Country Calling said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Smooth Country as both our broadcast partner and presenting sponsor of The Outpost for 2026.”

Chris Chilvers from Global said: “As country music continues to grow, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect even more fans with the music we love.”

Country Calling 2026 will be the festival’s biggest edition so far, expanding to three days and introducing camping and glamping options for visitors.

More than 100 acts are expected to perform across six stages, with artists including James Johnston, Madeline Merlo, Tyler Rich, Twinnie, Janet Devlin and Jack Browning.

Organisers say the lineup will feature close to an even split of male and female artists. Families attending will also be able to access free child places for under 16s accompanied by a paying adult.

Alan Brazil has told listeners that a recent operation saved his life after being absent from his talkSPORT Breakfast Show for a few weeks.

In a message posted on social media today, Alan said: “Some of you will have noticed that I’ve not been around. I recently had a life-saving operation and I’m deeply grateful to the brilliant medical team who have looked after me.”

He said it would be some time before he was fully back to himself and that he is focusing on recovering in private.

Alan also thanked his family and those close to him for their support during his time away from the station.

He ended his update with a brief message to listeners: “I’ll see you all soon.”

Alan has hosted talkSPORT’s Breakfast Show for more than 25 years since the station launched.

pic.twitter.com/EkWWOhFMjh

— Alan Brazil (@alanbrazil) May 11, 2026

Podcast and audio companies will have their own business classification under the UK’s new SIC 2026 framework.

The change means podcasting and audio publishing will be formally recognised in the system used by government, lenders and support schemes to categorise businesses.

Until now, many companies in the sector have had to use broader classifications that did not reflect podcast production, publishing or other audio-led business models.

AudioUK, which played a key role in securing this change, says the new category, “Podcast and other audio publishing activities”, should help ensure the industry is measured more accurately and better understood across the wider economy.

The trade body worked with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Office for National Statistics and the BBC to secure the update.

AudioUK Chief Executive Chris Baughen said: “This is a major milestone for the UK podcast and audio industry.”

He said formal recognition would help validate the sector’s economic contribution and improve how audio businesses are represented across government and finance.

The SIC 2026 framework will be introduced in stages, with full adoption expected by 2031.

BBC Radio Tees presenter Dave Llewellyn has died aged 57 following a short illness.

Dave spent more than two decades presenting traffic and travel updates across the North East.

Originally from Fishburn in County Durham, Dave lived in Yarm with his wife Ange and daughter Amy.

He began his broadcasting career reporting traffic from a light aircraft above Teesside before moving into studio-based presenting and production roles.

Dave most recently worked as a producer at BBC Radio Tees, including on Gary Philipson’s daytime show. He also co presented a Sunday morning gardening show alongside Brigid Press.

His daughter Amy described him as “incredibly modest and generous” and said he always found time for “friends and strangers alike”.

Away from radio, Dave was involved in the local music scene as both a producer and performer. Amy said his “true talent shone through” while playing keyboards, synthesisers and bass.

BBC Radio Tees breakfast presenter Amy Oakden paid tribute on air on Friday morning and said the station would “never ever forget his iconic voice”.

A tribute to Dave has been published on BBC Sounds by BBC Radio Tees.

KISS has named Three Mobile as headline partner for KISS Ibiza across its summer events and broadcasts.

The partnership arrives as KISS continues its wider rebrand and shift towards a more connected audio and social offering, building on its heritage while targeting how audiences consume music and entertainment today.

Three Mobile will sponsor KISS Pool Party Live events in Ibiza from May to October, including Bank Holiday specials in May and August, alongside live broadcasts, on air takeovers and social content capturing Ibiza energy.

KISS Breakfast presenters Tyler West and Chloe Burrows will head to Ibiza to front promotions, while listeners can win trips to join the station and Three on the island.

Three is also sponsoring Tatum McGreal’s 1pm to 4pm show from April through to December across the KISS network.

Paul Gerrard, Content Director, Hits Radio and KISS Network, said: “This partnership comes at an incredibly exciting time for KISS following the recent rebrand.

“The collaboration reinforces KISS’s position at the forefront of music and entertainment, while showcasing Three Mobile’s commitment to delivering unique, immersive experiences for its customers.”

South Africa’s main commercial radio body has become the first African organisation to join the Radio Ready connected car campaign.

Founded by Bauer Media Group, European Broadcasting Union, BBC and several European broadcasters and radio groups, now the National Association of Broadcasters South Africa has joined the industry initiative.

This extends Radio Ready’s reach beyond Europe and Australia as connected car distribution becomes a bigger priority for broadcasters worldwide.

More than 23 broadcasters, industry groups and associations are now involved in the campaign, which launched in summer last year to support radio’s visibility and accessibility in connected vehicles.

The latest addition follows increased industry attention on in car listening after the Connected Journeys campaign for World Radio Day earlier this year. Connected car strategy was also widely discussed during sessions at Radiodays Europe.

Nadia Bulbulia, Executive Director of NAB South Africa, said: “NAB South Africa is proud to join the Radio Ready campaign as radio remains vital in Africa and the evolving media ecosystem.”

Nadia added that the organisation was encouraged by the opportunity to contribute “an African perspective” to discussions around in car radio, particularly as listening continues across both private vehicles and commuter taxis.

Tobias Nielsen, SVP Digital at Bauer Media Audio, said the campaign was helping bring the industry together to ensure radio remains simple to access in connected cars.

“Welcoming NAB South Africa is a particularly important milestone, marking our first partnership in Africa and reinforcing the global relevance of this work,” he added.

Take That will perform at Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard at Wembley Stadium on 6th June.

The group has been added to the line-up, joining artists including RAYE, Niall Horan, Calvin Harris, Fatboy Slim and Lola Young for the day long show in London.

Jordan North, Chris Stark and Siân Welby revealed the news on Capital Breakfast this morning, adding Take That ahead of the band’s upcoming stadium tour dates later this year.

The line up also includes Jason Derulo, Bebe Rexha, Robyn, Myles Smith, Stephen Sanchez, XG, Sekou, Sienna Spiro, December 10 and MEEK. Capital has also confirmed a Barclaycard Out of the Blue performance on the day.

Jordan, Chris and Siân said: “We’re thrilled to announce Take That are joining the line-up. We’re absolutely buzzing for this year’s Ball.”

Tickets for the event are available through Global Player. Organisers are urging fans not to purchase anything which they believe to be a ticket on an unauthorised resale site as this will not be valid for entry. Full details and T&Cs are available at capitalfm.com.