Former BBC Radio 1 presenter Andy Kershaw has died aged 66 after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

His family confirmed he died at around 7.30pm on Thursday, following a diagnosis announced in January that also left him unable to walk.

Andy spent 15 years at BBC Radio 1 from 1985, and went on to reporting for BBC Radio 4, covering both music and major global events including the 1994 Rwanda genocide, and later contributed to BBC Radio 3.

He also appeared on television, presenting The Old Grey Whistle Test and contributing to BBC coverage of Live Aid in 1985.

Born in Rochdale in 1959, Andy began his career at Radio Aire in Leeds before moving into national broadcasting. His later work included the Radio 3 series Music Planet, which explored music recorded in remote locations around the world.

Reflecting his approach to broadcasting, he once said: “We’re not here to give the public what it wants. We’re here to give the public what it didn’t know it wanted”.

Bauer has appointed James Pllu as Content Director for Planet Rock and Kerrang! Radio, where he was previously Head of Content for both brands.

Gary Stein, Bauer Media Audio UK’s Director of Audio said: “James brings a strong track record across the team, a deep understanding of both brands, and real clarity on where we can take them.

“He has great instincts on content, audience and talent, and has already played an important role in shaping the output across both networks.”

Current Content Director Ric Blaxill will be moving into a consultancy role for Bauer Media Audio’s specialist brands from 1st May and will continue to work closely with both stations.

Gary Stein added: “Ric’s experience and input will remain really important to both brands, and Bauer Media Audio as a business, as we move forward.

“He will be supporting and advising across our specialist stations, helping shape longer term creative and strategic direction. I’m delighted we get to retain his vital experience, taste and perspective as we look to the future.”

Radio 1 Dance is introducing a weekly chart show and updating its daytime schedule.

From Monday 20 April, The Official Radio 1 Dance Chart will air each week from 11.30am to 12pm, hosted by Arielle Free. The programme will count down the UK’s Top 20 dance tracks, based on sales and streaming data compiled by the Official Charts Company.

Arielle already presents Radio 1 Dance Morning and Radio 1’s Rave Up Show and will add the new chart programme to her regular output on the station.

Matty Chiabi is also joining the daytime line-up, taking on the Radio 1 Dance Playlist show. The programme airs daily from 6am to 9am and again from 12pm to 3pm.

She replaces Connor Coates, who remains involved with the station. Matty previously appeared during Radio 1’s Christmas Presenter Takeover in 2021 and has since hosted Early Breakfast and a show on Capital Dance.

Charlie Tee will join later in the schedule refresh, hosting Radio 1 Dance Party Starters from Saturday to Thursday between 3pm and 4pm. Her first show is set for Monday 1st June. Charlie is already known to Radio 1 listeners through the Drum and Bass Show.

Aled Haydn Jones said: “With the launch of The Official Radio 1 Dance Chart and a daytime schedule fronted by an all-female line-up, I’m proud to keep bringing the very best dance music to our listeners.”

Maxxwave has stepped in to keep the High Peak small-scale DAB multiplex on air after financial pressures put its future at risk.

The company has taken over operation from High Peak One Digital Ltd, bringing new infrastructure and long-term plans to stabilise and expand coverage across Glossop, Buxton and surrounding areas.

The multiplex had been struggling in a challenging rural landscape, where mountainous terrain requires multiple transmission sites and increases operating costs. Expectations that early small-scale DAB licences would quickly fill with services have not been met in this area.

Maxxwave says its existing transmission sites and lower-cost approach to network design will allow it to improve viability. The company already operates infrastructure at high elevation points and plans to use additional low-power transmitters to strengthen coverage in key towns.

The move comes as concerns grow about limited radio choice across the Peak District. Some areas receive no national or local DAB services, and with BBC Radio 4 LW closing later this year, gaps in access are expected to widen.

Samuel Hunt, Director of Maxxwave Ltd, said: “With Radio 4 long wave now confirmed to be closing, some parts of the Peak District are about to lose their only reliable radio service. These are the areas that we are keen to expand to and help.

“The Peak District receives 13 million visitors a year, yet it’s been left behind by digital radio. We’re determined to change that.”

Craig Pattison from High Peak One Digital added: Having won the licence in round two, it’s been a privilege to offer extra DAB Services across the High Peak, an area that until I was granted the licence has had very little in DAB Radio coverage.

Maxxwave will now take this to a whole new level with new services already appearing on the multiplex. Which will add a greater listener experience in the High Peak.”

BBC Radio 4 long wave service will close later this year after confirmation of shutdown plans for the 198 frequency.

In an update on it’s website yesterday, the BBC said listeners will be given at least two months’ notice before the service ends, alongside daily on-air reminders aimed at helping audiences move to FM, DAB and other platforms for BBC Radio 4 content.

According to the corporation, the long wave transmission system, operated by an external provider, is reaching the end of its operational life; while listening habits have shifted towards FM and DAB services in recent years.

It adds that continued investment in upgrading the infrastructure is not considered cost effective for licence fee funded broadcasting.

The BBC will also publish guidance through its website and helpline to support listeners in finding alternative ways to access Radio 4 programming once long wave transmissions cease.

Separate information is being provided for users of older electricity meters that rely on the Radio Teleswitching Service carried via the long wave signal.

The BBC says this system is managed by the energy industry rather than the broadcaster, and customers should contact their energy supplier or relevant regulator for advice on upgrades or replacement.

KISS is reshaping its schedule with presenter changes across its main station and digital brands.

Rio Fredrika will take over weekend evenings with Friday and Saturday Night KISS from 7pm to 11pm, starting on Friday 17th April, while also hosting weekday afternoons on KISS Dance.

Rio said: “Such an exciting new chapter which I’m buzzing about! The energy is recharged & ready to go. So, let’s do this!”

Majestic will move from KISS to KISS Dance, presenting a new Friday and Saturday night show from 7pm to 9pm as part of the updated line-up.

Talina is also joining KISS Dance from Rinse FM, bringing her experience in electronic and club music to the station’s output.

Paul Gerrard, Content Director at KISS, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Rio and Talina to the KISS team. Both bring undeniable authenticity and authority to the airwaves.”

KISS Xtra is introducing new weekend programming, with Sir DJ Corey hosting Friday evenings from 7pm and Larizzle joining Saturday nights from 9pm with a mix of Afro House and global electronic sounds.

The changes coincide with a wider update for the brand, alongside expanded DAB distribution for KISS Dance and KISS Xtra in Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester.

Paul added: “This rollout highlights our commitment too, and belief in, both these brands.”

The BBC Radio 2 Book Club has unveiled its first award shortlist, with the winner to be named at the British Book Awards in May.

Sara Cox revealed the eight shortlisted titles on her weekday Radio 2 Teatime programme, marking the launch of a new prize created in partnership with British Book Awards.

The shortlist has been selected by librarians from across the UK, drawing on titles featured on the Radio 2 Book Club during 2025. A final winner will be chosen by a panel including librarians representing each UK nation, Radio 2 producers and a representative from The Reading Agency.

The award will be presented on 11 May at Grosvenor House in London, with the winning author also set to appear on the Radio 2 Book Club podcast.

Shortlisted titles include works by Alexandra Bell, Taylor Jenkins Reid, R.F. Kuang, Asia Mackay, Ross Montgomery, Roisin O’Donnell, Laura Shepherd-Robinson and Nussaibah Younis.

Sara said: “I’m chuffed to bits to be launching the Radio 2 Book Club Award! As an author myself – I know how important British Book Awards are to the whole industry.”

The new category adds a Radio 2 presence to the awards ceremony, linking the station’s book content with the wider publishing sector.

Up to 2,000 roles are set to go at the BBC as it looks to close a widening gap between costs and income.

The corporation says it must find an extra £500 million in savings over the next two years, on top of existing cost-cutting plans, from a total annual operating budget of £5 billion.

In a message to staff, Rhodri Talfan Davies said the organisation is under sustained financial pressure from high production costs, a constrained licence fee, and wider economic conditions.

Immediate measures include tighter controls on recruitment and travel, reduced use of management consultants, and cuts to spending on conferences, awards and events.

Divisions across the BBC are now working on plans for the 2027/28 financial year, including identifying duplication, stopping some activity, and prioritising content and services with the greatest audience impact.

Rhodri said: “We anticipate that the overall number of jobs will fall by 1,800–2,000… we wanted to be open about the challenge.”

Further detail on how individual divisions will be affected is expected by September, with the majority of savings scheduled to take effect from 2027 onwards.

The latest move follows a series of restructuring programmes across the BBC in recent years, as it continues to adapt to changing audience habits and financial pressures.

Boom Radio will create a full day of 1966 music and memories to mark the anniversary of England’s World Cup final win.

The station is launching a pop-up service called Boom 66 on 30 July. It will focus on the year of the tournament victory at Wembley.

Garry Richardson will host a lunchtime special with guests including Harry Redknapp, who played with England World Cup winners Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.

Richardson will also speak to former England cricket captain Graham Gooch about playing football with Moore, and Des Lynam will join the programme.

All music played throughout the day will come from 1966. Members of the Boom team will share their own recollections of life at that time.

Graham Dene will remember being at Wembley for the final. David Hamilton will discuss his time as matchday announcer at Craven Cottage and playing in celebrity matches with members of the 1966 squad.

Roger Day will mark both his love of football and his radio debut that year on the pirate station Swinging Radio England.

A special programme will come from Ron O’Quinn, who helped launch that offshore station and accompanied the Beatles on their 1966 US tour. News bulletins will replay stories from exactly 60 years ago.

Rich Williams, who announced his departure from Virgin Radio last week after seven years, is joining Bauer to host various shifts at Absolute Radio.

He’s joining the Dave Berry Breakfast Show as its new sports newsreader, and will also host the mid-morning show on Absolute Radio 00s.

Current Noughties mid-morning host Ben Coley will move to Absolute Radio 10s as the station expands its decade offering.

Ben will be joined by another new recruit to the Absolute Radio family – Olivia Jones. She’ll start a new afternoon show from Tuesday 5th May (1-4pm).

Rich Williams said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Dave on the Breakfast Show. I’ve been a fan for a long time, so to now be part of it is ace.”

Paul Sylvester, Content Director for Absolute Radio and Magic Radio said: “2026 is going to be another massive year for sport and we’re delighted that Rich will be joining us to deliver the sports bulletins as well as contributing to the Breakfast Show. He’s a great team player and his warmth and charm made him a perfect choice to join the Breakfast show alongside Dave Berry, Matt Dyson and Andrea Fox.”

Paul Sylvester added: “We’re so excited to have Olivia join the Absolute Radio family. She’s a smart, sharp, funny broadcaster who loves the music we play and she’s going to be a brilliant addition to the team.”

I’m leaving Virgin Radio!
After 7 years, it’s time to move on.
Bloody loved being part of Virgin… an amazing set of stations with superb people. The radio journey DOES continue somewhere new and big… and I’m VERY excited to tell you all about that in the next few days! pic.twitter.com/GoIHbaD004

— Rich Williams (@itsrichwilliams) April 8, 2026

Global and iHeartPodcasts will again take the top sponsorship roles at The Podcast Show London in May.

The two companies are returning as headline partners for TPS26, giving the event another high profile link with two of the biggest commercial podcast businesses in the market.

Global will use the festival to highlight Global Studios, its new podcast and digital division built around creating, growing and monetising shows across audio, video and social platforms. Alongside iHeartPodcasts, it will also co sponsor the Origin Theatre and run sessions, branding and on site activations during the two day event.

The Podcast Show said the partnership reflects the mix of businesses now shaping podcasting, from talent and storytelling to distribution and commercial growth.

Joe Copeman, Director of Commercial at Global Studios, said the company’s presence at the event underlines its “commitment to the future and growth of the industry”.

Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts, said the London event has become “an essential moment for the podcast industry”, adding that it shows “how powerful podcasting can be”.

The Podcast Show takes place in London on 20 and 21 May 2026, with organisers saying this year’s programme will include 150 hours of content, more than 100 companies and 10,000 attendees from 60 countries.

A new technical network is underpinning Total Sense Media’s move into small-scale DAB across the south coast.

The company, which is behind Isle of Wight Radio and More Radio Sussex, says its long-term infrastructure upgrades are central to maintaining reliable output as it expands digital coverage.

As a key funder of the Wight Digital Radio multiplex, Isle of Wight Radio is now supported by a multi-site system designed to prevent interruptions.

The StudioNet network provides high-capacity links between locations, with automatic failover in place if a primary connection drops.

This approach is intended to avoid off air disruption and protect commercial delivery across both FM and digital services. It also supports wider operations across the group, including ongoing development work in Sussex.

When the Sussex studio moved location, technical checks were carried out in advance to confirm the site could meet broadcast requirements. The same network design has been used to ensure continuity during and after the transition.

David Cunningham, Group Operations Director at Total Sense Media, said: “I really appreciate working with a team who totally get it; their understanding of radio networks is second to none. In the fast-paced media sector, broadcast infrastructure is the backbone of the business.”

STV Radio is marking its first 100 days on air with a run of high-profile guests on its Breakfast show.

Ewen Cameron and Cat Harvey will host a series of special programmes featuring well-known Scottish names, as the station reaches the milestone on Wednesday 15th April.

On Tuesday 14th April singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald joins the show for an interview and live performance.

Later in the week, Andrew Agnew, known to many as PC Plum from Balamory, will appear to discuss the return of the children’s programme, while Hue and Cry will visit ahead of their UK tour.

The following week includes appearances from Richard Gadd, speaking after his Primetime Emmy win, and Peter Capaldi, who will join alongside Elaine Collins to talk about their latest television project. Michelle McManus will also perform her single All This Time on Friday 24th April.

Ewen said: “We’ve had an incredible time over the last 100 days building Scotland’s new national radio station from the ground up, and to have so many Scottish stars joining us to celebrate STV Radio’s first wee milestone is going to be absolutely epic.”

Cat added: “It’s our wonderful listeners who have made these first 100 days so special, and I’m chuffed that we’ll have more great celebs joining our crazy breakfast crew in the next few weeks.”

BFBS Radio will provide on-location coverage and updates throughout the 2026 Inter Services Rugby Championship, supporting its wider broadcast partnership with the event.

The station will deliver matchday reports, interviews and behind the scenes content from across the competition, ensuring service personnel and listeners worldwide can stay connected to the fixtures as they happen.

BFBS returns as the official broadcast partner for this year’s championship, with full live streaming of all six men’s and women’s games also available through its Forces News coverage.

Across BFBS Radio, audiences will hear regular updates from the grounds, alongside opportunities to win tickets through on-air competitions, extending engagement beyond the live matches.

The Inter Services Rugby Championship brings together the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, with fixtures taking place across April and May.

Coverage includes the Army v Navy match at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, where former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers will again present live output for a fourth year.

He will be joined by a team including Rocky Clark, Rachael Burford, Charlie Maxwell, Will Reeve, Matt Bowden, Justin Coleman, Simon Ward and Simon Hunter.

Lisa Mitchell, BFBS Director of Editorial Content, said: “BFBS really is the home of military sport. No-one knows the players and the rivalry better than our sports reporters.

“We are proud to be able to bring the live action of the Inter Service Championship 2026 to British service personnel all over the world and lovers of rugby anywhere.”

Matches begin on 18th April in Northampton, followed by fixtures in London and Gloucestershire.

KISS is rolling out a major new brand identity across broadcast, social, events and marketing, and RadioToday has your first look at the new logo.

Bauer Media Audio UK says the move is designed to support growth across audio and digital platforms, with a sharper focus on how younger audiences listen, watch and scroll.

The new look has been developed with NOT Wieden+Kennedy London and is now being introduced in phases, including an outdoor advertising campaign.

Bauer says the updated identity builds on 40 years of KISS and puts music, mood, audience and content at the centre of the brand.

The station says the rebrand is aimed at creating a stronger and more consistent presence across platforms, with content spanning dance, R&B, entertainment, sport, gaming, fashion and beauty.

The current KISS logo with blocked “K” was introduced 20 years ago, and before that it used a heart symbol by reversing the second S in the word KISS.

Prior to that change, it had the same logo since it launched in the 1980s. See Logopedia for the details.

Anne-Marie Lavan, Chief Marketing Officer at Bauer Media Audio UK, said the station was “taking that to the next level” and creating something “more distinctive, more consistent”.

Bauer said the refreshed identity is intended to help KISS show up differently across feeds and airwaves, while opening up more opportunities for audiences and advertisers to connect with the brand.

GB News Breakfast will have a stand in presenter this week after Eamonn Holmes suffered a stroke.

A statement from GB News said Eamonn was taken ill last week and it was later confirmed he had suffered a stroke. The broadcaster said he is in hospital and responding well to treatment.

Eamonn had been due to return to GB News Breakfast next week. He co hosts the programme from Monday to Wednesday with Ellie Costello, but Alex Armstrong will present in his absence this week.

GB News said Eamonn has asked for privacy while he focuses on getting better. The statement added that his colleagues are looking forward to welcoming him back when he is ready to return.

Chief executive Angelos Frangopoulos also commented on his colleague’s illness, saying: “Eamonn is a loved member of the GB News family”.

The statement ends with a request from Eamonn and his family for their privacy to be strictly observed at this time. It asks that neither Eamonn nor any member of his family is contacted by any means, including through social media.

Denise Van Outen will co-host a one off Gaydio Breakfast show alongside regular host Dave Cooper next Friday.

The Gaydio Big Breakfast special airs on Friday 17th April from 7am to 10am, bringing Denise back to a format closely linked to her early TV career on Channel 4.

Denise first appeared on The Big Breakfast in September 1996, initially presenting weather and traffic before moving into a main presenting role in 1997. She later formed a well-known on screen partnership with Johnny Vaughan during a key period for the programme.

On Gaydio, Denise joins Dave Cooper for three hours of live radio, featuring the first play of her new single In The Evening, along with guest appearances and references to classic breakfast television moments.

Denise said: “It’s no secret how much I love The Big Breakfast, so I’m thrilled to be co-hosting the Gaydio breakfast show alongside Dave on Friday 17th April.”

Dave said: “Denise is the perfect person for this! She’s breakfast TV royalty, she’s had an incredible career across both stage and screen, and she’s always had such a genuine, longstanding connection with the LGBTQ+ community.”

Local Radio Day 2026 is set to take place on Friday 29th May under the national theme, Showcase & Shine.

Organised by Sound Vision CIO, Local Radio Day 2026 will centre on this year’s theme to encourage stations to highlight their work and impact within their communities.

The initiative brings together stations and organisations to demonstrate how local radio continues to serve audiences through trusted news, community participation and skills development.

It also reflects priorities set out in the Government’s Local Media Action Plan, particularly around inclusion and public value.

Stations are being invited to share examples of innovation, community engagement and training, alongside stories that show how local broadcasting supports individuals and organisations.

Activities may include special programming, opening studios to listeners or showcasing volunteers and partnerships.

Support for the event comes from sector bodies including the Community Media Association and Local Radio Support.

Phil England from Local Radio Support said: “Anything that champions the great work by stations with a local focus up and down the UK is a good thing; Local Radio Day does just that.”

Sound Vision has coordinated the day since 2019 as part of its wider work in arts, media and communications.

Chief executive Dom Chambers said: “With local radio thriving in the UK, now is the time to spotlight this often-overlooked cornerstone of the audio broadcast industry.”

Further information and registration details are available on the event website – localradioday.com.

Listeners on the Isle of Wight will gain access to more local radio stations as a new small-scale DAB multiplex begins rollout from 18th April.

The service from Wight Digital Radio is expected to reach around 80% of the island’s population at launch, with plans to expand coverage further as additional funding becomes available over time.

Wight Digital Radio is a Community Interest Company formed through a partnership between Isle of Wight Radio and Vectis Radio, aiming to support the long-term future of local broadcasting.

Eight stations will be available initially, covering community, specialist and commercial output. These include Isle of Wight Radio, Isle of Wight Radio Retro, Vectis Radio, Angel Isle of Wight, Outreach Radio, Swinging 60’s, Our Island Radio and Heritage Chart Radio.

Kelvin Currie from Vectis Radio said: “It’s great that we will be able to secure the digital future of some existing local stations and increase listener choice with some new stations.”

Claire John, Managing Director of Isle of Wight Radio, said: “We are delighted to have been a major funder for the multiplex which will benefit both our station and others. We hope to raise further funding to cover the whole of the island in due course.”

Wight Digital Radio is also inviting further services to join. Find out more by visiting wightdigitalradio.co.uk.

Radio and audio production companies are among those confirmed to speak at HARK Live in Manchester later this month.

HARK Collective has revealed the full line-up for its first event, with contributors from ACCENT, Audiomob, Distorted, Get Carter Productions, Humanise and Octave taking part.

The event takes place at voco Manchester on 29th April and is free to attend, bringing together agencies, brands and businesses working across digital audio advertising for a day of discussion and networking.

With a focus on ‘Know Your Audience’, the agenda will explore how advertisers can plan more effectively before production, develop creative that works across audio platforms, and better understand listener behaviour.

Sessions will also look at how audio campaigns can influence audiences and how brands can respond to changes in the wider media environment.

HARK Collective has been set up to connect those working in digital audio advertising, aiming to improve collaboration and create a stronger shared voice across the sector.

Roger Cutsforth, Co-Founder of audioadpro, said: “Bringing together this breadth of expertise under one roof reflects exactly what HARK is about. We want the delegates to leave our first event with fresh thinking, new connections and a real sense of what digital audio advertising can deliver.”

The event also marks the official launch of HARK Collective, positioning it as a new network for the industry.

More details and remaining seats can be found at harkcollective.org.

Frisk Radio has secured Flamingo Land as the new sponsor of its weekday breakfast show.

The agreement will see the North of England theme park feature across Frisk Breakfast with Andy & Steph, airing from 7am to 10am.

Integrated on-air branding and promotional activity designed to engage listeners will be included as part of the sponsorship.

Station Manager Danny Coucill said: “This is a hugely exciting partnership for us. Flamingo Land is a massive, recognisable brand with real heritage across the North, and to have them aligned with our Breakfast Show is a major step forward.”

He added it reflects both the growth of the show and wider opportunities for commercial partnerships at the station.

Hosts Andy & Steph said they were “thrilled to be supported by such an exciting attraction. Flamingo Land is such an iconic destination for people in the North. We’ve been going there since we were young, so to now partner with them is awesome.”

Track Radio has revealed its initial presenter line-up ahead of its launch on Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May.

The new digital station will combine sports discussion with music, broadcasting from central London studios.

Vassos Alexander will host the breakfast show, joined by Daily Mail sports reporter Charlotte Daly. Vassos has covered the Olympics and Premier League football, while Charlotte is a leading boxing correspondent.

Daytime and afternoon shows feature Sanny Rudravajhala and Sonja McLaughlan. Sanny, a familiar voice to 5 Live listeners, said: “We’ve got a great chance to elevate the conversation and have fun doing it.”

Sonja McLaughlan, one of the UK’s most respected rugby correspondents, added: “Radio is my first love… It’s hugely exciting and I can’t wait to get started.”

Drive Time will be presented by Mark Pougatch, known for fronting global sporting events at ITV Sport and his radio work at BBC Radio 5 Live. He said: “We are very determined to reach a sports audience that we don’t feel is catered for at the moment.”

Track Radio will broadcast initially weekdays from 7am to 7pm on London DAB and online, with plans to expand in future.

Programming will mix four to six speech segments per hour with seven to ten records, plus listener interaction, interviews, and news updates.

The station is owned by Track Record Corporation and led by Iain Macintosh, who said: “We want to celebrate the passion and energy that makes us all sports fans in a way that is welcoming, engaging, and credible.

“This is a top-class presenter team, and I am sure there will be plenty more to come as we grow, expand, and offer even more for fans and listeners.”

Five more areas will gain new digital radio services after Ofcom awarded additional small scale DAB multiplex licences today.

The regulator confirmed licences for NIDAB Limited in Ballymena, Barnsley Community Media, Barnsley, Maxxwave Limited in Lincoln, C.I. Broadcasting Limited for South West Fife and West Sussex Digital Radio Limited for South West Sussex, following a competitive application process assessing each bid against set criteria.

Ash Elford of West Sussex Digital Radio Ltd said: “Our group is delighted to have been awarded the South West Sussex DAB multiplex licence from Ofcom.

“As a group with roots in Sussex, and over 30 years of collective experience in the small scale DAB sector, we are looking forward to launching our multiplex later this year and bringing affordable broadcast opportunities to non-profit organizations and small business alike.”

More than 100 multiplexes have already launched across the UK, supporting a growing number of hyperlocal stations and broadening listener choice across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Each multiplex will now move towards launch, giving new and existing services the opportunity to broadcast digitally within their areas.

Nation Radio is moving all its services to a new streaming platform as part of a long-term deal with Arqiva.

The agreement will see the independent group migrate 33 stations to Arqiva’s cloud-based Audio Streaming platform, supporting around five million listening hours each month and up to one million targeted audio adverts daily.

The move is designed to support further growth across digital and broadcast, giving Nation the infrastructure to expand audiences and improve how listeners access its output on connected devices, including smart speakers.

Arqiva’s platform provides low-latency delivery and is built to handle spikes in demand, alongside real-time analytics that offer insight into listening behaviour and performance.

This is expected to give Nation greater control over distribution and monetisation as listening habits continue to shift.

The system also enables live broadcast audio to be clipped and published quickly to podcast platforms, extending the life of on-air content and widening reach beyond live listening.

Richard Johnston, Head of Commercial Radio at Arqiva, said: “This partnership is about supporting Nation Radio’s growth ambitions. By combining the reach of broadcast radio with high-quality digital streaming, we’re helping Nation build audiences, strengthen engagement and unlock new commercial opportunities across its services.”

Jason Bryant, Founder of Nation Radio added that the agreement provides “the reliability, insight and flexibility to grow our digital audience” while continuing to support broadcast reach.

Lyca Radio is extending its cultural coverage with expanded Vaisakhi programming and a renewed film festival partnership.

The station will broadcast live Shabad Gurbani as it partners Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend from 8th April to 19th April, marking its widest Sikh devotional output to date.

Daily coverage starts at 4am and will also be heard on Lyca Gold and Lyca Radio Midlands, with weekday morning programmes and longer weekend broadcasts reflecting the lead up to Vaisakhi.

Indi Singh Sall, Mukh Sevadar of the Gurdwara, said: “From 8th April, we will be broadcasting live from the Gurdwara, offering spiritual programmes, prayers and reflections in the lead-up to the celebration.”

CEO, Lyca Radio Network, Raj Baddhan said the initiative strengthens the network’s commitment to serving its audiences, adding that it allows the station to “fully reflect the spirit of Vaisakhi.”

Coverage will also include the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan across 18th and 19th April, both on-air and online.

Separately, Lyca Radio has again been confirmed as the official radio partner for the UK Asian Film Festival, which runs from 1st May to 10th May across multiple UK cities.

This year’s theme, Stories That Bind Us, focuses on connections across borders and generations, with screenings including opening film Ghost School and closing film Shadowbox at BFI Southbank.

Raj said it is “a pleasure to once again serve as the official radio partner,” highlighting the station’s continued support for cinema and storytelling.