BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback has marked its 40th anniversary with a live broadcast from Belfast Central Library, hosted by William Crawley and joined by special guests.

The programme first aired on 8th September 1986 and has played a central role in daily debate across Northern Ireland ever since.

Over four decades, Talkback has covered a wide range of stories and adapted to changes in both local society and the wider world.

The show has had just four presenters in its history. Barry Cowan was the original host, followed by David Dunseith, who led the programme from 1989 to 2009. Wendy Austin then took over, before handing the role to William Crawley in 2014.

William described presenting Talkback as an extraordinary privilege, following in the footsteps of his predecessors. He said the programme is more than a heritage brand, calling it a living, evolving conversation that reflects the history of Northern Ireland.

William also spoke about his approach to the show, aiming to bring in voices from beyond Northern Ireland and to encourage honest conversations. He said he believes in the value of listening and talking as a way to a better future for society.

Cold Glass Productions has appointed Rebecca Frank and James Nelson to senior roles as the company enters its next phase of growth.

Rebecca becomes Client Director, bringing experience across production, editorial, content strategy and commercial growth, while James has been appointed Partnerships Director, strengthening the company’s senior team as it develops new entertainment franchises.

Rebecca was previously Daytime Editor and Head of Production at BBC Radio 1 before becoming Content Director for Bauer Media Group, where she oversaw strategy, commercial and talent strategy for KISS Network.

At Cold Glass, she will lead the relationship with Waitrose and help shape the next phase of Dish from Waitrose, while also building a team to work across new clients and partnerships.

James joins with experience in commercial strategy, brand partnerships and advertising. He was previously Brand Partnerships Director at JOE and Commercial Partnerships Director at 16NinetyTwo Sports Management, and most recently Controller of Agency and Client Sales at ITV.

He will initially develop commercial partnerships around Outsiding, the podcast featuring journalist Caitlin Moran and broadcaster and garden designer Adam Frost, before working on brand partnerships and new revenue streams across upcoming releases.

Cold Glass Productions CEO Ben Kerr said: “Bex joins us at a really exciting point in the growth of Cold Glass Productions. She will lead our relationship with Waitrose and help us shape the next phase of Dish.”

He added that James brings experience of working with producers, commercial teams and clients, with the company now looking for brand partners for upcoming shows and developing new formats in response to commercial briefs.

Rebecca said: “I’ve spent my career between great content and commercial ambition, and Cold Glass sit perfectly at that sweet spot.”

James said that he’s thrilled to join a business that is carving its own path in the entertainment landscape and producing some of the most effective brand work in the industry.

Arqiva has introduced a new brand identity as it expands its focus beyond broadcast distribution into broader technology and critical infrastructure services.

The refreshed identity, described as “Built for what’s critical”, is to reflect the company’s evolution and growing ambitions in media, utilities, and national infrastructure, the company says.

Arqiva continues to provide broadcast distribution and critical communications infrastructure, but now also offers managed media services, cloud and IP-enabled workflows, smart data services, and connectivity solutions.

Chief Executive Officer Shuja Khan said the new brand represents a business that is evolving alongside its customers. He explained that as technology changes the markets Arqiva serves, the company is combining infrastructure, connectivity, data, and operational expertise to help customers modernise.

The new brand is being rolled out across all Arqiva operations, digital channels, and customer communications from today.

Ofcom has found Stafford community station Vibe 1 in breach after it failed to provide requested recordings and programme information.

The regulator requested recordings and a programme schedule covering 15 to 21 June 2026 after receiving complaints that Vibe 1 had stopped broadcasting for an extended period and was not meeting its Key Commitments.

Vibe 1 told Ofcom it lost access to its Stafford Octagon studios on 18 June following bailiff action connected to a dispute with landlord New Beacon Group Ltd. Power and internet services were also disconnected.

The station said an unauthorised former presenter interfered with its playout system the following day. It subsequently regained access, but the requested recordings could not be recovered because the logger had been switched off.

Ofcom found Stafford Radio Broadcasting Limited, which holds the Vibe 1 licence, in breach of conditions covering the retention and production of recordings and the provision of information.

The station said it has installed a new broadcast logger, introduced off site and cloud storage, restricted access to its systems and assigned responsibility for regulatory correspondence to a named individual.

Ofcom said it will monitor Vibe 1 to ensure it complies with its Key Commitments and requirements to retain recordings and provide information.

Vibe 1 is now back on air following several troubling months for the organisation.

Absolute Radio Live will return to the London Palladium on Sunday 15th November, raising funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

The event, hosted by Jon Richardson and Matt Forde, will feature a line-up including Jack Dee, Chris McCausland, Angela Barnes, Sara Pascoe, Joel Dommett, Nabil Abdulrashid and Iain Stirling.

All profits from the night will go directly to Prostate Cancer UK, supporting research and awareness for the disease.

Ali Day, Director of Communications at Prostate Cancer UK, said the partnership with Absolute Radio Live helps bring together comedians and audiences for an important cause. Ali added that attendees will be supporting research such as the TRANSFORM trial, which aims to find a safe and effective screening method.

The event will also help fund services like Specialist Nurses and awareness campaigns, reminding men that early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms and encouraging them to check their risk online.

Bob Harris has shared an update on his stage four prostate cancer diagnosis, saying he remains positive as he begins an intensive course of treatment.

The presenter stepped back from BBC Radio 2 earlier this year to concentrate on treatment and rest, and says the break has allowed him to spend more time with family and friends during the summer.

In a post on Instagram, Bob said his cancer has been getting more of a hold during this period, although he continues to feel well.

He is now starting an intensive course of intravenous radiotherapy, which he says he and his medical team are confident will keep the cancer at bay.

“I should know the outcome quite soon,” he said, while also highlighting the emotional impact of living with the disease.

Bob referenced cyclist Chris Hoy, who has also spoken publicly about living with stage four prostate cancer, saying it is “a very emotional roller coaster”. He added that he remains determined to make the most of each day.

The presenter also revealed a new venture, saying he and 3bweb have launched a new playlist service on his website.

Bob is also looking ahead to his Stand By Me Concert with Robert Plant and friends at the Royal Albert Hall on 2nd December, saying: “I am still working and looking way into the future.”

He ended his message by thanking followers for their support and encouraging anyone facing difficult circumstances to “NEVER GIVE IN” and keep going.

 

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Trevor Nelson has returned to BBC Radio 2 after recovering from surgery for a brain tumour earlier this summer.

Opening his first show back, Trevor told listeners he had missed being in the studio and on air, describing it as an emotional and difficult summer.

He thanked his friends, family, management, and wife Pri for their support, and expressed gratitude to Radio 2 listeners for their messages, saying their support had been overwhelming.

Trevor explained that returning to the programme today was a personal target, and he had been eager to get back on air as soon as possible.

He said he would be on air Monday and Wednesday this week, with plans to gradually increase his schedule, and hoped to return for more shows next week.

Trevor confirmed he will not attend Radio 2 in the Park in Stirling this weekend, saying: “The one thing I am a bit gutted about I have to say, is that I’m not going to Stirling. I’m a bit gutted about it, but we’ll reflecting all the action live on air.”

He also thanked DJ Spoony, Clara Amfo and Mark Goodier for covering his show during his absence, and welcomed Clara to the Radio 2 team.

Drystone Radio has been found in breach of the Broadcasting Code after offensive language was aired during a live rugby commentary programme on 14th March just after 12pm.

The community station, which covers Sutton-in-Craven, Ilkley and Wharfedale, had technical problems at the start of the broadcast which led to no audio for nearly ten minutes.

This was followed by music and then a series of telephone calls between the presenter and colleagues as they tried to resolve the issues.

During these calls, five instances of the word “f***k” and its variations were broadcast. The station explained that the presenter believed he was off-air and that the incident was caused by a technical error involving a third-party supplier.

Drystone Radio acknowledged the language was not intended for broadcast and did not reflect its usual standards.

Ofcom considered the incident a clear breach of Rule 1.14, which prohibits the most offensive language at times when children are likely to be listening, and Rule 2.3, which requires that potentially offensive content be justified by context.

Ofcom noted that no warning or apology was given after the language was aired. Drystone Radio said it had taken steps to prevent recurrence, including reviewing procedures, providing additional training, and introducing technical safeguards.

Ofcom reminded the station that ultimate responsibility for compliance rests with the licensee, regardless of technical failures.

The decision was: Breach of Rules 1.14 and 2.3

Charlie Hedges and Jeremiah Asiamah have launched their new BBC Radio 1 show by announcing the full line-up for Live Lounge Month 2026.

The series returns on 5th October featuring performances every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12pm throughout the month.

Acts confirmed include Blossoms, Nothing But Thieves, Sam Smith, Stella Lefty, Chase & Status, Jorja Smith, beabadoobee, Rachel Chinouriri, Odeal, Anderson .Paak x Cordae, and Royal Blood, with the slot on the 28th still be announced.

Charlie said she is “absolutely buzzing for Live Lounge Month 2026” and looks forward to sharing the experience with listeners.

Jerry described the line-up as a privilege for his first Live Lounge Month, adding: “I can’t wait to showcase artists like: Jorja, fresh off a No.1 album, Anderson .Paak, Blossoms and more.”

Head of Radio 1, Aled Haydn Jones, noted that Live Lounge Month is a key event in the station’s calendar, bringing together major artists and new talent for unique performances.

He added: “This year’s line-up is incredibly exciting, and I love that Charlie and Jerry are revealing it in their very first show together.”

Zoe Ball returned to radio today with her brand new show on Greatest Hits Radio.

Zoe welcomed listeners to the first Zoe Ball in the Afternoon, sharing her excitement and mentioning how pleased she was to be working alongside Ken Bruce again.

She told listeners she would be on air from 1pm to 4pm each weekday, before handing over to Simon Mayo.

There had been speculation about what Zoe’s first song would be, with suggestions including Led Zeppelin’s Rock’n’Roll, Nina Simone’s Feeling Good, and Elton John’s The B**** is Back.

Zoe gave shout outs to several listeners who had shared their guesses. She then revealed her choice for the first track: The Kiki Dee Band’s I’ve Got the Music in Me.

Zoe described it as a song with big production and big sound, marking an upbeat start to her new role at the station.

 

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