US

KFBG Moves To Temporary 91X Simulcast

With Local Media San Diego’s sale of Variety Hits “100.7 Big-FM” KFBG San Diego to Lotus Communications still pending, the station dropped its format on Friday evening in favor of a temporary simulcast of Alternative “91X” XETRA-FM Tijuana MX. […]

UK

Former BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Spencer Leigh marks 80th birthday with a new book

Broadcaster and music historian Spencer Leigh is celebrating his 80th birthday with a special book release called 80@80.
This memoir takes readers on a nostalgic journey through his extensive archives and personal diaries, featuring 80 chapters that explore his life and deep passion for pop music.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the book, Spencer shared, “As I approached my 80th birthday, I wanted to create something that revisited my past interviews while also sharing parts of my own story.”
Spencer’s broadcasting career began in the early 1970s at BBC Radio Merseyside, where he became known for hosting On The Beat, a long-running music program that saw him interview thousands of musicians over the years.
“There are some truly unusual interviews in the book,” he noted. “One with Billy Bob Thornton stands out as particularly odd, so I included it while weaving in my life’s story along the way.”
In addition to his book, Spencer has written a magazine commemorating what would have been Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday, now available at newsagents.
With decades of interviews and research under his belt, Spencer has amassed an extensive archive of materials. He is now in the process of donating these valuable records to Liverpool Central Library.
“I’m currently organizing my files—today, I’m working on The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper,” he said. “I’m compiling all the press cuttings and materials into a structured collection. Soon, the entire file, containing around 200 pieces, will be available at the Liverpool Central Archives.”

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; false;clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width: 600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ […]

Ireland

Aspiring broadcasters kick off new radio and podcasting course with Beat 102-103

A new wave of aspiring radio professionals have begun their journey in the January 2025 Broadcast Course at South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford, in collaboration with Beat 102-103 and WLR FM.
The Certificate in Radio and Podcasting, a hands-on introduction to broadcasting, presenting, and podcast production, officially commenced this week at SETU’s Cork Road campus. On Thursday, January 30th, sixteen students arrived, eager to take their first steps into the world of radio and podcasting as part of this year’s cohort.
Jointly developed and delivered by SETU, WLR FM, and Beat 102-103, the course blends academic expertise with real-world industry experience. It is taught by a mix of practicing broadcasters and lecturers, providing students with an inside look at how commercial radio stations operate and what it takes to thrive in the industry.
Designed as an entry-level, part-time, Level 6 qualification, the program welcomes students from all backgrounds—no prior experience in radio is required. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants gain hands-on experience in key broadcasting skills, giving them a valuable ‘foot in the door’ to the industry.
Speaking at the course launch, WLR FM CEO Michael Byrne expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s program: “We’re thrilled to once again be part of this fantastic initiative alongside SETU, Beat, and WLR. This course has played a vital role in shaping many talented broadcasters over the years, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s students will bring.”
SETU lecturer and former Beat 102-103 presenter Rob O’Connor highlighted the unique diversity of this year’s cohort: “The mix of students is truly exciting—they come from all walks of life. This year, we have a plumber, a nurse specializing in post-natal depression, a software developer, a men’s shed volunteer, and an HR professional with a deep love for music. The energy they bring to the classroom is amazing, and their discussions are always engaging.
“It’s fantastic to see fresh perspectives coming into radio and podcasting. The demos they produce are full of originality, and with the added professionalism that comes from working with Beat and WLR, they’re getting real, industry-level experience.”
Through a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on studio sessions, students will develop core broadcasting skills, including:

Researching and preparing scripts and running orders for radio broadcasts
Recording and editing audio for radio and podcast production
Presenting live and recorded speech content
Understanding legal and ethical guidelines in broadcasting
Exploring the role of radio journalists and presenters in the Irish media landscape
The 12-week course is set to conclude in April 2025, equipping students with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in radio, podcasting, and beyond. […]

US

Holiday 2024 (12/5 – 1/8) Nielsen Audio PPM Ratings Day 4: WLDB Sets New High After WRIT-FM Abandoned Christmas Music

The fourth and final day of Nielsen Audio’s PPM releases for the month bring Austin, Raleigh/Durham, Indianapolis, Nashville, Milwaukee, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Greensboro/Winston-Salem, West Palm Beach, Memphis, and Hartford. […]