Year: 2025

Gerry Kersey, who spent over 50 years in broadcasting, has passed away aged 86.

Originally starting at BBC Radio Sheffield in 1968, he moved to Radio Hallam in the 80s, before returning to BBC Sheffield in the late 90s.
Gerry had been ill for some time and died last Friday with his wife by his side.
Katrina Bunker, Head of BBC Yorkshire, said: “Gerry was a true legend of local broadcasting, starting his career in 1968 as one of the first voices on BBC Radio Sheffield.”
“In later years he was known for request-based and nostalgia shows and he got loads of letters, emails and calls right up to his last show in 2020.
“Wherever you went around the area you would always meet someone who loved Gerry’s show.
“Off-mic, Gerry was just as much of a gentleman as he was on it, always encouraging, always warm and proud to still be on the radio after 50 years.
“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

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Five new areas have been granted a small-scale DAB digital radio multiplex licence today in Ofcom’s round seven.
The areas are The Ards Peninsula in Northern Ireland, Bridgewater in Somerset, Exmouth & Dawlish in Devon, Loughborough & Coalville in Leicestershire, and Ringwood, Verwood and Fordingbridge in east Dorset.
Ards DAB Ltd plans to launch services covering Newtownards, Bangor, and parts of Belfast. Ofcom noted those involved in the applicant had extensive experience of the radio sector in Northern Ireland and had successfully established the Belfast & Lisburn small-scale multiplex.
Sedgemoor FM CIC said they expect good coverage of key areas.
ExmouthDAB Ltd, which includes local group DevonAir Radio, will cover an area of around 60,000 adults.
Maxxwave Limited has been awarded the small-scale DAB radio licence for Loughborough and Coalville. One transmission site near Copt Oak will be used.
And the Ringwood, Verwood and Fordingbridge licence went to Forest DAB Ltd, who will operate the service using a transmitter based in Verwood to reach around 47% of the advertised area.
18 more licence awards are still to come from round seven.

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Scottish actor Stephen Purdon is joining The Go Radio Breakfast Show from Monday, 28th July.

Stephen, who is best known for his  role as Bob O’Hara in BBC soap River City, will be joined by co-host Zoe Kelly on the show.
“I’m buzzing to be joining the Go Radio family,” said Purdon. “I’ve been a Go Radio listener since the station launched and getting the chance to wake up Glasgow and the West with lots of laughs and chat is a dream come true.”
James Maguire, Programme Controller at Go Radio, said: “From his role in River City to his annual Pavilion Theatre panto performances, Stephen is a natural entertainer with a genuine love for Glasgow and its people.
“We’re delighted to welcome him to the Go Radio Breakfast Show – it’s going to bring a new dynamic to the show’s existing winning formula of great chat, music, news and competitions.”

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Greg James is the winner of Radio 1’s Giant Face Off after raising the final flag in Newcastle this morning.

The challenge, which started at Silverstone Circuit on Tuesday, covered nineteen regions across the UK before finishing on Gateshead Bridge.
Greg slipped out of the BBC Newcastle studio early to cross the finish line, leaving Jamie Laing unable to catch up despite sprinting towards the River Tyne.
Jamie’s forfeit is to make Greg the godfather of his unborn baby. He said: “I’m fuming. I’d just like to say sorry to Sophie here, because she’s blocked me everywhere else.”
Greg claimed his victory by saying, “Really looking forward to the Christening and to be a big part of this child’s life.”
The final clue was revealed by musicians playing in the orchestra with JADE at the BBC Proms at The Glasshouse in Gateshead, as they performed a rendition of Fog on the Tyne live on air.
On Radio 1 this morning, Jamie said: “I am so upset. I let the team down. I let the Laing Gang down. Matt Edmondson, I am putting this on you, buddy. It was the ruler that lost it. I have actually never been this disappointed. I can’t believe I’m saying this but Greg, you are now my unborn child’s Godfather.”

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Volunteer broadcaster Keith Lea will celebrate 60 years with York Hospital Radio this Saturday, 26 July.

Keith, who is from York, joined what was then called the Ebor Tape Recording Club on 28 July 1965, aged just 16, and discovered he had joined a hospital radio station based in a disused pathology lab at the former Fulford Military Hospital.
To mark his 60 years of service, Keith will present a live six-hour show from 10am on Saturday. It will feature music from each of his 60 years on air, and he will be joined by family, friends, fellow presenters, and Clare Grainger, deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.
Keith continued to present request shows and record interviews during the 1960s, including the first live shows in 1968. By the 1970s, he was involved in outside broadcasts and today heads up the OB team.
Over the years, Keith has helped raise funds for the station, including £63,000 towards a purpose-built studio complex that opened in 1983. He has served as Chairman, run the fundraising mobile disco, and supported many community events.
Reflecting on his 60 years, Keith said: “Hospital Radio was a treasure trove of opportunities and life experiences, which I embraced as a ‘Jack of All Trades’ and master of only a few.
“It’s been a personal journey of challenges, triumphs, teamwork, technology, friendships and fun!  York Hospital Radio has endured and evolved and I’m proud to be part of its journey.”
Ian Clennan, chair of York Hospital Radio, added: “Huge congratulations to Keith on his amazing 60 years with us!
“I am immensely grateful to Keith for his unique contribution to hospital radio in the city for six decades and hope he will continue as an active member with us for many years to come.”

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