2025 – Page 352 – Radio News Feeds

Politicians shouldn’t have a good relationship with the media: Boris Johnson at Saudi Media Forum

February 19, 2025 radionewsfeeds Comments Off

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he is “deeply honoured” to be part of the Saudi Media Forum, being held in Riyadh.“I can see the incredible speed with which Saudi Arabia is becoming a number one tourist destination. There is a lesson for us in the speed and decisiveness of change,” he told delegates at the forum.As an example of the changes happening in the kingdom, Johnson quoted the Saudi tech sector, where “there is 35% female participation in the work force… more than silicon valley.”Asked about his often fractious relationship with the media, Johnson said:“I didn’t always have a good relationship with the media, but the point about politicians is that they shouldn’t have a good relationship with the media. “The media is not here to tell you what a great guy you are, they’re there to hold a mirror to what you are doing. There are some media which are too hostile but responsible media are doing their job.”Politicians have to engage and tell their stories, according to Johnson, but engaging on social media can can be a double edged sword. “Social media can distort people’s understanding of the world. Social media tells people what they want to hear. Responsible media can do better than what happens on social media…”Boris Johnson has just released a memoir. The book is titled Unleashed. […]

Media helps Saudi Arabia open up to the world: Saudi Media Forum

February 19, 2025 radionewsfeeds Comments Off

“New opportunities in media are helping us open up to the world,” said Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud at the opening of this week’s Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh.“There is a momentum for investment in media as well as sports, tourism and many other sectors. We are changing the perspective of how the entire world views us.“I want to participate in growth, education, investment opportunities, renewable energy. I embrace investment opportunities,” the Prince told a full house during the opening session.After his opening remarks, Prince bin Salman took questions from journalists. One asked: are you sensitive about media?“We need to understand the profession of media. When I speak I try to take the view of the kingdom not of myself. We should not be ashamed of defending our position even when media put us on the spot.“I am fully committed to appear in the media. I was a former university professor. It is like university where you give a lecture but your students can challenge your ideas with discussion,” he answered.At the conference and forum there is a focus on media, the economy, energy, AI technologies, politics and entrepreneurship. There are 2000 speakers, more than 250 exhibitors and thousands of attendees at the event.

In another session on the first day of the conference titled The Future of Radio Begins Now, World DAB’s Jacqueline Bierhorst and MBC Music Group’s Group Director fo Audio Ziad Hamzh discussed the importance of being digital with session host Ghadeer Al-Shehri, a presenter at local station AlUla FM.Jacqui said: “In my own country, FM listening is 30% and the rest is digital, this is a common trend in Europe where digital broadcasting has gained a huge audience.“This session is called the future of radio, but the future of radio is already here. Digital radio is in many countries, it is the future.”To illustrate the success of digital radio, she focused on the budiness benefits. “Digitisation has opened up the possibility of more stations and more choice for listeners. It is more profitable for radio companies because DAB+ transmisison is cheaper than AM and FM, it is cost effective. It can also bring in more income because companies can offer more stations to listeners and advertisers.”When companies are embracing a digital strategy they should keep broadcasting in mind, not just focus on IP. “Broadcast radio is very robust. But will the internet always work, in disasters, in terrorism attacks? Who controls the internet pipes? Broadcast radio is important because the internet is not always reliable and not in the control of the broadcasters.”Zaid talked about Radio Apps. “In the coming years this will become more popular as a way of listening to radio, through apps on the smart phone. You can listen to anything you like from anywhere in the world.”Commenting on the use of AI presenters in radio, Jacquie described the difference between the two types of presenter. “Live radio has somebody on the other end who makes you smile and connects you with another human. AI stations exist but they do not make the same human connection, they are not on the same frequency, they don’t connect people together with each other.” […]

New host for Absolute Radio Country’s The Nashville Show

February 19, 2025 radionewsfeeds Comments Off

Absolute Radio Country’s The Nashville Show is to be hosted by Nashville radio presenter Kelly Sutton.

The new show will see Kelly interview the stars of country music in Nashville as well as bringing the latest news and views from Music City.
The Nashville Show will air on Absolute Radio Country Monday to Thursday from 7pm with a ‘Best Of’ show every Sunday at the same time.
Kelly is the co-host of breakfast show, Coffee, Country and Cody on WSM radio in Nashville as well as her own syndicated radio show, Y’all Access with Kelly Sutton, heard across the US.
In addition to being the only female host of the Grand Ole Opry, Kelly hosts Y’all Access Pass for OneCountry.com and co-leads the Country Heat Weekly podcast on Amazon Music.
Kelly said: “I’ve been blessed over the past two decades to have been able to sit down with some incredible country music legends including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.
“Now I will be able to bring interviews with the very best names in today’s country music to the UK fans! It feels like a double blessing.
“I can’t wait to get started on Absolute Radio Country and am looking forward to welcoming all y’all to The Nashville Show very soon.”
Ricky Marshall, Head of Content for Absolute Radio Country said: “After an incredible three years under the stewardship of Elaina D Smith, I’m delighted to welcome Kelly Sutton to The Nashville Show.
“Kelly is part of the fabric of Music City, as a host of radio shows, podcasts and the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville she’s perfectly placed to be the new host of The Nashville Show.
“Bringing the biggest and best guests from the home of country music to the UK’s biggest country music radio station, Kelly will be here to connect our audience direct to Music Row, Broadway and beyond.”

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Smooth schedule changes see Darren Parks move to The Smooth Sanctuary

February 19, 2025 radionewsfeeds Comments Off

Schedule changes at Smooth Radio will see a move for North West Breakfast’s Darren Parks, plus Tina Hobley hosting an extra show and Adil Ray joining the station.

Darren Parks, host of Smooth Breakfast in the North West of England, moves to become the new host of The Smooth Sanctuary, Monday to Friday from 7pm to 10pm.
Darren takes over from Gary Vincent who remains at Smooth to host The Smooth Sanctuary on Sundays (7pm to 10pm).
Paul Phear continues hosting The Smooth Sanctuary on Saturdays (7pm to 10pm), in addition to his weekday afternoon programme.
Darren said: “The Smooth Sanctuary is the ultimate de-stress after a busy day. I am looking forward to presenting such an iconic show and helping listeners ease into their evenings with the perfect soundtrack of songs.”
Adil Ray is joining to host the Saturday mid-morning programme, 10am to 1pm, launching on Saturday 1st March. This follows his stint as a guest presenter on Smooth over Christmas and New Year.
Adil said: “Joining the Smooth family really feels like I am coming home. It’s no surprise that millions up and down the country are coming together to make Smooth their home too.
“I cannot wait to spend Saturday mornings with you, the best time of the week! Whether you’re at work, doing housework, homework or on the road, please join me for quite simply the best music in the world!”
Tina Hobley will host a second weekend show, on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm, in addition to her Sunday show (also 1pm to 4pm).
Tina said: “Having been a presenter on the station for more than 10 years, Smooth is definitely my radio home, as I know it is for millions of our listeners.
“I am so excited to be hosting a second weekend show, playing the best music on your Saturday and Sunday afternoons, so whatever you’re doing, I look forward to your company!”
Sally Ardis, Senior Managing Editor of Heart, Smooth, Classic FM, and Gold Radio, said: “As we celebrate another record-breaking set of audience figures, with more than 7.8 million people now tuning in to Smooth each week, we’re excited to offer our listeners new shows powered by the best music.
“It’s fantastic to welcome Adil Ray to our Smooth family, to announce a second weekend show for Tina Hobley, and the brilliant Darren Parks as the new host of The Smooth Sanctuary.”
Last month, we reported that Global is introducing a new ‘nations strategy’ and dropping local and regional shows in England.

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

Reelworld celebrates 30th anniversary with new sonic logo and branding

February 19, 2025 radionewsfeeds Comments Off

To celebrate three decades in business, Reelworld has updated its company branding, including a new sonic identity.

The company has been creating jingles and imaging for thousands of radio stations around the world for 30 years and recently expanded to develop custom audio identities for brands outside the radio industry.
Reelworld CEO, Mike Thomas says: “For over 30 years we have been leaders and innovators in sonic branding, from radio jingles and imaging services to creating signature audio identities for some of the most-heard brands on the planet.
“It’s uniquely inspiring and satisfying to celebrate this milestone by reimagining and elevating our own brand identity and I’m excited for the world to hear what the next chapter of Reelworld sounds like.”
Created by its in-house design team, the new Reelworld visual brand pays tribute to key design elements of the company’s past while pushing the brand forward using modern typography, a new colour palette, and a completely reimagined brand mark.
A company statement explained: “The new Reelworld sonic identity was produced through a collaborative company effort led by Cofounder and Creative Director Erik Huber and features layers of audio elements reflecting the key areas of Reelworld’s expertise: sound, melody, voice and impact, that build anticipation and excitement, culminating in a signature 2-note sonic logo. If you listen closely, you can even hear a nod to the voiceover from their very first jingle demo in 1995.”
The updated brand will begin rolling out across all digital platforms and marketing materials today.
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Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

New logo and website for CRA

February 19, 2025 radionewsfeeds Comments Off

Commercial Radio and Audio (CRA) has had a makeover with a brand new logo and website refresh. The new site can now be found at:…
The post New logo and website for CRA by RadioToday Network appeared first on Radio Today. […]