Year: 2025

Sussex and Hampshire station, V2 Radio, has completed 60 OBs this year, with more lined up before the end of the year.

The station says this underscores its commitment to delivering truly local radio by taking its programming directly into the heart of the communities it serves.
Since January, it has broadcast live from a different location every Friday, with Tanya McCarthy hosting the Breakfast Show from local businesses, charities, community hubs, and events, along with additional weekend OBs.
Programme Controller Ian Crouch said: “Getting out and about and proving that proper local radio is still in demand has been a really big effort by our small, but hardworking, team.
“At V2 Radio, we believe our listeners and clients recognise that we are part of the community – not outside of it.
“We strive every day to make a difference to the great towns and villages across our area. It’s what we do as a radio business.”
In addition to its weekly broadcasts on the road, the station says it will maintain its involvement in key local events and continue delivering its d community initiatives, including the annual Christmas Toy Appeal.

#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. */ […]

Weymouth and Portland community station AIR 107.2 has been saved from closure, with founder Carl Greenham returning to lead the station’s next chapter.
The station had been expected to fall silent this Sunday, but Carl’s return as Managing Director and Station Manager means AIR will stay on air and refocus on serving Weymouth’s community.
Carl said he was “back and ready” to rebuild, thanking volunteers whose efforts “kept the station alive” and saying he was overwhelmed by the support seen for AIR 107.2 on social media.
He also paid tribute to outgoing director Marc Eyre, thanking him for stepping in during a difficult period and keeping AIR operating while the station’s long term future was uncertain.
New director Jamie Lyones will work alongside Carl on strengthening the commercial side of the station, developing business partnerships and new advertising opportunities to support AIR’s long term stability on the Weymouth airwaves.
AIR remains in a challenging financial position, with existing debts still owed, and has launched a JustGiving page so supporters who have asked how to help can contribute towards clearing those debts and securing the station’s future.
Carl said “any donation, big or small, will help us keep AIR alive while we rebuild and move forward,” stressing that listener backing remains essential as the team works to stabilise finances.
Work has already started on a refreshed music output and programming changes, with a promise of a more engaging schedule and gradual improvements on air that listeners will notice over time as the new plan takes shape.
Commercial growth is a clear priority for the team, with Carl saying that “advertising on AIR 107.2 is the easiest and most effective way to reach your target audience” as they seek new local business partners.
Volunteers, who have all been informed of the changes, have welcomed the decision to keep AIR broadcasting, backing the new direction while regular shows continue as normal and subtle improvements are introduced during the transition.

#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. */ […]

Tony Blackburn OBE will present a new weekly programme called Tony Blackburn’s Sounds of Soul, airing every Saturday from 1 to 2am on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

The new show launches on 1 January 2026 on BBC Sounds and will be followed by a three-hour special on BBC Radio 2 from 4 to 7am to mark the launch.
A wide range of soul tracks from across the decades will feature, with Radio 2 also airing a two-hour companion programme on 2 January from 12 to 2pm to showcase the music and introduce listeners to the feel of the new series.
Tony said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing the music I’ve always loved, from classic soul hits right across the decades up to the modern day. I can’t wait to get started, it’s going to be amazing.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: “Tony, as well as being the much loved host of Sounds of the 60s each Saturday morning and Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour every Sunday evening, is a true pioneer of soul and R&B in the UK, and we’re thrilled to bring listeners his new weekly show on BBC Sounds.
“This programme will capture everything listeners adore about Tony — his warmth, deep knowledge, and lifelong passion for the music he has championed from the very beginning.
“We can’t wait for everyone to rediscover their love of soul and celebrate timeless hits as well as the superstars of tomorrow with national treasure Tony at the helm.”

#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. */ […]