Year: 2025

Cheshire’s Mix 56 will broadcast live from Manchester Central Library on Monday 27 October from 1pm to 4pm, celebrating the launch of the new Piccadilly Radio exhibition.

The event pays tribute to the golden days of Manchester radio and the legacy of one of the UK’s most influential stations, which first went on air in 1974.
Fronting the special show will be two familiar voices for local listeners, Paul Smith and Pete Reeves. Both are now part of the Mix 56 team but were once key figures in Manchester radio, with Paul previously at Key 103 and Pete part of Piccadilly Radio during its prime years.
Paul said: “Piccadilly Radio inspired generations of broadcasters, myself included. To be part of this exhibition and to broadcast live from such an iconic setting is a real privilege.”
Pete added: “This is a chance to celebrate one of the greatest radio stations of its time and to share those memories with both old fans and new listeners. It’s fantastic that Mix 56 can be part of it.”
The exhibition has attracted widespread interest from across the North West, showcasing archive audio, memorabilia and memories from the early days of commercial radio in Manchester.
During the live show, the Mix 56 team will feature interviews with special guests, stories from Piccadilly’s history, some on-air bloopers, and a playlist of classic hits that defined the station’s era.
Listeners can tune in to Mix 56 across Cheshire, Stockport and South Manchester on DAB digital radio, on smart speakers, or online at mix56.co.uk.

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Bauer’s Magic Classical will mark what would have been Luciano Pavarotti’s 90th birthday with a weekend of special programming led by Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins.

The station is joining forces with Decca Classics to celebrate the release of ‘Novanta’, a 74-track compilation featuring highlights from the legendary tenor’s career, including previously unreleased recordings and iconic duets.
Katherine will host a new documentary, *Pavarotti at 90 with Katherine Jenkins*, exploring the life and legacy of the world-renowned singer. The special includes archive performances and interviews with admirers and collaborators such as Russell Watson, Gareth Malone, and Fred Plotkin, who worked with Pavarotti for nearly three decades.
Speaking about the project, Katherine said: “It is such a joy to present this documentary exploring the remarkable journey of Luciano Pavarotti from his humble beginnings to becoming the legendary superstar we all know and love. His artistry shaped my own career and deepened my passion for music.”
The tribute weekend will begin on Friday 12 October, with all Magic Classical programmes reflecting on Pavarotti’s enduring influence. Simon Mayo will dedicate his Sunday morning show to the tenor, featuring music connected to his career, from The Three Tenors to Puccini classics like *La Bohème* and *Madama Butterfly*.
Regular Magic Classical presenters including Charles Nove, Tim Smith, Fran Godfrey, and Ayanna Witter-Johnson will also take part in “Pavarotti Forever”, sharing their favourite arias and performances, while “Magic Classical’s Top 5” on the Rayo app will highlight his most-loved recordings.
Nick Pitts, Content Director of Magic Classical and Jazz FM, said: “It’s not often you get to celebrate a legend like Luciano Pavarotti. I’m so pleased that Decca Classics have come on board, and having Katherine Jenkins tell his story makes it all the more special.”
SCHEDULE DETAILS

Friday 10th October
0700-2200 – Charles Nove, Tim Smith, Jo Cochrane and Tony Minvelle celebrate Luciano Pavarotti at 90 across the day including…

On the Magic Classical Breakfast Show, Charles Nove will reveal the number one Pavarotti performance in his Magic Classical Top 5 of his music (running daily from Monday 6th October)

Tim Smith will be joined by Katherine Jenkins to preview her documentary and talk about her love of Pavarotti.

Jo Cochrane will feature 1990 in her Time Capsule feature – the year of the Three Tenors and that world cup in Italy

Tony Minivielle will feature Pavarotti performing Puccini – Che Gelida Manina (from La Boheme) in his Essential Aria feature

Saturday 11th October
2100 – Pavarotti Forever.  The Magic Classical presenter team will share their favourite Pavarotti piece or Aria from across his career in this hour long special.

Sunday 12th October
1000 – Simon Mayo on Pavarotti.  Simon hands his show over to the music of Pavarotti and friends for the full two hours.
2100 – Pavarotti at 90 with Katherine Jenkins.  The UK’s celebrated and award-winning operatic singer marks the birthday of the great Italian tenor, whose voice transcended opera to become a global phenomenon.  It looks at the early years, his years as an opera start and then the crossover years as he became a global superstar via some of the most recognised voices and contributors of today.

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Freedom Media Group has appointed Joanne Beswick as Growth Consultant, continuing its expansion with a focus on delivering innovative, multi-platform marketing strategies.

Joanne will work closely with clients across the UK and internationally to develop tailored campaigns designed to meet specific business goals. Based in Marple Bridge, Freedom Media Group has partnered with organisations ranging from Lexus and Thames Valley Police to Puttshack and LMA, providing bespoke, results-driven marketing solutions.
With 15 years of experience in the media industry, including roles at The Guardian Media Group and Clear Channel UK, Joanne brings a strong background in performance analysis and strategic optimisation.
She said: “I’m thrilled to join FMG, a team full of energy, expertise, and passion for helping clients succeed. Media never stands still, and neither do I, so I’m excited to rise to this new challenge and keep evolving with this fast-changing industry.”
Dan Thompson, founder and Managing Director of Freedom Media Group, said: “Our business is founded on delivering outstanding client service and world-class strategic thinking. Jo embodies these values and will be focused on driving new business development both here in the UK and internationally.”
Freedom Media Group continues to grow its team and expand its presence in both national and global markets, strengthening its position as a trusted partner for creative marketing and media strategy.

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West Somerset Radio has been found in breach of its Ofcom licence for failing to broadcast since May last year.

The Minehead-based community station, operated by West Somerset Community Radio C.I.C., went silent on 31 May 2024 after running into financial difficulties and has not returned to air since.
In Ofcom’s Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin (Issue 531, 6 October 2025), the regulator confirmed that the station is in breach of Licence Condition 2(1) for failing to provide its licensed service.
West Somerset Radio told Ofcom it ceased operations when its bank accounts were frozen and the station became unable to meet costs such as studio rent. The directors said the decision to stop broadcasting was “entirely unintentional” and that they initially explored transferring the licence to a new entity before deciding to restore the existing operation instead.
The station said it has since secured new transmission hardware through a donation from a local engineering contractor and is working with volunteers and former presenters to relaunch the service. Internet and power connections are being reinstated, and an engineer was booked to complete installation work in September. The station now expects to return to air by the end of this year.
Ofcom acknowledged the station’s voluntary status and efforts to resume service but noted concern that listeners have been without the community station for more than a year. The regulator said it will monitor progress and expects West Somerset Radio to provide regular updates on its plans to restart broadcasts.

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