UK

BBC Radio 1 announces Annie Nightingale Pioneers for 2025

BBC Radio 1 has revealed the next group of rising DJs selected as Annie Nightingale Pioneers 2025 celebrating women and non-binary artists across the global dance and electronic scene.

The initiative, now in its fifth year, was created in memory of the late Annie Nightingale, Radio 1’s first female DJ and its longest-serving presenter.
Since its launch in 2021, Annie Nightingale Pioneers has become a key part of Radio 1’s commitment to supporting underrepresented artists.
Each year, three emerging DJs are chosen to share their mixes, stories and inspirations with listeners on the station, providing a platform for fresh perspectives and innovation in club culture.
Heléna Star plays house, techno and global bass. She has played at various clubs alongside many artists. Beyond the decks, Heléna presents a regular show on Foundation FM and co-hosts ‘THERAPY’, a podcast exploring parenthood in the music industry.
 Heléna says: “I feel incredibly honoured to have been chosen as one of this year’s Pioneers. For many young women, Annie was a great inspiration and is part of the reason I saw radio as a career option.
“I’m really excited to share this mix with listeners, it’s a complete overview of all the sounds and styles that I love. The music I champion comes from the soul, a want to connect and spread joy.”
Saint Ludo is a DJ and producer born in California, raised in Italy and now based in London. Her sets which blend UK bass, UK garage and jungle have earned praise from Dazed and Mixmag and have garnered support from the likes of Chase & Status and Skrillex.
She is also a Rinse FM resident and has performed at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and The Warehouse Project. Her viral single ‘Subliminals’ recently surpassed half a million streams.
Saint Ludo says: “I am deeply honoured to be an Annie Nightingale Pioneer. Annie’s work changed the narrative of who belongs in dance music and radio, and I’m humbled and excited to carry forward that mission.”
Glasgow-born DJ and producer TAAHLIAH is known for her fusion of pop, club and experimental sounds. She has performed worldwide, including at Fabric, Razzmatazz, Dour Festival, Glastonbury and Sziget, and sold out the Southbank Centre for a one-off collaboration with the London Contemporary Orchestra.
Her debut album ‘Gramarye’ earned nominations for the Scottish Album of the Year and AIM Awards’ Best Independent Album. She has also presented on BBC 6 Music, covering for Mary Anne Hobbs.
TAAHLIAH says: “Honoured beyond words to be chosen as one of the Annie Nightingale Pioneers. To be recognised in her legacy is both humbling and electrifying; she paved the way for so many boundary-pushing artists and I can only hope to continue that energy by creating space for new worlds through sound.”
The 2025 recipients will each appear in a special show on Saturday 8th November from 11pm-2am, showcasing a bespoke mix reflecting their artistry and influences.
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “Annie’s legacy lives on through this initiative, which continues to champion and open doors for new DJ’ing talent. This year’s Pioneers each bring something truly original, and I can’t wait to hear what they have in store.”

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UK

Madness to perform exclusive BBC Radio 2 In Concert show

Madness will perform their first BBC Radio 2 In Concert show with an exclusive, intimate set at the BBC Radio Theatre in London.

The announcement was made on The Scott Mills Radio 2 Breakfast Show this morning. The band will play to a small audience on Wednesday 26 November, performing many of their hits in the BBC’s New Broadcasting House.
The concert will be broadcast in Jo Whiley’s Radio 2 show from 7pm – 9pm on Thursday 11th December and on BBC Sounds, which will include chat between Jo and the band. Also, the performance will be on BBC Two and iPlayer later in December.
Madness said: “There’s nothing quite like playing in the BBC Radio Theatre, the intimate feel in that room just creates so much vibe and energy. It’s that kind of joy we live for, so we couldn’t ask for better, really!”
Jo Whiley added: “It’s always such a joy to have Madness in the building – they bring the fun, the stories, and of course, the tunes. I know this performance is going to be something really special.”
Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2 and 6 Music, said: “Madness are one of the UK’s most iconic and best-loved bands, with a back catalogue full of classic hits that generations of music fans know and love.
“We’re thrilled to have them perform for Radio 2: In Concert, bringing their unique energy and infectious spirit to our listeners.”
Tickets are available through a ballot here.

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UK

Matt Deegan becomes new Chair of the Broadcasting Press Guild

The Broadcasting Press Guild has appointed Matt Deegan as its new Chair.

Matt has written about radio for 20 years and co-created the British Podcast Awards. Matt is also a Director at Folder Media, Podcast Discovery and Fun Kids.
He is well known in the industry as the presenter of The Media Club podcast, which discusses trends and developments in radio, TV and digital media each week.
The Broadcasting Press Guild, founded in 1974, brings together over 100 journalists who specialise in covering radio, television and media.
It regularly hosts lunches that connect senior media executives with journalists and also organises the annual Broadcasting Press Guild Awards.
Speaking about his appointment, Matt said: “I’m thrilled to be appointed Chair of the BPG. It’s an organisation that works hard to bring together the people who create outstanding work with those who write and broadcast about it. I’m looking forward to helping create even more opportunities for that relationship to flourish.”

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AU & NZ

Promotions within ARN’s Executive Leadership Team

ARN have made two promotions within its Executive Leadership Team ahead of the network’s hotly anticipated Upfront ’26 happening at 3pm tomorrow, October 29.

The post Promotions within ARN’s Executive Leadership Team by RadioToday Network appeared first on Radio Today. […]

AU & NZ

Emilee Hembrow Gets Real in new Nova podcast

Let’s Be Real, a new weekly podcast series from content creator, mum of five and businesswoman Emilee Hembrow launches through Nova Podcasts on Thursday November…
The post Emilee Hembrow Gets Real in new Nova podcast by RadioToday Network appeared first on Radio Today. […]

AU & NZ

Commercial radio networks unite for AusMusic T-Shirt Day in industry first

For the first time in its history, AusMusic T-Shirt Day (AMTD) will be championed across Australia’s major commercial radio networks, amplifying support for Australian music and the people who make it possible. From now until AusMusic T-Shirt Day on Thursday 27 November, more than 260 stations nationwide will dedicate airtime, advertising inventory and on-air talent… Read More
The post Commercial radio networks unite for AusMusic T-Shirt Day in industry first by Sarah Patterson appeared first on Radio Today. […]