UK

Big John, Liesl and James from Hallam FM and Hits Radio are getting back together for a brand-new weekly podcast.

John Harrison hosted Big John at Breakfast on Hallam FM and later Hits Radio South Yorkshire for 25 years before coming to an end in June when Bauer launched a national breakfast show across the network.
The news of the team reuniting for the podcast was announced on Big John’s Facebook page. He said that although he welcomed the change in his life, he’d been feeling guilty that some listeners might think he and the team had “just dumped and ran and abandoned our friends”.
He continued: “However, it was never goodbye forever. It was just a pause. After 25 years of waking up South Yorkshire, we have unfinished business, you and I.  So, let’s do something!
“It starts with a free weekly podcast every Friday called Big John At Breakfast – FRIDAYS!, starting Friday 29th August.
“Liesl and James will be with me – It’ll be like our usual Friday show AND we’ll have the Official Friday Song too.”
The show will be available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible and Amazon Music. It can also be heard on a smart speaker by asking it to “Play Big John At Breakfast – FRIDAYS!” – “Don’t forget the word FRIDAYS or it’ll start playing some random radio station,” says John.

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Hospital station BHBN Radio is to broadcast an interview with Strictly dancer Lauren Oakley on Bank Holiday Monday as the station looks to raise funds to stay on air.

The interview comes at a critical time for the station, which for over 70 years, since 1952, has been broadcasting to hospital patients and care home residents across Birmingham, Solihull, and now Sandwell.
However, in June BHBN was informed that its long-standing funding was being withdrawn, leaving the station with only three months’ notice and a significant loss of its main income source.
To ensure its work continues and remains on air, BHBN Radio says it urgently needs to raise £15,000 annually to cover its day-to-day operating costs.
It adds that every penny donated directly supports the station’s continued broadcast, allowing it to keep providing comfort, companionship, and entertainment to those in hospital and the wider community.
Meanwhile, the special broadcast on Bank Holiday Monday featuring Birmingham born professional dancer Lauren Oakley talking to presenter Andy Chaddick, marks a reunion for the pair, who are old family friends that lost touch a number of years ago.

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kmfm’s annual Tonnes of Tins campaign has broken records this year, collecting 11.1 tonnes of food for 16 food banks across Kent.

Over a five-week period, the appeal raised £11,696 through its JustGiving page, surpassing last year’s total of £7,348.
Physical donations that were dropped off at kmfm studios also played a major role, helping exceed 2024’s previous record of 9.21 tonnes.
The station says the support comes at a time of sharply rising demand for food banks. Usage in Deal has risen by 250%, while Swale has seen a 230% increase. Even more affluent parts of the county have reported a growing need for help, despite a drop in food donations overall.
“The generosity of our listeners, local businesses, and supporters has been incredible,” kmfm said in a statement, noting that every tin and every pound donated has made a tangible difference for families and individuals struggling with the cost of living.
Tonnes of Tins has become a major part of kmfm’s annual community outreach, combining on-air promotion with listener engagement to provide support for those most in need.

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Barnsley’s Essentials, will launch its full service on 7th September during the town’s Civic Garden Gathering in Mandela Gardens.

The new station will broadcast live from the event which will mark the 80th anniversary of VE/VJ Day and feature live music, street theatre, creative workshops, and family activities.
Gareth Webb, Barnsley Civic’s Marketing Officer and Project Lead for Barnsley’s Essentials, said: “The Barnsley community has been incredible in its support for Barnsley’s Essentials so far… now feels like the perfect moment to officially launch the station.
“Our aim is to give back to the town, strengthen community ties, and ensure local voices are heard loud and clear.”
The station will operate on a not-for-profit basis, with surplus funds donated to local causes including Barnsley Civic, Barnsley Food Bank, and Cross the Sky Theatre. Its test stream is currently on-air, with more local programmes being added in the coming weeks.

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Corby Radio will launch a refreshed daytime schedule starting this Monday.

Nick Stoppani will present The Big Breakfast from 7am to 11am, followed by newcomer Mikey Faulkner hosting Daytime from 11am to 3pm. David Edgeworth then takes over with The Big Drive Home from 3pm to 6pm.
Station Manager Jim Byrne said: “Corby Radio has always been a centrepiece of the community, and we’re excited to present a schedule that reflects our commitment to delivering quality programming.”
Joint Station Manager Paul Moore added: “This new line-up will create a more engaging experience for our listeners and showcases our dedication to evolving with our audience’s needs.”
The station says the reaction from listeners has already been overwhelmingly positive, with the changes also offering fresh opportunities for sponsors and advertisers.

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Global Academy’s Year 13 Class of 2025 has seen a record 62% of students achieving Distinctions in their UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma, the equivalent of three A*s at A Level.

The achievement follows a year of change for the Hayes-based sixth form, which welcomed a new principal and underwent an Ofsted inspection.
In March this year, Ofsted rated the Sixth Form as Outstanding, praising “exceptionally high student outcomes, strong vocational qualifications, and industry-led work placements”.
Year 13 student Conrad said his two-week work placement with Global’s engineering team prepared him for his new role as a Junior Broadcast Engineer at News UK.
Another student, Siobhan, credited the Academy with expanding her knowledge in editing and advertising, ahead of travelling to South Korea to teach media and English.
This year, students have secured roles with TwoFour Productions, ITV, Wavemaker, and News UK, along with nine apprenticeships at Global.
Principal James Murray-Walsh praised the cohort’s commitment, saying the results reflect “their dedication and hard work” and the high standard of teaching and support.
Many students will stay on for Year 14 in September, Global Academy’s free alternative to university focusing on Creative Enterprise, which allows them to build portfolios, launch projects, and further their creative careers.

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