UK

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. */ […]

Bauer Media UK has introduced a new training scheme supporting emerging talent and making careers across the creative industries more accessible.

Bauer says the initiative, Project London: Media Foundations, is part of its wider commitment to improving equality, removing barriers and fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The six-week programme is funded by the UK Government and the Mayor of London and offers hands-on experience behind the scenes at Bauer brands including KISS, Absolute Radio, Magic Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, Hits Radio, Grazia and heat.
Participants will gain insight into how content is produced across radio, audio, publishing and digital platforms while learning essential skills for roles in modern media.
Developed by Bauer Academy, the course combines practical workshops, employability support and industry networking. It focuses on multimedia production, content creation and multiplatform storytelling.
The programme is free for eligible applicants aged nineteen and over who live in London and have the right to work in the UK. It’s open to freelancers, students, career changers and professionals considering a transition into creative media roles.
At the end of the course, each participant will present a creative project or portfolio to tutors and industry employers and receive detailed feedback to help guide their next steps.
Simon Myciunka, CEO of Bauer Media Audio UK, said: “Bauer has always believed in the power of creativity to inspire and connect. Through this programme we are opening doors for those who want a career in media and helping build a more inclusive creative industry.”
Courtnay McLeod, Managing Director of Bauer Academy, added: “Project London is designed to make the media industry accessible to everyone. Our aim is to give participants the confidence, skills and industry exposure to launch their careers, and we actively encourage applications from all backgrounds.”

#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. */ […]

Radio 1 Dance has confirmed a new line-up of DJs for The Residency, beginning on 4th December and running through to March next year.

The weekly show will continue every Thursday from 11pm to 1am on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 1 Dance, with each month handed to a different DJ – Rossi., Lens, Jazzy and MALUGI. A special one-off edition of The Residency will also air on 29th January.
Rossi. leads the December slot with a sound shaped by headline sets across major venues and festivals. His work covers underground and chart breakthroughs. He says being invited to curate a month of The Residency is an opportunity he has long hoped for.
In January, Lens takes over with her approach to drum and bass and club-focused production. Her recent releases and remixes have attracted radio support, and she says joining The Residency is a dream that allows her to showcase the sounds influencing the scene today.
Jazzy, who features throughout February, is known for her work as a DJ and vocalist and has achieved major success both in Ireland and the UK. She says she wants listeners to hear the club-driven selections that shaped her before her chart-topping collaborations.
In March it’s MALUGI, whose high-energy style has built a loyal following across major club and festival stages. Recently named a Radio 1 Dance Future Star, he says his first radio residency is a chance to share new facets of his musical journey and spotlight rising talent.

#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. */ […]

BBC Radio and Music’s Open Music training scheme will return for a third edition in 2026.

This next programme begins with six Insight Days staged across the UK from December 2025 to February 2026, marking the first time the scheme has gone on the road.
Events in Cardiff, Birmingham, Glasgow, Salford, London and Belfast are designed to reach more people who are passionate about classical and orchestral music and curious about how the BBC brings it to audiences.
Each session will introduce attendees to industry professionals and, in some locations, offer hands-on experience in technical and radio production. This will include planning and producing a mock radio programme, giving potential trainees a realistic insight into BBC workflows and expectations.
The Insight Days form part of the wider 2026 BBC Open Music scheme, which runs from Spring to Autumn and supports early-career creatives who want to build skills in broadcasting, production and music.
Applications open in December, with selected participants later gaining the chance to support broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 in Autumn 2026, offering real-world experience at the heart of the network’s classical output.
Previous editions have led former trainees to roles across the BBC and wider industry, including radio production, presenting, communications and sound engineering, supported by mentoring from presenters such as Mary Anne Hobbs, Linton Stephens and Katie Derham, and from staff teams across Radio 3, BBC Introducing, Radio 1Xtra and the BBC Concert Orchestra.
More info on BBC Open Music  and the Insight Days here: bbc.co.uk/openmusic

#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. */ […]

Lyca Radio has expanded its reach across the Midlands, with transmission now live in Coventry, Derbyshire, Wolverhampton and Shropshire, on DAB.

This builds on the station’s presence in Birmingham and Leicestershire, extending its audience across the region. Listeners in the newly added areas can listen to the Midlands feed.
Raj Baddhan, CEO of Lyca Radio Network, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our presence in the Midlands, enabling more listeners to enjoy Lyca Radio’s award‑winning output.
“We are deeply grateful to our audiences who have embraced the brand in such a short time, and to our commercial partners whose support has made this expansion possible.”

#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. */ […]