UK

The Netherlands-based Switch Media is preparing to bring its radio advertising network to the United Kingdom early next year.

The company says it can help UK stations generate new income by selling unused advertising space on FM, DAB plus and online streams.
Switch already works with ninety two stations in five countries and focuses on monetising linear reach rather than digital pre rolls or mid rolls. One of the key points for UK broadcasters is that no integration with audience measurement systems or extra software is required, so the service can sit alongside existing commercial activity without disruption.
The network automatically sells remnant inventory to regional, national and international advertisers. According to the company, many of these advertisers have not used radio before and are drawn in by Switch’s ability to link traditional radio reach with online behaviour.
For advertisers, Switch has developed software that can detect website visits and online sales generated after people hear a campaign on FM, DAB plus or an online radio stream. The aim is to show clear outcomes from a radio campaign in the same way digital platforms report conversions.
Chief Executive Floris Schakelaar said the model is gaining traction because stations face no commitments. He said: “It can run alongside all your other revenue streams and you can switch it off whenever you want. That really is our strength.”
Switch Media plans to begin selling campaigns in the UK in the first quarter of this year and is inviting radio stations to register their interest.
More information is available at switchmedia.io

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DAB+ developments across Europe were the focus of this year’s WorldDAB Summit in Antwerp.

New figures showed that more than half of all listening in Flanders is now digital, with DAB+ accounting for nearly a third of total listening.
WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst opened the event by saying that DAB+ supports radio’s long-term strength for listeners at home, at work and on the road. Jacqueline also urged the EU to take the next step in safeguarding broadcast radio by requiring all new vehicles to include a radio receiver as standard.
She confirmed that WorldDAB is producing a public policy toolkit with South 180 and commissioning new automotive research to understand how drivers use radio and what they expect from broadcast services.
Delegates heard that Belgium has reached a major milestone, with 54 per cent of listening in Flanders now digital.

The UK contribution came from Jonathan Wall, who discussed the BBC’s three new DAB+ music stations launched this year and how they offer more choice for listeners. From France, Charles-Emmanuel Bon explained how Radio France created Mon petit France Inter for children and parents, broadcast only on DAB+.
The Summit also looked at younger audiences, with egta’s Katerina Borovska saying “DAB+ is the anchor” for reach and reliability while stressing the need for radio to maintain a strong presence on multiple platforms.

Several speakers highlighted recent DAB+ launches across Europe. Estonia now has two commercial networks with ten transmitters, Luxembourg is days away from switching on a multiplex carrying twelve stations, and Ireland’s trial network has recorded DAB+ accounting for more than twenty per cent of listening in equipped cars.
The event also reviewed Germany’s progress with Automatic Safety Alerts on DAB+, with contributors saying the system can complement existing warning channels and support public safety.
The annual WorldDAB Automotive event will take place in Frankfurt on 11 June 2026.

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Jo Lloyd, formerly of Smooth Radio and Century Radio, has joined Dune Radio to present a new Saturday programme as the station updates its on air identity.

Her show airs from 10am to 2pm each weekend and brings more than twenty three years of commercial radio experience to the schedule, strengthening the station’s North West presence.
Jo’s arrival coincides with the launch of a refreshed station sound created by TM Studios. The new audio identity introduces the strapline The Coast’s Favourite Music and supports Dune Radio’s DAB+ coverage across Liverpool, the Wirral, Southport and Blackpool.
Content Director Andy Hilbert said Jo’s appointment reflects the station’s commitment to building a strong team.
He said: “In this ever changing world of radio, we’re delighted to continue the development of Dune Radio as a commercial radio station and business. We are so pleased to be working with a team of experienced broadcasters, Jo being the latest to join us”.
Andy added that working with Chris and the team at TM Studios on the refreshed sound had been a positive process.
The new imaging marks one of the station’s most notable updates since launch. Dune Radio says the combination of a clearer audio brand and an experienced new presenter will help reinforce its place in the region’s competitive radio market.

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Eastbourne Youth Radio is marking twenty five years on air with a four day RSL broadcast featuring programmes created by local young people.

Run by Eastbourne Education Business Partnership and hosted by East Sussex College Eastbourne, the annual FM service has aired every November since 2001 and continues to showcase radio made by schools, colleges and youth groups across the town.
This year’s schedule follows the familiar format of hour long programmes made and presented by children from the age of five, with speech content and live music performed from the college’s performance room. The aim has always been to provide practical experience of radio production while giving young people a platform to share their ideas.
Two long standing elements return. Answer Back is recorded in advance and gives pupils the chance to question local politicians and business leaders about issues that matter to them. Meet The Media takes place live, with a panel of industry professionals answering questions from an audience of school children. This year’s panel is made up entirely of former East Sussex College students, including Chris Bailey, now an audio and creative producer with On The Sly Productions, and Autumn Browne, a producer at Radio Reform in Manchester.
EYR has seen many of its past participants move into media roles. Alumni include James Barr, now co presenting the Hits Radio Breakfast show.
EEBP’s Tim Sorensen said: “Since launching EYR in 2001, there have been thousands of young people participating in partnership with many local businesses and organisations that sponsor the programmes. This has been an amazing success story for Eastbourne that we look forward to delivering with East Sussex College for years to come.”

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Humber Wave Radio has announced the death of breakfast presenter Chris King, known on air as Steve Smith, following a short illness.

The former British Army soldier first discovered broadcasting through BFBS before becoming a much-loved voice on West Hull FM, later renamed Humber Wave Radio.
Chris, who was sixty seven, built a loyal following across Hull and East Yorkshire with shows that mixed music, humour and offbeat features. Listeners knew him as “The Loon”, a nod to his energetic style and the influence of his radio hero Kenny Everett.
Humber Wave director Richard Moore said Chris made a lasting impression from the moment he joined the station in the early 2020s. He said Chris brought “energy, humour, and an unmistakable voice” to mid-afternoons and later to his evening feature The Extra Slice.
Richard added that Chris stepped into the weekday breakfast slot in last year and quickly made it his own with a mix of wit, warmth and unpredictability that resonated with listeners across the city.
Richard said Chris was more than a colleague and described him as a friend and a character whose presence shaped the sound of the station. He said his “laughter, his chaos, and his heart” would remain part of the memories of those who tuned in.
Tributes have continued on the station’s Facebook page, where listeners have shared messages of appreciation and personal stories. The Lord Mayor of Hull, Cheryl Payne, wrote that he would be remembered for his character and for bringing joy to many.

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Nation Player has reached seven million weekly listening hours as more independent and community radio stations join the app.

The platform, built on Xperi’s All In Media technology, now carries more than 100 stations, one 125 podcast channels and 43 publishers.
Nation Player launched last year with 55 stations and has expanded steadily as broadcasters adopt the AIM Player system to reach listeners at home, on the move and in the car through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The integration with Xperi allows participating audio companies to access the Digital Ad Exchange, connecting them with advertisers through a shared revenue model. The arrangement supports targeted advertising that fits within the listening experience and delivers growing income to publishers using the app.
Nation founder and chief executive Jason Bryant said the team is continuing to see new highs for usage and active users. He said “we are on a mission to become the leading commercial audio app and to monetise audiences for our partners.”
Chris Gould, vice president at All In Media, said the AIM Player technology gives broadcasters of any size a route to a branded app without the cost of building their own. Chris said the partnership shows how traditional media can be reshaped through platforms that focus on user experience.
Listeners can browse favourites, trending shows and podcasts through the personalised interface, helping them move quickly between different audio choices. AIM Player technology underpins the layout and functionality that supports this navigation and content discovery.
Nation Player includes stations from Nation Broadcasting, independent broadcasters, community radio services and podcasts from a range of producers including the BBC.

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