UK

Ofcom has opened an application window for restricted service licence broadcasts taking place between Thursday 12th February and Monday 23rd March 2026.

The regulator says it expects to receive a high number of applications as the period includes Ramadan.
The window for submissions will close at 5pm on Friday 15th August.
Applicants are reminded to check they meet all application criteria and to use the most up-to-date version of the application form when applying.
Full details, including the application form and guidance notes, are available on the Ofcom website.

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Zen Essentials 1, a new wellness audio stream, has launched playing meditation music by day and pure white noise overnight.

Available 24 hours a day, the station plays continuous meditation music during daylight hours, switching at 6pm to uninterrupted white noise until 7am, with no jingles, adverts, or interruptions.
The station says the aim is to provide an ideal backdrop for sleep, relaxation, or deep concentration. It operates entirely without live presenters.
Daytime content may include occasional soft station idents or promos, but avoids commercial breaks to maintain a calm, consistent atmosphere for listeners.
Zen Essentials 1 forms the first stage of a wider wellness-focused strategy. Plans for this year include expanding to selected UK DAB+ multiplexes and launching original podcasts and guided wellness sessions, designed to complement the core audio stream and create a fully digital-first wellness platform.
“We wanted to create a space where people could switch off from the noise of everyday life – literally,” said Stephen Booth, CIO of Zen Essentials. “This is just the beginning; we’re building an entire digital wellness ecosystem around it.”
The service is currently available via zenessentials.digital and the Alexa Skill “Zen Essentials.”

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Jaz Singh will host a new BBC Asian Network afternoon programme starting Monday 1 September.
The show will air Monday to Thursday from 3pm to 6pm and marks Jaz’s first full-time radio presenting role. He became known to audiences as a finalist on BBC TV’s The Traitors before covering various Asian Network shows and presenting Asian Network Motivation. He has also fronted a documentary on BBC Radio 4.
Jaz said: “As a finalist on BBC The Traitors to now hosting my own live radio show with BBC Asian Network, I’m beyond grateful to the people that are putting their trust and time into me because this is a dream.”
Also joining the line-up is Harleen Nottay, who will present The Everyday Hustle every Monday at 6am. Harleen, an award-winning presenter and reporter from Scotland, has worked on the BAFTA-winning Scam Interceptors, Channel 4’s The £12 Million Rental Scam: UNTOLD and BBC One’s Morning Live. Her new show will share tips and stories on business and entrepreneurship within British Asian communities.
Midlands duo Kades and Mr.O will take over the Friday night 9pm to midnight slot from DJ Limelight, who will continue to present the *New Music Show* every Wednesday at 8pm. Mr.O has over 15 years of DJ experience and has appeared on Asian Network since early this year, while Kades has built a large online following for her remixes and genre-blending edits.
DJ Limelight said: “I’ve enjoyed over 18 years of doing weekend evening radio here on BBC Asian Network and feel now is a good time for me to move on and pass the weekend baton onto the next DJ.”
Kades and Mr.O said: “We’re so excited to be joining the Asian Network family and can’t wait to bring our energy to Friday nights.”
Head of Asian Network Ahmed Hussain said the changes reflect the station’s commitment to celebrating British Asian voices and music culture, while bringing in talent from across the UK.
The schedule changes follow the station’s move to Birmingham in April this year as part of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy.

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Ken Bruce has broadcast his show from the Edinburgh Fringe today and will do so again tomorrow.

His mid-morning Greatest Hits Radio show is live from Underbelly George Square featuring guests including comedians Alan Davies, Jason Byrne and EastEnders actress Michelle Collins.
He’ll also be chatting to Paul Merton and Suki Webster and stopping for PopMaster at 10.30am as usual.
Ken said: “Although my heart will forever belong to Glasgow, I’m always delighted for an excuse to pop back to my second favourite Scottish city -especially at such an exciting time.
“It truly feels as if Edinburgh is the place to be this weekend and I’m thrilled to be able to bring a little flavour of that to Greatest Hits Radio listeners.”
Rossie will also be broadcasting is Breakfast Show from the city next week, joined by Nina Conti and more Festival guests.

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Bronwen Lewis is taking over the weekday morning show on BBC Radio Wales this autumn following the departure of Wynne Evans.
The news was announced live on-air today during Behnaz Akhgar’s Afternoon Show, where Bronwen joined her in the Cardiff studio to share the update.
Bronwen, who currently presents a weekly Country Music show and Sunday mornings on the station, will become the new voice of mid-mornings from Central Square in Cardiff.
She told listeners: “All I want with this new show is for people to turn on the radio and go ‘That’s my mate Bron’. I love knowing the listeners like family and sharing in their life moments.”
The singer, musician and presenter from the Dulais Valley first found a national audience on The Voice in 2013 and has gone on to star in the film Pride, release her own album, and tour with Max Boyce. During lockdown, she performed more than 45 virtual gigs from her home and gained a large following for her Welsh-language pop covers online.
She said: “BBC Radio Wales has been part of my life for as long as I can remember… it’s honestly a dream come true.”
Bronwen’s mid-morning programme will be built around music, conversations with guests and what she calls “the usual serving of silliness”. She will continue to host her Wednesday night Country Music show.
Meanwhile, Robin Morgan is joining the weekend line-up with a new show airing Sundays from midday until 3pm. Already known to listeners as the host of *What Just Happened?*, Robin said: “It’s going to be three hours of fun and games, great music and big laughs.”
Radio Wales Editor Carolyn Hitt said Bronwen “embodies all that Radio Wales is about” and praised her ability to connect across generations. She added: “We’re also delighted to welcome Robin Morgan… as we embark on this exciting new chapter.”
Bronwen joined the station in 2023 and was named Best New Presenter at this year’s ARIAS.

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Heart Scotland is refreshing its Breakfast Show with a new trio of presenters from next Monday 11 August.
Des Clarke will be joined by Adele Cunningham and Grado to front Heart Scotland Breakfast with Des Clarke, Adele & Grado, airing live from 6:30am to 10:00am each weekday.
The show will broadcast from Global’s studios on West Regent Street in Glasgow.
Adele returns to Heart following previous stints with the brand and across Scottish radio, including Real Radio and Clyde 1. Grado, best known for his work in wrestling and comedy, will take on a full-time breakfast role for the first time.
Des has been presenting Heart Scotland Breakfast since last year and says the new team promises “fun on air” and “a lot of mischief in the studio”.
Adele said she was “delighted to be joining the madness”, while Grado added: “Get ready Scotland! We’re going to bring you the biggest and best tunes, celebrity interviews and laughs!”
Andy Everett, Managing Editor for Scotland & Wales at Global, said: “The three of them together are pure dynamite. Just what our listeners need to start the day right.”
The new show launches on Monday 11 August at 6:30am on Heart Scotland.

Des Clarke took over the Heart Scotland Breakfast Show in 2023, following a long broadcasting career including Capital Scotland and BBC Radio Scotland.
Adele Cunningham previously worked at Real Radio, Clyde 1, and Heart, and was part of the original launch team of Heart Scotland.
Grado is a Scottish professional wrestler, actor and radio host known for his appearances in BBC Scotland’s *Scot Squad* and *Two Doors Down*.
The show replaces the current Breakfast format with Des Clarke and pJennifer Reoch.

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