UK

This morning on Heart Breakfast, Jamie Theakston shared the good news that he’s cancer free so is returning to the show on Monday morning.

He was diagnosed with stage one laryngeal cancer back in September 2024 after listeners heard a change in his voice. At the time, he announced the news on social media, adding that JK would be taking his place while he was away.
Appearing on the show this morning, Jamie explained to Amanda Holden and JK that the last five months have been “awful”. He then went on to say: “Today is the four-month anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. So it’s been four months, and I’ve had enough of hospitals and operations, and it’s just lovely to be back, and I’ve got some news for you. Because I can tell you that as of today, I’m cancer free!”
He explained how difficult it’s been over the last few months and thanked everyone for the “amazing” support he’s received.
He also thanked JK for sitting in on the show at the last minute, acknowledging what an upheaval it was for him as he has a young family.
JK responded that he’s so happy that Jamie is cancer free and is happy that the gang is back together.

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Rob Chandler is to join Gen X Radio from Monday for a daily afternoon show.
He’s been on the radio in the area since starting his career at Radio Orwell before joining Radio Broadland in 1984.
Rob has appeared on several East Anglian stations over the years including Town 102, Radio Suffolk, and Amber Radio.
James Hazell, Managing Director at Gen X Radio Suffolk said, “We are thrilled to have Rob join Gen X. He has been a ‘radio great’ for over forty years and brings a unique wealth of talent and experience to the airwaves of his home county, Suffolk.
On joining Gen X Radio Rob said, “Quite simply in a time where local radio seems to be all but dead and the big radio groups are networking from London or Manchester or who knows where, the team at Gen X should be applauded and supported for keeping radio alive in Suffolk. I love talking about the Town and the Witches and all things Ipswich and Suffolk plus the music we get to play is unlike the repetitive offerings usually heard elsewhere on the dial.”
Rob’s arrival heralds some changes to the Gen X Radio Suffolk weekday and weekend schedules as they say goodbye to Ian Lawrence, a presenter on Sunday mornings, who has decided to ‘hang-up’ his headphones. Norman Lloyd is stepping back from his weekend Breakfast Show but will still be heard on the station.

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

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Su Harrison is joining Kube Media in Essex to host a syndicated show on Essex Hits, Radio Southend, and Radio Chelmsford.
The former breakfast show co-host with Martin Day, who has worked on the radio in the region for almost 25 years, will be on-air each weekday from 10am till 1pm.
Su said: “I’m beyond thrilled to announce that I have a new radio show of my own! It’s going to be an absolute blast – this opportunity only came up just over a week ago,and I can’t wait to kick things off on Monday!”
James Jones, CEO of Kube Media, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have Su join the Kube Media family.
“She’s become a true favourite with Essex listeners, and now with her brand-new solo venture, we’re excited to bring even more of her infectious energy and charm to the Essex airwaves!”
Martin and Su were first put together on Essex FM in 2000, before the station was rebranded to Heart in 2009.
Due to networking at local radio stations and cuts, Martin and Su were then left without a home in May 2019 before Radio Essex signed them up. She left in December.

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

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A group of experienced individuals are planning to launch a new bilingual independent radio station for Wales called SŵnCymru.

The un-named former radio station managers say The Sound of Wales aims to fill the gap in the Welsh broadcasting landscape by offering independent programming that appeals to young people and representing regions from across the country.
They add that the station will serve as a platform to promote Welsh music and culture.
In a statement to RadioToday, they say: “We are looking for individuals interested in supporting the initiative by becoming sponsors, advertising on the station, working on programs, or simply by listening and raising awareness.”
The station’s website says it will be on DAB and online in the coming months.

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

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Journalist and broadcaster Kate McCann is joining Stig Abell to co-host Times Radio’s Breakfast show Monday to Thursday.

Kate has been political editor of Times Radio since 2023 and will start her new job on Monday 3rd February, taking over from Aasmah Mir who left in November.
Prior to Times Radio, McCann was political editor of TalkTV between 2022 and 2023, a political correspondent for Sky News between 2018 and 2022, and the Daily Telegraph’s senior political correspondent between 2015 and 2018.
Kate McCann said: “There are very few things that could get me out of bed at 3am every morning but the opportunity to present Times Radio Breakfast is top of that list.
“It’s such a huge privilege to join Stig and the team waking the nation up every morning and I hope to bring curiosity, political instinct and a bit of northern warmth to our new Breakfast show.
“Politics is my first love, so there will be plenty of that – and I can’t think of a better time to be taking on the challenge as Donald Trump becomes President again, Labour attempts to steer the UK out of economic difficulty and social media bosses continue to become the voices of our age.
“I can’t wait to join the team as we try to answer some of the biggest questions facing us all in what’s set to be a year of huge global change.”
Stig Abell said: “You can’t do a breakfast show if you can’t face seeing your co-presenter everyday at 4 in the morning. Happily, I know Kate very well and that she will be a brilliant person to start the day with. She has been a real asset to Times Radio as political editor. I cannot wait for her to bring all her energy and intelligence to our daily exploration of the news, politics and curiosities of the morning.”
McCann will step away from her role co-hosting flagship politics show Sunday Morning with Adam Boulton, which he will now present solo.
In addition, Times Radio will welcome comedian and writer Geoff Norcott to the station presenter line-up, with a Friday evening (7pm-10pm) show.
Geoff Norcott said: “I can’t wait to take over Friday evenings. Times Radio does a great job of keeping people informed and entertained, so given it’s the start of the weekend my show will tend towards the latter.
“We’ll still keep people across the big stories, but there will also be a lot of chat about music, TV, film and sport. Given that I grew up on a council estate, some people are calling this a diversity hire, but I’d like to think I’m here on merit.”
Other appointments include the launch of former Conservative MP and House of Lords member Ed Vaizey’s permanent Friday morning show (10am-1pm), giving listeners a regular weekly dose of sharp political insight.
Andrew Neil will return to Times Radio to present Times at One for one week every month throughout 2025. The Times at One show will also feature a rotating roster of presenters, including broadcaster Sir Trevor Phillips, Times columnist Daniel Finkelstein and editor of the Times political newsletter Lara Spirit.
Andrew Neil said: “I am delighted to renew and continue my association with Times Radio, which continues to go from strength to strength. The need for informed, unbiased and quality analysis of current events has never been greater and Times Radio is the perfect platform from which to provide it.”
It was announced earlier this month that journalist, broadcaster, and Sunday Times columnist Rod Liddle will be the new host of its Saturday morning show.
Station PD Tim Levell said: “Kate McCann has been exceptional as political editor. Listeners value her credibility, clarity and authority. And her interviews have made some of the biggest headlines of 2024. Kate is the perfect choice to make Times Radio Breakfast agenda-setting and must-listen.
“In 2025, Times Radio is committed to being the voice of The Times, delivering intelligent, insightful and engaging news coverage and debate. Our enhanced presenter line-up brings together a diverse range of voices, ensuring our listeners get a broad spectrum of perspectives, analysis and expert opinions. With brilliant names throughout the day, we’re excited about the future of Times Radio.”

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

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Global has announced a new podcast with LBC presenter and author James O’Brien.
LBC says James O’Brien Daily will feature all the best bits from James’ weekday phone-in programme packed into a 60-minute podcast.
The podcast has been created for people who are unable to listen to James’ LBC show live or catch up on the whole programme on Global Player. Each episode willbe uploaded in time for listeners’ evening commute or downtime at home.
James O’Brien said: “I’m very excited to reach a whole new audience of people whose lifestyles don’t let them listen live or to the whole show on catch up. Thanks to my brilliant team and the most incredible callers in the world, we’ve gone from strength to strength in recent years and this feels like a perfect new chapter.”
Vicky Etchells, Director of Global Podcasts, said: “Whether live on his LBC phone-in programme or talking to guests on his Full Disclosure podcast, James is a phenomenal broadcaster and an incisive communicator. As his LBC show celebrates its highest audience figures, this is the perfect time to launch James O’Brien Daily, packed with the best moments from each day, although it’s going to be a challenge to decide what to leave out!”

Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..

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