UK

Most of the traffic bulletins on Greatest Hits Radio and Hits Radio are now voiced by computers rather than people.

Bauer and INRIX have been working together on the move from human voiced updates to letting AI do the work, and recently introduced bulletins across the two national radio networks.
Staff shifts have been reduced as a result of the move at INRIX, as fewer people are now required to deliver the service.
Bauer says AI will allow them to deliver accurate, timely travel information to audiences faster than ever before, and opens up exciting possibilities for more responsive, hyper-targeted updates delivered via IP in the future.
INRIX says the development is a natural evolution of its long-standing services. A spokesperson told RadioToday: “During 2025, INRIX has been working closely with Bauer on the next step in traffic and travel broadcast services, bringing together our trusted data, our established traffic systems and new technology to deliver the same detail and scale that audiences rely on.
“This development is a natural evolution of our long-standing services. Bulletins are generated through INRIX’s traffic intelligence and automation systems, with delivery informed by the tone and style of our experienced broadcast journalists to ensure continuity and familiarity for listeners.
“The result provides clear, consistent and recognisable traffic updates, delivered faster than ever before and opening the door to even more precise and personalised information in the future.
“At INRIX, we’re excited to support Bauer in this latest chapter for radio travel news.”
Here are some examples of the bulletins. […]

Toyah Willcox is joining Greatest Hits Radio to fill in for Martin Kemp while he takes part in ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

Toyah, who presents on sister station Greatest Hits Radio 80s, will host Martin’s Mix Tape shows every Friday and Saturday night from 21 November until Christmas.
Toyah said: “I am so excited to join Greatest Hits Radio, filling in for Martin Kemp whilst he is eating bugs in the jungle. I love Greatest Hits Radio and we’re going to have so much fun over the coming weeks. It will be party central on the Mix Tape every Friday and Saturday night.”
Before flying to Australia, Martin spoke with fellow presenter Kate Thornton about why he finally said yes to entering the jungle this year. “It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, it’s always been on my bucket list,” he said. “Every year we sit down as a family and watch it, and it was amazing when Roman went in. This time it’s my turn.”
He added that his family were quick to support the decision. “The first person I called was Roman. He told me I had to do it, and Shirlie said I was definitely going so she could go to that fancy hotel she sees on TV every year!”
Martin’s full interview with Kate Thornton airs this Friday afternoon between 1pm and 4pm on Greatest Hits Radio.

#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 1Xtra is refreshing its Friday night line-up from April, introducing new presenters Kash and Pharaoh G and moving some of its flagship shows.

The pair, who started out at Reprezent Radio and have regularly covered for 1Xtra across the schedule, will host a brand new show from Birmingham every Friday from 7pm to 9pm. Their programme will bring the latest in music and culture to kick-start the weekend.
Kash said she is “buzzing to bring that Friday night party energy to 1Xtra”, while Pharaoh G added that hosting a show on the network “has always been my dream” and promised “good energy and amazing music” each week.
Following their show, Kenny Allstar’s long-running Rap Show will move to 9pm to 11pm, rebranded simply as Kenny Allstar, continuing to spotlight new and emerging hip-hop talent from the UK and beyond.
A new late-night music show will also join the schedule from 11pm to 1am, with more details to be revealed early next year.
After seven years at 1Xtra, Tiffany Calver will leave the station in January, with CassKidd covering her slot until the new line-up launches. Tiffany said it had been “the greatest honour” to be part of the station and thanked listeners and artists for their support over the years.
Other schedule moves include The Rave Show with Jeremiah Asiamah shifting to Thursday nights from 11pm to 1am, and Throwback Party with Joelah and Keke moving to Wednesday nights.
Head of 1Xtra Dari Samuels said the refreshed line-up aims to “set the tone for the weekend” and “bring people together through music,” adding that Kash and Pharaoh G will bring “fresh energy and vibrancy to Friday nights.”
The new schedule takes effect from April 2026 and can be heard on DAB and BBC Sounds.

#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. */ […]

Thirty of the brightest young talents in UK radio and audio have been recognised in The Aiir Radio Academy 30 Under 30 for 2025.

The annual list, run by The Radio Academy, and now sponsored by Aiir, celebrates individuals under 30 who are shaping the future of the industry through creativity, innovation and leadership.
This year’s cohort includes producers, journalists, presenters, content creators and sound engineers from across the country, spanning both independent freelancers and major broadcast and podcast platforms. The initiative, launched in 2011, has previously spotlighted names such as Emma Barnett, Ben Shephard and Sam Jackson.
Announcing the new list, The Radio Academy’s Managing Director Dixi Stewart said: “It’s an honour to announce The Aiir Radio Academy 30 Under 30 for 2025. This is one of the most prestigious accolades in the audio industry and since its launch it’s become an accurate predictor of career success.”
Chair of the judging committee, Jimmy Buckland, added: “Audio is undergoing rapid transformation. These 30 young people represent the very best of our industry and it’s an honour to showcase their success.”
The initiative is supported by Aiir, the technology company behind radio station websites and tools. Chief Executive Ricki Lee said the company was proud to sponsor the programme, describing it as a vital celebration of creativity and innovation within the sector.
The Aiir Radio Academy 30 Under 30 class of 2025:

Aaron Bolton, Bauer Media, Senior Social Media Producer (Scotland)
Adam Eland, BBC Speech Digital Commissioning Team, Commissioning Producer
Aisha Williams, Reform Radio, Producer
Anouska Lewis, Goalhanger, Producer – Goalhanger & Freelance Presenter – BBC Bitesize
Beth Wallace, Forth 1, Presenter
Carys Wall, Bespoken Media, Senior Audio Producer
Dan Noble, Absolute Radio (Bauer Media), Presenter
Emily Roberts, Bauer Media, Station Sound Producer
Finn Ranson, Stak, Head of Sport
Fiona Douglas, Goalhanger, Producer
Flo Morsman, Bauer Media Audio UK, Producer (Station Sound) Hits Radio / KISS & Presenter (Hits Radio Pride)
Hannah Fletcher, BBC Radio 2, Assistant Producer
Isabelle Stanley, Freelance, Investigative journalist
Joseph Draper, LBC, Reporter
Katie Lyons, Bauer Media Greatest Hits Radio West Yorkshire and Hits Radio West Yorkshire, Senior Reporter
Katie Grant, Freelance Podcast Producer
Lewis Allsopp, BBC, Outside Broadcast Engineer
Marnie Woodmeade, Freelance / National Trust, Audio Visual Producer
Merryn Robinson, BBC Radio Merseyside & BBC Sounds, BBC Evening Producer (North) & BBC Sounds Producer
Molly Palmer, BBC, Radio Presenter
Natasha Fernandes, BBC Long Form Audio, Producer
Nia Deo, Sony Music Entertainment, Producer
Nicky Anderson, Stak, Head of Narrative
Nico Constantinou, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, Content Assistant Producer
Ollie Brookes, National Prison Radio, Senior Producer
Priya Matharu, Freelance at BBC Audio, Presenter / Producer
Roshan Roberts, Freelance, Executive Producer
Sam Morris, Audio Always, DMG media & University of Salford, Podcast Producer, Presenter and Academic
Sasha Bobak, BBC Studios, Comedy and Entertainment Producer
Taqwa Sadiq, Freelance, Audio Producer-Presenter

#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. */ […]

Ezra Collective drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso is joining BBC Radio 6 Music as a regular presenter from 2 January 2026.

He will host The People’s Party every Friday from 7 to 9pm, broadcasting from MediaCity UK in Salford. The show will provide a weekly space for listeners to relax and connect through uplifting music.
Femi said he was thrilled to become part of the 6 Music team, describing radio as a “powerful medium that can transform your mood in a moment.” He added that being part of the station’s “family means the world” and that he looked forward to “bringing joy to the airwaves, one selection at a time.”
The move marks a natural step for Femi, who has previously stood in for Gilles Peterson, Guy Garvey and Jamz Supernova on 6 Music. Alongside leading Ezra Collective—the first jazz act to win the Mercury Prize and sell out Wembley Arena—he has worked with artists including Gorillaz and Jorja Smith.
The current host of The People’s Party, AFRODEUTSCHE, will move to a new Saturday and Sunday morning slot (6-8am) from 3 January, presenting restorative tracks to ease listeners into their weekends. Her final edition of the Friday show airs on 26 December.
Amy Lamé will also begin a new late-night series in January called SUPERFANS! (19–22 January, 11pm-12am), exploring fan culture around artists such as Charli XCX, Prince, Depeche Mode and The Smiths. Amy’s final weekend breakfast show airs on 28 December.
Samantha Moy, Head of 6 Music, said the station was delighted to welcome Femi as a regular presenter, adding that the line-up changes reflect 6 Music’s commitment to celebrating musical diversity and discovery.
The station will also commemorate ten years since David Bowie’s passing in January, with a week of special programming including extended episodes of David Bowie: Changeling hosted by Kate Moss, and David Bowie Forever day on Friday 9 January.

#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. */ […]

Talk has confirmed that presenter Mike Graham will not return to the station following an internal investigation into an “abhorrent and vile” post that appeared on his Facebook page in October.

In a statement, the company said Mike initially agreed to cooperate fully with its investigation, which involved an independent forensic firm. However, he later “reneged on several opportunities to cooperate” with the process.
Talk said it had been “gravely concerned at his repeated failure to cooperate on such a serious matter,” adding that the decision has now been taken for him not to return to the station.
Mike Graham has presented on Talk since 2010, hosting a range of shows including The Independent Republic of Mike Graham on weekday mornings.
He’s been suspended since the post appeared on his Facebook, which appeared because his Facebook account was hacked, according to Mike.
Just yesterday, he posted a video on X thanking his supporters, and saying sorry for cancelling his show at the Shepherd Bush Empire this week.

#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. */ […]