UK

Radio Academy Festival theme this year to be World of Sound

This year’s Radio Academy Festival will take place on Wednesday 17th September at the Royal College of Physicians in Regent’s Park, London.

With the theme World of Sound, the Festival will highlight global stars, pioneering technology and immersive sonic experiences.
Delegates will explore the opportunities and challenges of the evolving audio industry, with sessions designed to provide practical insights into creativity, innovation and future growth.
The Festival will be hosted by a line-up of presenters including BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders, Hits Radio’s Stephanie Hirst, Absolute Radio’s Dan Noble, Magic Radio’s Neev Spencer, and Lady Unchained from the Prison Radio Association.
Across the day, the event will focus on topics including podcast visualisation, human and algorithmic music curation, sustainable revenues for content creators, and staying relevant in an era of artificial intelligence.
There will also be sessions dedicated to the future role of audio creatives in a world where automation and robotics are rapidly changing the media landscape.
Highlights include exclusive insights from expert speakers:

Podcaster and documentary-maker Louis Theroux with CEO of the Prison Radio Association Phil Maguire OBE
Radio presenter Christian O’Connell on leaving success in the UK to triumph in Australia with a unique national show on ARN’s GOLD Network
June Sarpong OBE on activist Una Marson, the first black woman at the BBC
Psychologist Dr Sian Williams and neuroscientist Professor Catherine Loveday from BBC Radio 3 Unwind on the positive impact of music on our minds
Dan McQuillin from Broadcast Bionics on retuning radio for the AI era
Sea Salt and Mango founder Tony Philips with audio artist and poet Axel Kacoutié on why black voices matter
BBC News Global Director Jonathan Munro on the enduring significance of the BBC World Service
Laura Fisher from MIDiA Research on lessons for streamers from music radio
Podcaster and Founder/CEO of Workathon Julia Hobsbawm OBE on building your career network in the shifting world of work
Podcast Discovery’s Josh Divney with seven ideas to steal from podcasts around the world
International broadcasting consultant Valerie Geller with time-tested techniques on creating compelling audio
BBC News’ Analysis Editor Ros Atkins with City St George’s University of London Podcaster in Residence Keyari Page, Stripped Media’s Kobi Omenaka, Paul Fernley from Audio Always, and Patreon’s Emi Geddes
Reggae Artist and BBC Radio Cymru, Wales and 1Xtra presenter Aleighcia Scott, broadcaster, DJ, music producer and founder of audio agency This is Distorted Andi Durrant and BBC Radio Wales presenter Molly Palmer on the art of human music curation in the age of algorithms.

Celebrating excellence, the festival will also feature award-winning contributors:

Scout Tzofiya Boltonon poetry, psychosis and presenting on National Prison Radio in conversation with broadcaster, actor and writer Mim Shaikh
BBC producer and presenter Monica Whitlock and editor Penny Murphy tell Sangita Myska about how they protectedthe identity of a young woman in Taliban controlled Afghanistan
Alan Hall and Eleanor McDowall from Falling Tree Productions on the imaginative possibilities of radio and the craft of the much-loved Short Cuts
Sam Jackson, Controller of BBC Radio 3 and the BBC Proms, on being UK Radio Station of the Year and his plans to keep on growing
Comedian and broadcaster Jon Holmes tells Magic Radio’s Tom Price about BBC Radio 4’s The Skewer and coming home to Dead Ringers
BBC Radio Merseyside’s Kevin Duala, producer Jess Robbins and executive editor Ben Anderson on transforming the Breakfast Show and getting a Gold ARIA for News and Current Affairs reporting
Pulama Kaufman and Paul Fernley from Audio Always who turned a story from the other side of the world in a language they didn’t speak into a game-changing podcast
Times Radio’s Hugo Rifkind with podcasting powerhouse Goalhanger on being UK Audio Brand of the year and building a portfolio of chart-topping content
talkSPORT on their Judges’ award and what makes their shows so distinctive and impressive
Greatest Hits Radio’s Andy Ashton with testaments to the impact of his leadership from a range of broadcasting stars.

New stages, sessions and experiences include:

Cutting-edge acoustic art in the Dolby Library featuring a world exclusive preview of immersive climate change soundscape Sonic Sunset, Wisebuddah’s Psychology of Sonic Branding and an introduction to Dolby Atmos
How Eurovision, now approaching its 70th anniversary, continues to stay relevant at a time of constant change throughout the music industry
The enduring power of radio drama as the world’s longest-running soap opera, the BBC’s The Archers, prepares to celebrate 75 years on air
Individual 1:1 delegate conversations with top industry leaders from Acast, Audible, Audio Always, Audioboom, Bauer, Bengo Media, BBC, Blanchard House, Loftus Media, Overcoat Media, Platform Media/Listen, Podimo, Reduced Listening, RNIB, Spotify, The Observer, Times Radio, Unedited, We Are Grape and Whistledown.

Plus the Festival will honour the memory of those lost from the world of audio, announce the new Fellows of the Radio Academy, share perspectives from broadcasters and business leaders around the world on the future of the industry, and culminate in an after-party, courtesy of PPL and PRS For Music.
Visit The Radio Academy’s website and social channels for more details.

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UK

Radio Academy Festival theme this year to be Wall of Sound

This year’s Radio Academy Festival will take place on Wednesday 17th September at the Royal College of Physicians in Regent’s Park, London.

With the theme World of Sound, the Festival will highlight global stars, pioneering technology and immersive sonic experiences.
Delegates will explore the opportunities and challenges of the evolving audio industry, with sessions designed to provide practical insights into creativity, innovation and future growth.
The Festival will be hosted by a line-up of presenters including BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders, Hits Radio’s Stephanie Hirst, Absolute Radio’s Dan Noble, Magic Radio’s Neev Spencer, and Lady Unchained from the Prison Radio Association.
Across the day, the event will focus on topics including podcast visualisation, human and algorithmic music curation, sustainable revenues for content creators, and staying relevant in an era of artificial intelligence.
There will also be sessions dedicated to the future role of audio creatives in a world where automation and robotics are rapidly changing the media landscape.
Highlights include exclusive insights from expert speakers:

Podcaster and documentary-maker Louis Theroux with CEO of the Prison Radio Association Phil Maguire OBE
Radio presenter Christian O’Connell on leaving success in the UK to triumph in Australia with a unique national show on ARN’s GOLD Network
June Sarpong OBE on activist Una Marson, the first black woman at the BBC
Psychologist Dr Sian Williams and neuroscientist Professor Catherine Loveday from BBC Radio 3 Unwind on the positive impact of music on our minds
Dan McQuillin from Broadcast Bionics on retuning radio for the AI era
Sea Salt and Mango founder Tony Philips with audio artist and poet Axel Kacoutié on why black voices matter
BBC News Global Director Jonathan Munro on the enduring significance of the BBC World Service
Laura Fisher from MIDiA Research on lessons for streamers from music radio
Podcaster and Founder/CEO of Workathon Julia Hobsbawm OBE on building your career network in the shifting world of work
Podcast Discovery’s Josh Divney with seven ideas to steal from podcasts around the world
International broadcasting consultant Valerie Geller with time-tested techniques on creating compelling audio
BBC News’ Analysis Editor Ros Atkins with City St George’s University of London Podcaster in Residence Keyari Page, Stripped Media’s Kobi Omenaka, Paul Fernley from Audio Always, and Patreon’s Emi Geddes
Reggae Artist and BBC Radio Cymru, Wales and 1Xtra presenter Aleighcia Scott, broadcaster, DJ, music producer and founder of audio agency This is Distorted Andi Durrant and BBC Radio Wales presenter Molly Palmer on the art of human music curation in the age of algorithms.

Celebrating excellence, the festival will also feature award-winning contributors:

Scout Tzofiya Boltonon poetry, psychosis and presenting on National Prison Radio in conversation with broadcaster, actor and writer Mim Shaikh
BBC producer and presenter Monica Whitlock and editor Penny Murphy tell Sangita Myska about how they protectedthe identity of a young woman in Taliban controlled Afghanistan
Alan Hall and Eleanor McDowall from Falling Tree Productions on the imaginative possibilities of radio and the craft of the much-loved Short Cuts
Sam Jackson, Controller of BBC Radio 3 and the BBC Proms, on being UK Radio Station of the Year and his plans to keep on growing
Comedian and broadcaster Jon Holmes tells Magic Radio’s Tom Price about BBC Radio 4’s The Skewer and coming home to Dead Ringers
BBC Radio Merseyside’s Kevin Duala, producer Jess Robbins and executive editor Ben Anderson on transforming the Breakfast Show and getting a Gold ARIA for News and Current Affairs reporting
Pulama Kaufman and Paul Fernley from Audio Always who turned a story from the other side of the world in a language they didn’t speak into a game-changing podcast
Times Radio’s Hugo Rifkind with podcasting powerhouse Goalhanger on being UK Audio Brand of the year and building a portfolio of chart-topping content
talkSPORT on their Judges’ award and what makes their shows so distinctive and impressive
Greatest Hits Radio’s Andy Ashton with testaments to the impact of his leadership from a range of broadcasting stars.

New stages, sessions and experiences include:

Cutting-edge acoustic art in the Dolby Library featuring a world exclusive preview of immersive climate change soundscape Sonic Sunset, Wisebuddah’s Psychology of Sonic Branding and an introduction to Dolby Atmos
How Eurovision, now approaching its 70th anniversary, continues to stay relevant at a time of constant change throughout the music industry
The enduring power of radio drama as the world’s longest-running soap opera, the BBC’s The Archers, prepares to celebrate 75 years on air
Individual 1:1 delegate conversations with top industry leaders from Acast, Audible, Audio Always, Audioboom, Bauer, Bengo Media, BBC, Blanchard House, Loftus Media, Overcoat Media, Platform Media/Listen, Podimo, Reduced Listening, RNIB, Spotify, The Observer, Times Radio, Unedited, We Are Grape and Whistledown.

Plus the Festival will honour the memory of those lost from the world of audio, announce the new Fellows of the Radio Academy, share perspectives from broadcasters and business leaders around the world on the future of the industry, and culminate in an after-party, courtesy of PPL and PRS For Music.
Visit The Radio Academy’s website and social channels for more details.

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UK

Three stations merge to launch Essex Breeze across the county

Essex Breeze will launch on Monday 1st September at 6am, bringing together Radio Chelmsford, Radio Southend and Radio Harlow under one name.

The new station says it will offer a more connected and impactful listening experience for audiences across Essex.
Jay and Lisa will host breakfast from 6am, while Su Harrison moves from Essex Hits to present the mid-morning show. Afternoons will be hosted by Hawa Kassam, before Mark and Phill take over drivetime from 4-7pm.
Essex Breeze will be available on DAB, Alexa-enabled devices by activating the Essex Breeze skill, online at www.essexbreeze.com, and via the Essex Breeze Hits Player app.
A spokesperson for the station said: “Essex Breeze is all about bringing people together with music they love and presenters who know the county inside out. We want to make it easy for listeners to take us with them wherever they are.”

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UK

Tickets on sale for UKCRN Conference and Radio Awards

Tickets are now available for the 2025 UKCRN Community Radio Conference and Community Radio Awards, taking place in Bradford on 25th October.

The event will be held at the Life Centre and is sponsored by Be Broadcast, featuring keynote speakers, panels, and workshops designed to support stations and strengthen their role in local communities.
As the sector marks 20 years in 2025, a panel led by Dom Chambers will reflect on its journey so far, while another led by Dean Kavanagh will look ahead to future opportunities and challenges.
The Cornwall Community Media Network will also share success stories from its collaborative projects and digital skills programme.
The evening will host the Community Radio Awards, sponsored by Aiir, with categories highlighting everything from specialist music to social action broadcasting, offering recognition for individuals and stations alike.
To widen access, a limited number of bursary places have been made available thanks to Aiir, Be Broadcast, SteersMedia, Broadcast Bionics, and Rupert Brun. Applications are open via www.ukcrn.radio/bursary
UKCRN Co-Founder Nathan Spackman said: “We’re thrilled to be in Bradford, the 2025 UK City of Culture, to celebrate twenty years of Community Radio and look ahead to the future of the sector.”
Luke Tracey, Director at Be Broadcast, added: “Community Radio is a vital part of our society, giving a voice to local communities and developing the next generation of talent. We’re proud to support its incredible contribution.”
Super Early Bird tickets for the UKCRN Community Radio Conference and Community Radio Awards are available via communityradio2025.eventbrite.co.uk.

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UK

GB News makes weekend schedule changes with new presenter line-up

GB News is making further changes to its weekend schedule, with Olivia Utley joining Charlie Peters as co-presenter of Saturday Morning Live.

The pair will front their first programme together on 30th August. Charlie, who won Best News Presenter at the TRIC Awards earlier this year, has been presenting the show solo for several months. Olivia recently returned to the channel following maternity leave.
Ben Briscoe, Head of Programming at GB News, said: “Charlie and Olivia bring a superb mix of journalistic rigour, humour, warmth and authenticity which perfectly captures the spirit of Saturday Morning Live. We’re thrilled to welcome them as the new faces of our brilliant and hugely popular weekend show.”
The move comes as the station makes a series of changes ahead of the launch of The Late Show Live, a new US programme.
Alex Armstrong will present a new prime-time weekend show, Alex Armstrong Tonight, which begins on 30th August and airs on Saturdays and Sundays. He will also continue hosting The Saturday Five.
Other changes include Miriam Cates joining Andrew Pierce as co-anchor of Britain’s Newsroom from Monday to Thursday, with Alex Armstrong stepping in as co-host on Fridays. The refreshed weekday line-up begins on 1st September.
Meanwhile, Emily Carver has stepped away from Good Afternoon Britain as she prepares for maternity leave. Nana Akua will co-present with Tom Harwood on Monday to Wednesday, while Dawn Neesom joins Tom on Thursday and Friday. These changes take effect from 4th September.

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UK

Pure Dance returns to the airwaves after eighteen years

Pure Dance, the 2000s dance music station, is set to relaunch this September on small-scale DAB in Milton Keynes and Loughborough.

It will also be available via Radioplayer, TuneIn and smart speakers.
The station first launched in 2004 and quickly became a central part of UK club culture, reaching close to a million monthly listeners while supporting music launches and campaigns with major labels.
It was home to well-known DJs including Stu Allan, Slipmatt, Lisa Lashes and Matt Darey before going off air in 2006.
Station founder Alex Kinch said: “The end of Pure Dance always felt like unfinished business. What started as us uploading archive shows turned into a full rebuild. Dance music deserves specialist radio made by people who live and breathe it – that’s what we’re bringing back.”
Confirmed shows for the relaunch include Paul Van Dyk, Above & Beyond, R3HAB, Nicky Romero, MK, Defected and Toolroom Radio, alongside specialist programming from Slipmatt, Solarstone, Tube & Berger, Rebūke, Laura van Dam, Anjunadeep and He.She.They.
Pure Anthems and Non-Stop Pure Dance will also return, while the UDJ strand will be revived to provide a platform for new DJs to showcase their work.

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