UK

Ofcom has launched a consultation to gather feedback on which voice-controlled devices should be included in legislation surrounding radio streams.

The regulator says it wants to know which radio selection services (RSS) should be designated under the Media Act 2024, which aims to ensure the continued availability of UK radio services on connected audio devices, such as smart speakers and in-car entertainment systems.
The Secretary of State requires a report on the subject, about which radio selection services should be designated under Part 6 of the Media Act.
This isn’t just about making sure Amazon and Google continue to provide radio via their respective smart speakers, but also includes services on mobile phones and in cars such as Siri and Bixby.
Ofcom says: “Our proposed approach to our assessment in our report includes using a threshold to determine if a level of use of a radio selection service is significant. Our report must include consideration of the number of members of the public using a service; the manner in which a service is used; whether the level of use is significant; and any other matters we think affect these.
“We welcome responses to our consultation by 18 March 2025 and, subject to any feedback received, we will publish a Statement setting out the final principles and methods that we will apply in preparing our report.”
See more here.

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UK production company Persephonica has appointed former BBC Sounds Commissioner and Radio 1 producer Fiona Hanlon as Managing Director.
Fiona has 17 years at the BBC, working has worked alongside some of the biggest names in broadcasting, including Nick Grimshaw and Scott Mills.
She played a pivotal role in the launch of BBC Sounds, commissioning music formats like Pop Top Ten with Rylan and Scott and developing companion content for Peaky Blinders, Normal People, and Killing Eve.
“Persephonica has built an excellent reputation for working with world-class talent to create standout podcasts,” said Hanlon.
“I’m excited to lead the next phase of growth, expanding our entertainment slate and developing fresh, innovative formats fronted by hosts that truly connect with their audiences.”
CEO Dino Sofos is equally enthusiastic: “Fiona joins at a key moment for the company as we prepare to launch major new original shows in the UK and beyond. She has an incredible knack for spotting gaps in the market and pairing top-tier talent with bold, unique ideas. We’re incredibly lucky to have such a creative powerhouse leading Persephonica into its next exciting chapter.”

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MIX 92.6 has launched on DAB+ in addition to its community radio FM licence in South Hertfordshire.
Station Manager Nick Hazell emphasised the strategic importance of this development, stating: “I am really delighted that we’ve been able to take this next big step in growing our local radio station.
“At a time when others are retrenching and moving away from local radio, this move makes a clear statement about how important we think it is to support and serve our local community.”
The station, previously known as Radio Verulam, has been serving the area via various methods since the 1990s.

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Ewen and Cat at Breakfast on Greatest Hits Radio Scotland have been given a breach from Ofcom for a live interview which contained offensive language.
The incident occurred on September 10, 2024 when comedian Ford Kiernan used explicit language even after being told he was live on the radio and children are listening.
The interview started at approximately 08:25: “Delighted to have showbiz royalty in the studio. Still Game’s very own Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill. They’ve got their coffee. I’ve had a word with Ford. We’re on live radio, mate. We’re live radio. Children are going to school…”
Soon after, Ford Kiernan said: “When this book is finally released and it’s released very soon… the wean in Scottish school that you speak of can get their own wallpaper like we used to do at school and wrap the fuc*ing thing up”.
His comment was followed by laughter, before Ewen Cameron apologised, saying: “My apologies for Ford’s language there”
Then Ford Kiernan said: “No, we’re not actually live, are we? That’s desperate. I thought it was a prerecord. I do apologise. My language there”.
He later stated: “One minute he tells you he’s recording. The next minute he tells you he’s not recording. Watch your language. He raises an eyebrow at me as if to say, ‘will you please say a swearword?’”
Towards the end of the interview, Ewen said: “Apologies for the language from my guests this morning…”
Despite immediate apologies from the host and the guest, Ofcom concluded that the station violated Rule 1.14 of the Broadcasting Code, which prohibits the most offensive language during times when children are likely to be listening.
Bauer said that Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill “have been trusted guests” on this programme on many occasions and that “as the stars of Scotland’s biggest comedy show, the duo is well-known and loved by audiences of all ages across the nation”.
The Licensee said that there had been “numerous interviews featuring Ford and Greg across live radio and TV over the last two decades. They have always been extremely popular and compliant live guests, with no issues or complaints in past appearances on Ewen’s show, across the Bauer network, or with the BBC and other commercial outlets”.
Bauer added that “it is standard practice to pre-record all interviews” but that given the guests “are considered ‘friends of the show’ by the breakfast team” and taking into account “the respect we have for our guests”, it “did not anticipate any offensive language”.
The Licensee said that “the offensive language [in this programme] was not anticipated”. It stated that “despite pre-broadcast warnings, inappropriate language was used live on air”.
In response to the breach, Ofcom has reminded all broadcasters of their responsibility to adhere to the Broadcasting Code and to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent the broadcast of offensive language.

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The team at DevonAir is set to relaunch DevonAir Gold taking the station to an older demo.
DevonAir Gold, previously featuring music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, will now focus on music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s instead.
Station manager Andy Green shared the vision behind the relaunch: “This time, our goal is to create a station that truly resonates with an older audience, bringing back the timeless classics they love, there’s also a new station logo.”
If the station’s bid for the Exmouth, Budleigh, and Dawlish DAB multiplex is successful, DevonAir Gold will be accessible on DAB across the area, in addition to its current online delivery method.
Andy also hinted at the possibility of expanding into other areas in the future and said anyone who might be interested in getting involved can email andy@devonair.fm.

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Radio News Hub has launched a new hourly news service for radio stations worldwide to deliver news in their native languages.

Co-founders Jamie Fletcher and Stephanie Otty told RadioToday: “We are thrilled to launch this service that empowers radio stations to connect with their listeners in a more meaningful way.
“By providing news in local languages, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the world around us.”
Stephanie Otty added: “Our commitment to delivering relevant news highlights the importance of local perspectives. We believe that every story matters, and we are here to share it with the world.”
Radio News Hub provides news and packages to hundreds of radio station in the UK and around the world.
Radio stations interested in the service can email info@radionewshub.com

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