UK

Young passengers on LNER trains can now enjoy a dedicated children’s podcast, available during their journey or online.
The new ‘LNER Kids Club’ podcast is packed with stories, games and behind-the-scenes interviews tailored to younger listeners. It’s designed to keep children entertained and informed as they travel on the East Coast route.
Passengers can access the podcast onboard by scanning the QR code on the back of their seat or listen on all major podcast platforms.
There are currently three episodes, with contributions from LNER train drivers, station staff, British Transport Police and even LNER’s Managing Director David Horne. All are answering questions from curious young interviewers asking about life on the railway and the range of roles behind the scenes.
The show is hosted by Emma-Louise Amanshia and Lauren Underwood from Fun Kids, who said it had been “an amazing experience” to meet those working across LNER and some of its youngest passengers.
Stuart from LNER said: “We’re delighted to be offering our younger passengers an exciting new way to make the most of their LNER adventures.”
The first two episodes are live now and can be streamed both on and off the train.

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Talk presenter James Whale has died aged 74, following a long illness. He had been living with cancer for several years.
Talk confirmed the news today, describing the broadcaster as a titan of the industry whose influence spanned more than six decades.
An on-air obituary was read by presenter Mike Graham, who called James “a pioneer of late night radio” and credited him with helping shape the modern talk format in the UK.
“James began his remarkable career in the early 1970s when he pioneered a new kind of radio in Britain, the late night shock jock phone-in,” said Mike. “By the late 1980s, the James Whale radio show had become a cultural phenomenon, broadcasting every weekend on ITV.”
James became a household name through his distinctive broadcasting style, later hosting programmes across ITV, Sky and the BBC, as well as returning to his radio roots at talkRADIO in 2016. He also appeared on *Celebrity Big Brother*, attracting a new generation of fans.
In 2006, James publicly shared his kidney cancer diagnosis, later founding Kidney Cancer UK and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds. He was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours last year in recognition of his contribution to broadcasting and charity.
Dennie Morris, Director of Audio at News Broadcasting, said: “James was the godfather of speech radio, and there will never be another like him.”
Earlier this month, James recorded a final interview from his home in Kent with long-time friend Nigel Farage, reflecting on his career and his views on the changing media and political landscape.
Talk said James would be remembered not only as a broadcaster but also as “a companion, a provocateur, and a good friend”.

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CountryLine Radio has announced that Paul Ogletree is joining its on-air team to host a new weekend show.

Paul will present a high-energy mix of 90s favourites and upbeat country tracks designed for weekend listening, marking his radio debut with the UK station.
Based in Nashville, Paul is already known to CountryLine audiences through his work on CountryLine TV, where he is a regular face.
John Collins, Head of Radio at CountryLine, said: “Paul brings the perfect energy for our weekend lineup. He’s knowledgeable, relatable and flat-out entertaining.”
CountryLine Radio broadcasts on DAB in London and is also available on smart speakers, the CountryLine app, TuneIn and online.
The station is part of the wider CountryLine Media network, which connects country music fans across the UK and beyond.

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A new community station has launched from Tircoed Village near Swansea from the ashes of SA Radio Live and Radio Tircoed.
It’s the third name in 12 months for the frequency of 106.5 FM, officially changing to Welsh Coast Radio on 7 July, offering a mix of themed shows, listener content and local stories aimed at celebrating Swansea and surrounding areas.
Welsh Coast Radio says it aims to become “a community voice with a heartbeat,” with a strong focus on listener interaction and authentic Welsh storytelling.
The team said: “We’re proud to represent Tircoed Village, celebrate Swansea, and put local voices front and centre.”

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Graham Norton will return to Virgin Radio UK on Sunday 24 August with a live broadcast from Edinburgh.

The show will air from 10am to 1pm in front of a live audience at the Commons Club Bar inside Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, coinciding with the final weekend of the city’s world-famous festival.
Listeners can expect Graham’s familiar wit, special guests and plenty of entertainment as he steps back into his old mid-morning slot for a one-off programme described as a celebration of summer and the arts.
Graham said: “I’m so looking forward to catching up with all the Virgin listeners and thrilled that we are going to be celebrating the legendary Edinburgh festival from the heart of the city. The whole thing feels like an end of summer treat.”
Virgin Red members have a chance to attend the show by redeeming tickets using Virgin Points. The event includes food and drink from the hotel’s bar and kitchen as part of the ticket experience, with limited availability via the Virgin Red app.
This marks the first time Virgin Radio will broadcast from a Virgin Hotel, with Edinburgh’s Commons Club Bar chosen as the venue. The hotel, located in the historic India Buildings just off the Royal Mile, features views of Edinburgh Castle and is at the centre of festival activity.
Ellie Davis, Deputy Content Director at Virgin Radio, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome Graham back to the Virgin Radio family for this extra-special show live from the Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.”
Mafalda Alburquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, added: “There couldn’t be a more perfect setting for Graham’s sensational return to Virgin Radio.”
The broadcast comes as the city hosts hundreds of performers and thousands of visitors during August for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and International Festival.

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The Christian O’Connell Show will broadcast nationally across Australia for the first time in 2026.

The move marks a significant step in ARN’s strategy to expand its content reach across metro and regional markets, bringing the Melbourne-based GOLD FM breakfast show to listeners in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and beyond.
Christian, who moved from the UK to Australia in 2018, said going national was a long-held ambition.
“When I moved here seven years ago, I dreamed of building a national show – one that could connect with people all over Australia,” he said.
He previously fronted a number one national breakfast show in the UK with an audience of 2.5 million and has since built a strong following in Melbourne with a show known for its mix of storytelling, humour and community.
The national rollout will see the show air live in major cities during breakfast and in regional areas in the evenings, as ARN expands the GOLD Network’s footprint.
“This isn’t a show about gossip or stunts,” Christian added. “I want to offer something more: a real alternative in the mornings. Something built on heart, humour and human connection.”
ARN’s Chief Audience & Content Officer Lauren Joyce said: “Christian is a rare talent with an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences. He’s already built one of the most successful shows in Melbourne, and we believe that’s just the beginning.”
The show is also expected to offer new national advertising opportunities, with ARN highlighting Christian’s previous commercial campaigns that have resonated with both clients and listeners.
“I have helped brands innovate with ideas that don’t just shout – they’ve mattered,” Christian said. “I’m excited to bring that same creative thinking to national clients who want to stand out and make a difference.”
Christian’s move to a national breakfast platform is a first for commercial radio in Australia and comes after seven years building his audience in Melbourne.
“People said I’d never make it here. That an outsider wouldn’t connect. But I did. I’ve stayed true to who I am and what I do: real radio, for grown-ups, about real life – and bloody funny.”

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