UK

Peter Grant, former broadcaster on commercial and BBC radio, has died following a recent illness.

Best known for his time at TFM and later Magic 1170 in the north east, Peter also spent time at Hallam FM in Sheffield and BBC Radio Newcastle.
Peter was diagnosed with cancer last year and underwent surgery. A month later, he posted on X that “those pesky cancer cells” had returned and so he was having chemotherapy.
A number of posts on social media yesterday shared the news that Peter had lost his fight and had sadly passed away.
Peter began his broadcasting career in 1982 and continued until 2019. He also worked in Television and ran his own media company.

Very sad to hear about the passing of Peter Grant, an old pal from radio days at #BBCNewcastle @BBCNEandCumbriaAlways positive, always friendly, always optimistic.RIP pic.twitter.com/zGQNa4KrYM
— alfie joey (@alfiejoey) January 20, 2025

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Happy Radio UK is partnering Manchester’s AO Arena, becoming the official radio partner, as the venue marks its 30th year.

Since opening its doors in 1995, AO Arena has welcomed over 30 million fans to performances from the likes of Elton John, Kylie Minogue, The Rolling Stones Beyoncé, Madonna and Peter Kay.
As official radio partner, the station will launch a new exclusive podcast series, offer behind-the-scenes access and the chance to win tickets with exclusive competitions. It will also broadcast a series of live OBs from the venue.
Happy Radio UK co-founders Darren Proctor and Max Eden Said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with the iconic AO Arena as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.
“The arena holds a special place in the hearts of all of us in Manchester and music fans everywhere, and we can’t wait to share in this incredible anniversary milestone with them.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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