UK

The University of Bedfordshire’s Post Graduate Centre in central Luton will host a one-day conference that sheds light on the history, politics, and lasting impact of land-based ‘pirate’ radio.

Titled Signals from the Edge, this event will delve into the origins and influence of unlicensed broadcasting, with a special focus on the 1970s and 1980s.
The conference will explore the social, cultural, and technological aspects of pirate radio, a movement that played a pivotal role in shaping the music landscape, broadcasting practices, and the birth of community radio in the UK.
Topics discussed will include the rise of pirate stations, the music they promoted, the technologies they used, and how these stations were documented and archived despite their often elusive nature.
Dr. Lawrie Hallett, the organiser of the event, highlighted the significance of the movement: “The impact of unlicensed broadcasting is often overlooked. Various mainstream formats started out on land-based ‘pirate’ stations, and it certainly drove the development of Community Radio here in the UK,” he said.
“Many of those working in the mainstream today started out without a licence – so its influence is significant and well worth exploring and documenting.”
The conference will feature contributions from across the UK and Ireland, as well as international perspectives on pirate radio. Attendees will have the opportunity to access exclusive archive materials, including rare audio recordings, that offer a glimpse into the world of unlicensed broadcasting. Additionally, the university’s own community radio station, RadioLaB, will be on hand to record interviews with contributors and attendees, providing a live, interactive element to the day.
Signals from the Edge promises to be an enriching and immersive experience for those interested in the intersection of media history, politics, and cultural movements. Whether you are a long-time radio enthusiast or simply curious about the roots of modern broadcasting, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore the untold stories of the airwaves.
Don’t miss out on this fascinating journey into the world of land-based ‘pirate’ radio on Saturday, March 1st, 2025. More details here.

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The Lancashire Post and Blog Preston’s The Parched Pea Podcast hosted John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore will now also be broadcast on Central Radio.

Recording has begun on the new series in which Gilly hears stories from Prestonians across the city. It will be released on all major podcast platforms this Spring.
Gilly said: “Great to be back hosting series two and again hearing so many amazing stories from Proud Prestonions.
“Plus, with the added bonus this time of the podcast being broadcast on Central Radio it’s been a pleasure working with producer Nathan from the station who is the absolute consummate professional.”
Central Radio’s Nathan Hill added: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity for Central Radio North West to collaborate with both the Lancashire Post and Blog Preston on this podcast project.
“As a local radio station dedicated to serving our community, we’re proud to bring our audio production expertise to the table – recording, editing, and producing a podcast that truly captures the voices and stories of Lancashire.
“Working alongside our sponsor, Cozy Homes in Lancashire, has helped shine a spotlight on important local issues, and we’re grateful for their support in making this initiative possible.
“What makes this collaboration particularly special is how different media outlets have come together to create engaging content for the people of Lancashire.
“In an ever-evolving media landscape, partnerships like this show the power of local journalism and broadcasting when we join forces to deliver content that resonates with our audiences.
“It was also a pleasure to work with John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore, whose wealth of experience in broadcasting has been invaluable. His passion for local storytelling and his connection with listeners is unmatched and having him involved in this project has added an extra layer of professionalism and insight.
“We’re excited about the success of this partnership and look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with our colleagues across the local media sector.”
Nicola Adam is editor in chief (north & metro) at National World, owners of the Lancashire Post of which she is former editor and also presents a Sunday show for Central Radio.
She said: “There’s nowhere quite like Preston and the Parched Pea Podcast, hosted by the marvellous Gilly, aims to capture personalities and city pride through conversation and stories.
“It’s also fantastic to be working with Central Radio and Blog Preston in this new and refreshing era of media collaboration here in Lancashire.”

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Absolute Radio Country’s The Nashville Show is to be hosted by Nashville radio presenter Kelly Sutton.

The new show will see Kelly interview the stars of country music in Nashville as well as bringing the latest news and views from Music City.
The Nashville Show will air on Absolute Radio Country Monday to Thursday from 7pm with a ‘Best Of’ show every Sunday at the same time.
Kelly is the co-host of breakfast show, Coffee, Country and Cody on WSM radio in Nashville as well as her own syndicated radio show, Y’all Access with Kelly Sutton, heard across the US.
In addition to being the only female host of the Grand Ole Opry, Kelly hosts Y’all Access Pass for OneCountry.com and co-leads the Country Heat Weekly podcast on Amazon Music.
Kelly said: “I’ve been blessed over the past two decades to have been able to sit down with some incredible country music legends including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.
“Now I will be able to bring interviews with the very best names in today’s country music to the UK fans! It feels like a double blessing.
“I can’t wait to get started on Absolute Radio Country and am looking forward to welcoming all y’all to The Nashville Show very soon.”
Ricky Marshall, Head of Content for Absolute Radio Country said: “After an incredible three years under the stewardship of Elaina D Smith, I’m delighted to welcome Kelly Sutton to The Nashville Show.
“Kelly is part of the fabric of Music City, as a host of radio shows, podcasts and the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville she’s perfectly placed to be the new host of The Nashville Show.
“Bringing the biggest and best guests from the home of country music to the UK’s biggest country music radio station, Kelly will be here to connect our audience direct to Music Row, Broadway and beyond.”

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Schedule changes at Smooth Radio will see a move for North West Breakfast’s Darren Parks, plus Tina Hobley hosting an extra show and Adil Ray joining the station.

Darren Parks, host of Smooth Breakfast in the North West of England, moves to become the new host of The Smooth Sanctuary, Monday to Friday from 7pm to 10pm.
Darren takes over from Gary Vincent who remains at Smooth to host The Smooth Sanctuary on Sundays (7pm to 10pm).
Paul Phear continues hosting The Smooth Sanctuary on Saturdays (7pm to 10pm), in addition to his weekday afternoon programme.
Darren said: “The Smooth Sanctuary is the ultimate de-stress after a busy day. I am looking forward to presenting such an iconic show and helping listeners ease into their evenings with the perfect soundtrack of songs.”
Adil Ray is joining to host the Saturday mid-morning programme, 10am to 1pm, launching on Saturday 1st March. This follows his stint as a guest presenter on Smooth over Christmas and New Year.
Adil said: “Joining the Smooth family really feels like I am coming home. It’s no surprise that millions up and down the country are coming together to make Smooth their home too.
“I cannot wait to spend Saturday mornings with you, the best time of the week! Whether you’re at work, doing housework, homework or on the road, please join me for quite simply the best music in the world!”
Tina Hobley will host a second weekend show, on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm, in addition to her Sunday show (also 1pm to 4pm).
Tina said: “Having been a presenter on the station for more than 10 years, Smooth is definitely my radio home, as I know it is for millions of our listeners.
“I am so excited to be hosting a second weekend show, playing the best music on your Saturday and Sunday afternoons, so whatever you’re doing, I look forward to your company!”
Sally Ardis, Senior Managing Editor of Heart, Smooth, Classic FM, and Gold Radio, said: “As we celebrate another record-breaking set of audience figures, with more than 7.8 million people now tuning in to Smooth each week, we’re excited to offer our listeners new shows powered by the best music.
“It’s fantastic to welcome Adil Ray to our Smooth family, to announce a second weekend show for Tina Hobley, and the brilliant Darren Parks as the new host of The Smooth Sanctuary.”
Last month, we reported that Global is introducing a new ‘nations strategy’ and dropping local and regional shows in England.

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To celebrate three decades in business, Reelworld has updated its company branding, including a new sonic identity.

The company has been creating jingles and imaging for thousands of radio stations around the world for 30 years and recently expanded to develop custom audio identities for brands outside the radio industry.
Reelworld CEO, Mike Thomas says: “For over 30 years we have been leaders and innovators in sonic branding, from radio jingles and imaging services to creating signature audio identities for some of the most-heard brands on the planet.
“It’s uniquely inspiring and satisfying to celebrate this milestone by reimagining and elevating our own brand identity and I’m excited for the world to hear what the next chapter of Reelworld sounds like.”
Created by its in-house design team, the new Reelworld visual brand pays tribute to key design elements of the company’s past while pushing the brand forward using modern typography, a new colour palette, and a completely reimagined brand mark.
A company statement explained: “The new Reelworld sonic identity was produced through a collaborative company effort led by Cofounder and Creative Director Erik Huber and features layers of audio elements reflecting the key areas of Reelworld’s expertise: sound, melody, voice and impact, that build anticipation and excitement, culminating in a signature 2-note sonic logo. If you listen closely, you can even hear a nod to the voiceover from their very first jingle demo in 1995.”
The updated brand will begin rolling out across all digital platforms and marketing materials today.
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With less than a month to go, Radiocentre has added more speakers to the line-up for Tuning In North at Manchester’s Stoller Hall on Thursday 13th March.

Among those announced today is broadcaster, journalist and presenter of Global’s new Gold Radio Drive, Kirsty Gallacher, who will host the morning event.
Also joining the event, is Director of Brand at AO, Arafa Heneghan who will be in conversation with Kirsty about the brand’s audio strategy.
Radiocentre’s CEO Matt Payton will present new research into the UK commercial audio market, conducted in partnership with research consultancy MTM.
His presentation will be followed by a panel discussion on the key findings and how digital formats are helping to drive audiences and amplify the impact of audio advertising.
The panel will feature industry leaders from the Manchester area, including Jon Kershaw, Managing Director, PHD Manchester, Kate Bradbury, Deputy Managing Director, Wavemaker North, Gemma Lee, AV Partner at Carat (Dentsu), as well as Simon Kilby, Managing Director at Bauer Media Advertising.

Previously announced speakers also include the Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Lisa Nandy, and Andrew Tindall, SVP of Global Partnerships at System1.
Matt Payton, says: “With the audio industry experiencing such momentum at the moment, we’re looking forward to bringing these great speakers to our stage in Manchester to share insights on unlocking the audio advantage.”
Confirmed speakers:

Arafa Heneghan, Director of Brand, AO
Simon Kilby, Managing Director, Bauer Media Advertising
Gemma Lee, AV Partner, Carat (Dentsu)
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport
Kirsty Gallacher, Presenter, Gold Radio Drive
Jon Kershaw, Managing Director, PHD Manchester
Matt Payton, CEO, Radiocentre
Andrew Tindall, SVP of Global Partnerships, System1
Kate Bradbury, Deputy Managing Director, Wavemaker North

Tickets to attend Tuning In North in-person are free for Radiocentre member stations, brands and agencies based in the North and can be booked here.
An option to register to view a livestream of the event is also available for those unable to make it to Manchester.

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