UK

Greg James caused a bit of a stir on social media yesterday when he posted a statement about not returning to the Radio 1 Breakfast Show today.
Following taking a break over Christmas, Greg thanked his listeners for the last few years and said he couldn’t continue because Radio 1 is now under corporate control.
Greg is known for sometimes joking about things on social media, but that didn’t stop some fans missing the point that he was having a bit of fun around the reports of Glastonbury now being under the corporate control of the BBC.
Posting on Instagram, Greg said: “The R1 Breakfast show team and I were looking forward to starting another year of the show and delivering a load of stupid stuff to get you through the early hours, it’s one of my all-time favourite gigs.
“We were told that the BBC was now a partner and wanted us to a do lot of things in a way we were not interested in. It seems Radio 1 is now under corporate control and is not the way I remember it being. Thanks for listening the last few years!
“We will not be able to continue our work to mess around with the biggest stars in the world and celebrate our amazing listeners, like Owen who accidentally smashed 10,000 eggs, or Alice who flew to Paris to try and get off with some Olympians in the summer. This also means we’ll no longer be conducting funerals for any more ducks.
“Radio 1 is a corporate turn – off, and not for me like it used to be. Hope to see you on one of my many podcasts instead.”
The Breakfast Show host then returned joking that there had been an error in the information he’d received, and he would be back on the show on Monday morning, saying: “We look forward to being there when you need some fun in the morning! Hope to see you there!”
This post first appeared on OnTheRadio.co.uk.

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Steve Carsey has joined Bauer Media Audio UK as Director (Speech).
This new position sees Steve reporting into Gary Stein, Bauer’s Director of Audio, with a remit that focuses on Bauer’s podcast portfolio and on-demand content, aiming to build new capabilities in speech and on-demand content; and broadening the current portfolio to create market-leading podcasts across multiple genres.
Gary Stein said: “I’m delighted to welcome Steve to the team and know that his incredible experience is going to help lead our podcast and News teams to new heights.
“2025 is set to be another exciting year at Bauer Media Audio UK as we continue to evolve and innovate our products and platforms.
“Steve will be at the forefront of this work as we look to reach out to new audiences and provide new ways for consumers to enjoy our much-loved brands.”
Steve joins the business from Bertelsmann where he held the role of Managing Director of Audio Alliance (UK), overseeing all aspects of the company’s English language radio shows and podcast productions.
His previous experience also includes time at Audible UK where as Senior Director, Originals (International) he managed strategy, production and commissioning in English language for Amazon’s global audience entertainment service; as well as holding the position of Chief Creative Officer at ITN Productions when the team were recognised with an Indie of the Year nomination.
Steve Carsey comments: ‘What a start to the New Year as I join a team at the forefront of innovation in the audio world. I can’t wait to get started on this unique opportunity.
“Building the future of how we share content, identifying impactful stories that resonate with listeners and partnering with talent on the hit formats that deserve to be heard (and seen) is a mission we all share.
“I am excited to be joining such a forward thinking group as Bauer, with a wide remit to amplify the creativity and ambitions of their immensely talented team – and unlock the group’s on demand potential.”

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Happy Radio has hired former Key 103 presenter Jonathan Miles to host the Guilty Pleasures show.

The new programme started this weekend and will air every Saturday from 6-8pm.
Jonathan, best known for his work on Key 103’s Quiet Storm, is a local resident and is excited about joining.
He said: “I’ve missed being part of Manchester and Cheshire’s incredible radio community, so joining Happy Radio feels like coming home.
“I can’t wait to share the tunes that get everyone singing, dancing, and smiling every Saturday night!”
Happy Radio co-founder Darren Proctor added: “Jonathan Miles is a legend in the industry, and we’re absolutely delighted to welcome him to the Happy Radio family. His passion for great music and his connection with listeners will make Guilty Pleasures a must-listen show for Saturday nights.”

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BBC Local Radio stations suffered a technical problem on Friday night resulting in dead air across the network.

The incident happened during the networked “Late Night Jo” show which airs on 40 radio stations in England.
Jo’s show lasted 20 minutes before dead air for 15 minutes, followed by a feed from 5 Live for the rest of the night on most stations.
Only BBC Radio London continued to take the full show, albeit with technical problems resulting in seven minutes of 5 Live at 10.40pm, one minute of 5 Live interrupting an interview at 10:52pm, and no news bulletin at 11pm.
Jo was aware of the issues and apologised for the problems to anyone still listening, jokingly blaming the cold weather for affecting the transmitters.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Local radio output was disrupted late last night due to a technical problem. All services resumed to normal this morning.”
Image shows various BBC services around the time of the incident, with BBC Radio London at the bottom.

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Bam Bam – the presenter who got KISS the biggest fine in radio history – is back at the brand to host Drive on KISSTORY.
He’s back with Streetboy each weekday from 4pm till 7pm, bringing on a KISS reunion 18 years in the making.
They said: “We’re wildly excited to be back in our natural home. Can’t wait! Sorry it took so long…”
It was twenty-six years ago this month that the pair first launched Bam Bam Breakfast on London’s KISS 100.
The show ran for seven years and at the time was the first to break the Chris Tarrant at Capital Breakfast market dominance in the 15–24 demographic.
It came to an abrupt end in 2006 after 10 complaints were made to Ofcom for prank calls, offensive language and sexual content. The station’s owner at the time, Emap, was fined £175,000.
KISS Content Director, Rebecca Frank said: ‘It would be so easy for the UK’s biggest commercial digital radio station to stay in its lane but that’s not what made KISSTORY the iconic brand it is.
“We’re constantly evolving, willing to take risks and getting bigger and better but always passionate about the music. We cannot wait to see what Bam Bam and Streetboy get up to when they’re unleashed on Monday – welcome back boys!’
Bam Bam aka Peter Poulton has been working in the industry all his life, with positions at Radio City, Marcher Sound, Sunset, Atlantic 252, Invicta, Galaxy, Virgin, Capital, LBC, Absolute, BRMB and Jack/Sam.
He was most recently working at Virgin Radio UK.
NEW WEEKDAY KISSTORY SCHEDULE FROM MONDAY 6th JANUARY
4AM-6AM – Jake Thomson
6AM-10AM – KISSTORY Breakfast with Michael Lewis (including “The Class of…” 9-10AM)
10AM-1PM – Marvin Humes
1PM-4PM – Ellie Prohan
4PM-7PM – Bam Bam & Streetboy
7PM-9PM – Justin Wilkes
9PM-1AM – Freddie Smith

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Gold is getting more presenters as Smooth Radio’s Kirsty Gallacher switches stations from Monday 6th January.

Gold Radio Drive with Kirsty Gallacher will air Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 7pm, and Fridays from 4pm to 6pm.
Kirsty said: “I am thrilled that I will be joining the iconic Gold Radio to present a new weekday programme, Gold Radio Drive with Kirsty Gallacher, from 6th January.
“I love the buzz of live radio and can’t wait to be a part of an exciting new team, playing the best all time classics and getting to know Gold Radio’s loyal listeners, as well as enticing some new recruits.”

In addition, a new weekend breakfast show will be hosted by Simon Rimmer, Saturdays from 8am to 12pm, in addition to co-presenting Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.
Simon said: “To host my own radio show is a dream come true, and to do it on Gold Radio is the icing on the cake.
“Saturday mornings will feel like I’m going through my personal music collection, and not only that, I’ll get to enjoy and share it with Gold Radio’s listeners. It will hardly feel like a job!”

James Bassam will continue to host Gold Radio Breakfast with James Bassam at the new time of 7am to 11am. His show features the Gold Radio Hall of Fame from 10am to 11am, celebrating listeners’ favourite songs. James will also host a new weekend show, Sundays from 8am to 12pm.
Sally Ardis, Senior Managing Editor of Heart, Smooth, Classic FM, and Gold Radio, said: “With a phenomenal breadth of All Time Classics spanning the 60s, 70s, and 80s, Gold Radio is packed with everyone’s favourite timeless songs.
“Global’s massive investment in the brand means that – dare I say it – we have struck gold by welcoming Kirsty Gallacher and Simon Rimmer to the growing Gold Radio family, alongside the brilliant James Bassam, to launch our fantastic new schedule for 2025.”

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