News Round-Up (01/06/2018)

Recent stories from the radio world: Two new community radio licenses have been awarded. Radio Mac will broadcast to Bradford, and will be aimed at Muslim and other ethnic minority groups. Rush FM is aimed at younger audiences, and will broadcast to the Farnborough area of Hampshire. Greg James and Nick Grimshaw are to swap…Read moreRead more

Website Changes

Following a review of news provision on this website, I have now decided to change the way news is provided. As there has been a number of very short posts, plus a lack of news worthy stories in recent weeks, I have decided to produce weekly or fortnightly news round ups instead. This will help…Read moreRead more

Latest Audience Figures Report Growth In Digital Listening

The RAJAR Q1 2018 audience figures has reported a growth in digital listeners, with 50% of listening done via digital platforms (including DAB, digital TV, and online). A number of digital only stations have increased in popularity: Heart 80s now reaches 1.4 million listeners, but Absolute Radio 80s (with a smaller coverage area) remains the…Read moreRead more

Sound Digital Are to Expand Coverage

Sound Digital, the UK’s second commercial DAB multiplex, is to extend its coverage. Listeners in Wales, the South West, East Anglia, and North East Scotland will benefit from the extended coverage area, and there will also be a small coverage boost in and around Eastbourne on the south coast of England. Sound Digital is a…Read moreRead more

Fever FM Key Commitment Changes Approved

Leeds community radio station Fever FM, which broadcasts on 107.3 FM, has had a change in it’s key commitments approved by Ofcom. During times of religious or cultural celebration, the station can now focus on religious or cultural speech and music programming. The station is now also only required to broadcast 91 hours a day…Read moreRead more

Trial Manchester Services Cease Broadcasting

Asian Fever, Likwid London, and Rainbow Radio have ceased broadcasting on the Manchester trial DAB multiplex.

Eight New Community Radio Stations to Launch

Ofcom has awarded a further 8 new community radio licenses. The new stations are: 2TR (Two Towns Radio) – To broadcast in Reading, and will be aimed at listeners under 40. Buchan Radio – To broadcast to Peterhead, Scotland, and surrounding areas. East Leeds FM – An arts based service aimed at disadvantaged communities in…Read moreRead more

Radio Prudhoe Returns for 2018

On-line community radio station, Radio Prudhoe returns this year from Monday 21st to Sunday 10th June, and will broadcast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout this period. Radio Prudhoe is based in Prudhoe, Northumberland broadcasts for two periods each year, in May/June to coincide with the Prudhoe Arts Week, and in November…Read moreRead more

Love Sport Requests Format Change

London station Love Sport, which broadcasts on 558 MW and DAB, has requested a format change from Ofcom. The move is to allow a greater focus on sports coverage. The request is to remove the requirement to cover business, finance and entertainment news, in order to provide a 24 hour speech service focussing on sport…Read moreRead more

BBC Local Radio to Take Part in Local Radio Day

All 39 BBC local radio stations are joining Local Radio Day, which takes place on the 25th May. The stations join a growing number of local commercial and community radio stations, in an initiative led by the small group UKRD. Local Radio Day is now in its third year, with more than 80 radio stations…Read moreRead more