Emma Bunton began working with Heart in 2009 - as a guest co-host for Jamie and then as maternity cover for Harriet Scott. She assumed the role 'full-time' in 2013. On 10th December 2018, she announced tearfully that she would be stepping down from the daily show whilst on tour with the Spice Girls the following year. Her Sunday evening network show remained.
Dec 10, 2018•2 min•Ep. 1549
On 30th November 2018, the principal Magic service flipped format to all-Christmas songs. Whilst several AM stations had dipped a toe in the water, or new or existing digital offshoots had gone totally Christmas in recent years, this was the first time a major existing FM (in London) music brand had switched formats. Thoughts on my blog .
Nov 30, 2018•7 min•Ep. 1545
Nov 24, 2018•7 min•Ep. 1544
Nov 14, 2018•18 min•Ep. 1541
Nov 09, 2018•5 min•Ep. 1540
Whatever format radio presenters and journalists work on, there is always the risk that today, their content will not be as they anticipated - for the most tragic of reasons. They imagine how they will cope, whether they will be able to strike the mood, find the words – and stay on the factual road. Radio lives the story as human beings do - from the tentative early moments - through the fact-gathering stage - and then the emotion. Here, Radio Leicester, with also a news bulletin from Capital Ea...
Nov 03, 2018•26 min•Ep. 1538
It was not because the station launched in 2018 with T Rex which made Ipswich 102's first moments on FM memorable. It was because for the first time in its regulatory history, Ofcom had chosen not the award a new licence to the incumbent. Town 102's licence was not renewed in favour of this new service called Ipswich 102. History is further complicated by the fact that Ipswich 102 had already been broadcasting its service on DAB for some weeks by the time it embraced its new FM frequency; and To...
Oct 19, 2018•4 min•Ep. 1535
Good humoured chat between Melvyn Bragg and John Humphrys on Radio 4's Today programme on 15th October 2018, as the programme celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Oct 15, 2018•7 min•Ep. 1532
We’ve grown accustomed of late to radio changes making the news. Following Chris Evans’s surprise announcement that he was quitting the Radio 2 breakfast show in favour of Virgin, speculation quickly mounted as to the identify of the successor. Here, Chris breaks the news and Zoe reacts. You hear too how the ensuing Radio 2 news bulletin leads with the news – as opposed to the Conservative Party Conference which emerges as the second story. Radio 4 joins in too, with a sizeable piece on PM with ...
Oct 04, 2018•16 min•Ep. 1529
A slice of Dale Winton's energy and style on Nottingham's Radio Trent in 1980. Witness too, VOs in the ads from Bill Mitchell- and Terry Wogan! The promo from Steve Merike.
Sep 30, 2018•4 min•Ep. 1528
Sep 30, 2018•4 min•Ep. 1527
As the audiences to digital stations grow, so does the content. After some live moments on special occasions, BBC Radio 4 Extra went live properly for the first time on Saturday 8th September 2018. Jake Yapp hosted the programme, with superb intervention from Kathy Clugston, more usually heard on continuity announcer or newsreader duties. As can be heard, she rather enjoys herself.
Sep 10, 2018•8 min•Ep. 1520
Sep 09, 2018•30 sec•Ep. 1519
Sep 03, 2018•5 min•Ep. 1517
A few chosen moments from Eddie Mair on his first show in his new home at LBC as he returned to commercial radio - after many diligent BBC years - on 3rd September 2018. The worst thing about a new show is hitting the junctions - Eddie clearly was not over worried about that here though. More importantly, this was a fresh, re-invigorated Eddie, sounding thoroughly relaxed and, rightly, warmer, than the Eddie the BBC paid for. As ever the beauty of Eddie is what he doesn't say - but you know he's...
Sep 03, 2018•16 min•Ep. 1516
After 8 years on the Radio 2 breakfast show, having assumed the throne after Wogan's departure, Chris Evans announced he would move on in his show on 3rd September 2018. Hear here his announcement - followed by coverage on Radio 2 news, Radio 4 news, the Today Programme, World at One and the 6 O Clock News - and the announcement in Virgin Radio news of his impending arrival. In the US, talent often crosses town and takes the audience - in the UK traditionally, it's been more challenging. Chris, ...
Sep 03, 2018•20 min•Ep. 1515
On Sept 1st 2018, PM presenter Luke Jones was moved to recognise the number of radio station launches on Sept 1st.
Sep 01, 2018•1 min•Ep. 1514
In advance of Eddie Mair's arrival at LBC, following his departure from BBC Radio 4, he spoke to the inimitable Steve Allen. The programme was aired first on 1st Sept 2018. A longer version of this is available from LBC podcasting.
Sep 01, 2018•45 min•Ep. 1513
After over five years on the LBC early evening show, Iain Dale graciously shifted sideways to mid evening as Eddie Mair loomed, hotfoot from the BBC. Enjoy here Iain's final moments on 30th August 2018. There were things he wanted to say - and emotions he sought to contain. He wasn't completely successful.
Aug 31, 2018•3 min•Ep. 1512
Aug 25, 2018•5 min•Ep. 1510
On 27th March 1998, the Brighton station launched as Surf 107. Like many of its generation, it enjoyed enthusiastic local support. After its acquisition by Forever broadcasting, the station re-branded as Juice 107.2, later returning to local ownership. Following Global's acquistion of the station, Juice closed at midnight following 13th August 2018. Enjoy here the opening and closing of its final breakfast show, then its final moments just before midnight, at which point the transmitter fell sil...
Aug 24, 2018•13 min•Ep. 1509
In moments of history, the broadcasting style of the day is captured. Listen here as Radio 4's Today programme on 1st October 1979 as Pope John Paul the Second was ferried through the streets of Ireland in the little yellow vehicle which became known as the Popemobile, drawing crowds of over two and a half million. The reporter is Phillip Whitfield, with presenters John Timpson and Brian Redhead.
Aug 24, 2018•2 min•Ep. 1508
Aug 20, 2018•48 min•Ep. 1506
On Wednesday 8th August 2019, Eddie Mair hosted his last PM programme on Radio 4. Although the programme had existed since April 1970, Eddie was to make it his own. His immaculate teasing, his deadpan humour and a cleverness - sometimes even too clever for many of his listeners - made the programme shine. Plus, of course, an interviewing style unmatched by anyone. Calm, targeted, persuasive and – if you’re on the wrong end – devastating. His last programme made no mention of his departure, altho...
Aug 10, 2018•27 min•Ep. 1504
At almost six years, Nick Grimshaw enjoyed the second longest spell on BBC Radio1 breakfast. Like just a few others, his breakfast tenure was to be followed by another daytime stint. These are excerpts from his last show on 9th August 2018.,
Aug 10, 2018•42 min•Ep. 1503
BBC Radio Shropshire presenter Vicki Archer died suddenly at the age of 41 in August 2018. Here, you can hear a segment of her bubbly on-air performance in her final show, before the news was announced the following day by Eric Smith. Her co-host Adam Green also pays his tribute. Social media tributes afterwards from colleagues through her on-air years illustrated her popularity. Vicki worked at The Pulse, Century FM and on the Magic network. She had hosted the afternoon show on BBC Radio Shrops...
Aug 08, 2018•5 min•Ep. 1501
The 2nd August 1967 saw Tony Blackburn's first BBC programme - Midday Spin on the BBC Light Programme.
Jul 30, 2018•3 min•Ep. 1499
Jul 28, 2018•6 min•Ep. 1498
It's happened to us all. We move from station to station. And we usually remember where we are. But just maybe on the odd occasion, we mess up. A station name, frequency or phone number from a former life spurts out your mouth. Or even your own phone number. Jo Russell was on Trent for a lifetime - but a full ten years after leaving - and having been through Absolute, BRMB and Free en route to her current home at Gem in the East Mids - for some reason the word 'Trent' came out. Maybe it was just...
Jul 27, 2018•26 sec•Ep. 1497
19th July 2018 saw the final drivetime show on Radio 1 with Greg James, prior to his move to breakfast
Jul 23, 2018•20 min•Ep. 1495