Industry News 3 April 2020

Keeping the nation smiling: the week in radio

We’re currently living through challenging times, when many are forced to isolate. For some, the next few weeks will be difficult and perhaps lonely, so it’s never been a more important time for radio.

Radio offers audiences a few moments of distraction, a constant voice in the room, and provides a bit of joy in a time when it’s needed more than ever. Some good songs, funny content and a few moments of collective positivity can have an important impact on the day.

In a new weekly feature, we thought we’d round up some of the best moments in commercial radio from the last seven days for your enjoyment.

 

Jazzing it up

Want to learn more about the artists you know, or fancy trying out a new sound? Comedian and jazz fan Marcus Brigstocke has launched a new show on Jazz FM, linking the careers of artists in a ‘six degrees of separation’ style. Debuting last week, he also shared a taster of what to expect in a thread on Twitter:

The greatest thing since sliced bread

While we’re all on lockdown, it’s fair to say that diets may have gone out the window and eating habits may have changed… Pop icon Harry Styles spoke to Roman Kemp and Sian Welby on the Capital Breakfast show this week, and admitted that while stuck in California, his biggest weakness has been bread.

Well(ness) worth a listen

Female-focussed JACK Radio has launched The Wellness Hour, a unique weekly programme every Thursday from midday covering topics from finding happiness and self-care, to building confidence and mental health. Hosted by Belinda Doyle, this week’s edition spoke to the founder of On Song, a new wellness programme for workplaces, discussed the latest coronavirus news with a GP on the frontline, and looked at food and exercise ideas for life under lockdown.

Times Like These

With venues shut and music fans confined to their living rooms, Radio X brought the gig straight to their listeners last night. Launching their new Home Shows, which will air every Thursday, the first band to get the live treatment was Foo Fighters, with their 2018 show at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium bringing the rock vibes to the airwaves.

Ronan Keating on the Magic of childbirth

Ahead of his return to the Magic Radio Breakfast Show next week, Ronan Keating rang Tom Price and Harriet Scott to share an update on the birth of his daughter, Coco, and the family’s ‘different’ experience of being in the hospital during the pandemic. As an unexpected bonus, two-year-old Cooper also joined in on the call.

Has your station launched a new segment, had someone interesting on a show or done something else great this week? Let us know by contacting coral.williamson@radiocentre.org