Industry News 15 May 2020

Keeping the nation smiling: the week in radio

We’re currently living through challenging times. Whether you tune in for the news, entertainment or a bit of companionship, it’s never been more important for radio to support its listeners.

You might be working from home, social distancing, or on the frontlines. Radio offers audiences a few moments of distraction, a voice in the room, and 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 all have an impact on your day.

Every week, we round up some of the best moments in commercial radio from the last seven days for your enjoyment. Whether you caught them live or want to listen back, check them out below.

 

A Capital idea

Ahead of Capital’s Best of Capital Summertime Ball event this weekend, pop stars including Jax Jones and Katy Perry have been appearing on the station to talk about what the event means to them. This morning, the ‘California Girls’ singer called it “the highest high” to have so many people sing her words back to her.

 

Anything Goes on radio

The theatres are closed but Jamie Crick’s first episode of ‘The Story of Musicals’ on Scala Radio brings it into listeners’ homes with insight into how musicals have developed over time. It spotlights key British shows over the years including ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, and Ann Triplett and John Barrowman in the 2003 London production of ‘Anything Goes’.

 

We’re all human

The new episode of Humans of XS Manchester, a podcast series from XS Manchester celebrating the spirit of Manchester, came out on Monday and sees presenter Clint Boon speak to Twisted Wheel’s Jonny Brown, with a frank talk about his struggles with addiction as well as returning to music and touring with ‘childhood heroes’ Oasis.

 

Connecting with presenters

As part of the Where’s Your Head At? campaign, KISS FM presenters including Charlie P, Freddie Smith, and Breakfast hosts Tom and Daisy have been speaking openly about how they’re coping during lockdown, and sharing advice on getting through it together.

 

A Heart-warming costume

Two-year-old Eliza, who dresses up as various keyworkers every Thursday during the national #ClapForOurCarers moment appeared on Heart Breakfast yesterday as a nurse, as mum Natalie spoke to Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston about how Eliza’s grandmother is also working on the frontlines.

 

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