Industry News 9 October 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.

Time to learn your ABCs

As part of Black History Month, Queen of British Soul Beverley Knight is presenting a new show for Greatest Hits Radio. Beverley Knight’s A to Z of Black Music, airing on Wednesday and Friday evenings, will be celebrating iconic black artists from Aretha Franklin to Stevie Wonder, in alphabetical order.

 

A good way to get out of the house

Landlady Gemma Chenery spoke to the Heart News East team about how the Brantham Bull in Suffolk is offering desk space to those who need to get out of the house – a win-win for the pub, which gets customers in earlier amid Government restrictions, and for workers who might be feeling isolated at home.

https://twitter.com/HeartNewsEast/status/1314213636827574273

 

Answering listeners’ questions

In a special news show, six months on from their first Coronavirus Q&A, Jersey’s Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, and Primary Care Director, Dr Adrian Noon joined presenter Peter in the Channel 103 studio to take questions on vaccines and protecting against flu and coronavirus.

 

 

There’s nothing like a celebrity endorsement

Roman Kemp has been very happy this week, after it emerged that Chancellor Rishi Sunak enjoyed listening to Capital FM in the mornings. He even dedicated a song – Sam Smith’s Diamonds – to his pal ‘Rish’ live on air.

 

That’s science for you

Every Friday, Radio City’s Leanne & Scott are joined on their Breakfast Show by comedian Chris Cairns, who has a moan about a few things for Slaughter the Week. Today, he turned his sights on new research that suggests men with deep voices are more likely to cheat on their partners.

 

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