Industry News 19 June 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.

 

Make some noise

For this morning’s Mega Hard Super Quiz, combining the emergency fundraising appeal from Global’s Make Some Noise and the fact that it’s Father’s Day this weekend, Martin Kemp made a surprise appearance on Capital FM’s breakfast show, embarrassing son and host Roman with some hilarious anecdotes from his youth.

 

Stop and pause

On this week’s KISS FM Breakfast, as they paid tribute to mark the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, Swarzy asked listeners to stop what they were doing and join together to listen to the names, read out by Zeyad Cred, of the 72 people who lost their lives three years ago.

 

Driving future success

Racing driver and Disabled Motoring UK Ambassador Nicolas Hamilton was the latest guest in Fun Kids’ Sports Squad (supported by the Audio Content Fund). As part of his interview, he talked about encouraging kids to think about their future and what they want to achieve or be when they’re older, and how they can start down that path.

 

Locked in to a pub lock-in

Raising money for the emergency fundraising appeal from Global’s Make Some Noise, to support those hit hardest by coronavirus, Radio X’s Chris Moyles team – Chris, Dom, Pippa, James, Toby and Drunk Alan – brought back the pubcast, this time on Zoom. Alongside the drinking were some mystery guests, some risqué “Secret Santa” gifts, a special appearance by one lucky competition winner and more surprises. The pubcast and an unseen ‘lock-in’ are available to watch back for another day, so don’t miss your chance.

 

What an Absolute-ly amazing line-up

In place of the real thing taking place this year, Absolute Radio held an Isle of Wight Front Room Festival last weekend, playing out performances from across the decades including George Ezra, Foo Fighters and The Who’s iconic 1970 appearance. Listeners were encouraged to get into the festival spirit at home as part of a competition to win tickets to next year’s event, and interviews and backstage footage from previous years added to the atmosphere.

 

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