Industry News 3 July 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.

 

Pride and joy

As June came to a close, so did Pride – but not without a huge celebration last weekend, which extended to KISS FM with sets from Gok Wan, Glitterbox and more. Presenter and previous RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant Baga Chipz spoke to Tyler West about appearing on the KISS Breakfast Pride float, celebrating, and reflecting on those who came before us, like Marsha P. Johnson at the Stonewall Riots.

https://twitter.com/ChipShopBird/status/1276511123605524488

 

It’s ok to not be ok

Earlier this week, Chris Moyles shared the news that a previous Radio X competition winner, Alex, who they had met and spent time with, had sadly taken his own life. As well as expressing his condolences, Chris and the Breakfast team encouraged listeners to reach out and talk to someone if they’re struggling. A mental health help page with resources is also being shared on the Radio X homepage.

 

Times like these

Times Radio launched on Monday, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s first broadcast interview since being hospitalised with coronavirus on the Breakfast show with Aasmah Mir and Stig Abell. Among other topics discussed was of course the pandemic, with Johnson calling it an “absolute nightmare for the country,” albeit one that also offered the country the “opportunity to change”.

 

Make mine a socially distanced lager

Ahead of pubs and restaurants reopening this weekend, Free Radio in the West Midlands spoke to a Worcester restaurant that’s planning to be one of the first in the country to pull a pint, when they open at one minute past midnight. Owner Shane Peckover explained why they need to reopen, and how they’re keeping responsible measures in place.

 

Radio is a balancing act

To fill the gap while sports have been on hold, and live shows from comedians also cancelled, Union JACK Radio launched a 10-part series, supported by the Audio Content Fund: The Show Must Go On. Host Lynsey Hooper speaks to comedians and world class athletes about their careers, favourite things and more. To mark that fact that Wimbledon is not taking place this summer, the penultimate show is a tennis special, with British tennis player Katie Boulter going head-to-head with comedian Zoe Lyons in the Home Decathlon Challenge.

 

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