Industry News 10 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.

 

On the record

Music fan and actor Martin Freeman has partnered with music aficionado Eddie Piller once again to present an extensive sweep of jazz favourites, released on Acid Jazz Records. All this week, the duo have been joining Midmornings with Anne Frankenstein to talk about ‘Jazz On The Corner Two’.

 

Hope sustains

Smooth Radio’s Kate Garraway spoke to James O’Brien on LBC to say that “there is hope” that her husband Derek can recover, after he was put into an induced coma when he was taken seriously ill with coronavirus, thanking well-wishers and sharing the touching note he left for her.

 

A race against the weather

After watching the Netflix show Floor Is Lava, XS Manchester Breakfast hosts Alex James and Joe McGrath attempted to recreate the main rule of the show by using chairs and careful climbing to get around the studio for the entire show on Wednesday.

https://twitter.com/XSManchester/status/1280731518051254272

 

Getting real

Hits Radio presenter (and reality TV veteran) Fleur East is speaking to fellow stars to revisit their best, worst and most real moments in her new podcast, The Reality Of Reality TV. In the very first episode, released this week, she is joined by The Vivienne, the inaugural winner of the UK edition of Ru Paul’s Drag Race.

 

Connecting with artists

With Wireless Festival moving to the virtual world last weekend, Capital Xtra presenters Rob Bruce and William Njobvu spoke to artists Jay 1, Lady Leshurr, Big Narstie and more, about lockdown, new music, Black Lives Matter and their experiences performing for Wireless Connect.

 

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