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.

Connecting through the radio

Years & Years’ Olly Alexander joined Jordan Lee for the launch of launch Hits Radio Pride this morning. They reflected on why the station is so important for the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of staying connected.

.@alexander_olly joined @Jordan_Lee this morning to launch Hits Radio Pride! ?

They reflected on why the station is so important for the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of staying connected ?? pic.twitter.com/OLLK9HWp9i

— Hits Radio (@hitsradiouk) August 28, 2020

"It makes me think of being a young gay boy, kind of like not understanding why these songs made me feel so empowered" ?@alexander_olly reflects on the music that shaped him growing up! ??? pic.twitter.com/cy4QfRFy4R

— Hits Radio (@hitsradiouk) August 28, 2020

Dress Up to Eat Out to Help Out

With the Eat Out to Help Out scheme drawing to a close, many are taking advantage by eating out at higher-end establishments. Etiquette expert William Hanson spoke to Rob and Lauren on Capital to offer tips and answer some tough questions about plate and finger licking.

Who's using Eat Out to Help Out to go somewhere ????? this week?

The world's leading etiquette expert @williamhanson told us what *NOT* to do when you're in a dead posh restaurant ?? pic.twitter.com/lI66BbIXPS

— Capital (@CapitalOfficial) August 25, 2020

Festival vibes, in the studio and on the airwaves

XS Manchester is kicking off the bank holiday weekend with its own festival: XS Manchester BreakFEST. The morning brought tents, glow sticks, guest appearances from Rowetta, The Slow Readers Club and The Ks, and a special DJ set from Clint Boon.

TENTS ARE UP! ?

We’ve treked from the gates to the campsite. We’re camping on the top of the hill. #XSManchesterBreakFEST@definataliemayb and @RadioJoeM are setting up camp? pic.twitter.com/hY7CRULrSc

— XS Manchester – 106.1 FM, DAB+ & App (@XSManchester) August 28, 2020

We ? @slowreadersclub @aaronstarkie chatting to @RadioJoeM and @definataliemayb about festivals and what the band have been up to?

106.1FM / https://t.co/DzYlXturxR / XS App pic.twitter.com/pbYYiDcasK

— XS Manchester – 106.1 FM, DAB+ & App (@XSManchester) August 28, 2020

Keeping it in the (country) family

Country star Tim McGraw spoke exclusively to Smooth Country’s Eamonn Kelly about his new album, Here On Earth, and how it was working with his wife, singer Faith Hill.

Great books are truly Magic

Ever wondered how your favourite authors write those amazing books? In the Magic Radio Book Club’s latest episode of ‘What Inspired Me’, Anthony Horowitz shares his preferred music, rituals and more, including his favourite place where his research has taken him.

Ever wondered how your favourite authors write those amazing books? In this episode of 'What inspired Me', we caught up with @AnthonyHorowitz . His works include the Alex Rider series, Sherlock Holmes and James Bond novels! ? pic.twitter.com/tsqsX7IpfU

— Magic Radio (@magicfm) August 24, 2020

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