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.
Who you gonna call?
LBC’s new Call the Cabinet phone-in saw Matt Hancock join Nick Ferrari on Monday and speak to listeners like travel agent Wendy, who wanted to speak to the Health Secretary about what the Government is doing to protect the travel industry and travellers.
The Health Secretary tells LBC the Government are looking at reducing quarantine time after travelling – but in a way that keeps people safe.@MattHancock | @NickFerrariLBC #CallTheCabinet | https://t.co/W83sjLm7LE pic.twitter.com/gqmETEUeim
— LBC (@LBC) September 7, 2020
The messages that need to be spoken about
KISS Breakfast presenters Jordan and Perri used their show to speak out about the recent Diversity performance and the impact the response to it has had on them.
A break from being silly on #KISSBreakfast for something important.
Thank you for sharing this moment with us @Jordan_Banjo & @perrikiely ?? pic.twitter.com/qIFnuSxBXT
— KISS (@KissFMUK) September 9, 2020
Radio is all about connecting people
Jack FM’s Trev and Rich have been set the task of making new friends in all 195 countries on the planet. This week they spoke to Bianka in Germany and learned possibly too much about her dating history…
Trev & Rich are taking JACK's Morning Glory global – next stop: Bianka in Germany??
Got a friend in a faraway place? You know what to do ? https://t.co/msNax4Ub24 pic.twitter.com/CdP07Lviq0
— GHR Oxfordshire News (@GHROxfordshire) September 9, 2020
The next generation
Hosted by award-winning saxophonist Jess Gillam, Scala Radio hands over the music and microphone to young musicians from youth orchestras across the UK in new four-part series Sunday Night Scala in the Youth Orchestra. First up was Callum Davis, who plays tuba in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
But will there be a new episode of Chums?
Speaking to Cat Deeley, Chris Moyles got her to confirm the rumours that there will be an SMTV reunion show. She revealed that a documentary will air at the end of this year, with the original set rebuilt and much crying involved.
Did @catdeeley just confirm an SMTV reunion?! ?? pic.twitter.com/5sOxnbgqNo
— Radio X (@RadioX) September 9, 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