Tag: Forth 1

Forth 1 and Greatest Hits Radio celebrate further record-breaking listener numbers

Forth 1, combined with sister station Greatest Hits Radio (Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk), has enjoyed further record-breaking listener numbers – its best in over two decades.

The latest impressive RAJAR figures for Q2 2023 show a record number of listeners now listen to Forth 1 and sister station Greatest Hits Radio (Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk).

An incredible 427,000* tune in across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk every week, which is an increase of 7,000 weekly listeners from the previous quarter and the highest total in 22 years.

That’s the equivalent of Easter Road and Tynecastle both at capacity – 10 times each!

Alongside Ewen and Cat’s award-winning breakfast show, the Ken Bruce effect has helped the Greatest Hits Network grow substantially across Scotland too, adding 51,000 weekly listeners to 553,000 (Q1 2023: 502,000).

Ken’s first show on Greatest Hits Radio across the UK – which features his popular music trivia quiz PopMaster – first aired on Monday 3rd of April 2023.

Clyde 1 and Forth 1 combined remain over the 1 million mark with 1,008,000 listeners.

There were some other great results across its stations in Scotland, with across in the West, combined Clyde 1 & Greatest Hits Radio Glasgow & The West also having record breaking results with 773,000 weekly listeners – the highest in 19 years!

Sister stations MFR, Northsound 1 and Tay FM are all up in reach too since the last set of results.

And when you combine all of the Scottish Hits Network and Greatest Hits stations, they now have a weekly total of 1,791,000 listeners – also the highest total in nearly 20 years.

Victoria Easton-Riley, Content Director for the Hits & Greatest Hits Networks across Scotland, said: “After record breaking numbers in our last set of RAJAR figures, it really is quite remarkable that Boogie, Arlene, Marty and the rest of the team have managed to break that record again by adding another 7,000 weekly listeners.

“These record breaking listener numbers are a testament to the talent and hard work of our whole team broadcasting live from our wonderful studios in St James Quarter each and every day and across the rest of Scotland.

“A huge thank you to the whole team on and off air who make this happen and the brilliant support from our listeners, clients, partners and sponsors.”

Seven year high for Forth 1 in latest listener figures

21 year record high for FORTH 1 & year record high for FORTH 1 & GREATEST HITS RADIO (FORTH 2) combined!

The latest RAJAR figures have been announced and reveal that Forth 1 remains the number one radio station across Edinburgh, The Lothians, Fife and Falkirk, by a long way, with 364,000 weekly listeners (up 63,000 on the same period last year – Q1 2022).

Together with sister station Greatest Hits Radio (previously Forth 2), they reach an amazing 420,000 listeners every single week across the region – the highest figure in nearly 22 years! (Q2 2001). That number would fill a sold-out BT Murrayfield over 6 times!

Boogie in the Morning also had a fantastic set of results posting a record-breaking figure with their highest ever share of the weekday breakfast audience – an incredible 25.6%! That means one in four of all weekday radio listeners across the region wake-up with Boogie and Arlene. The translates into a total of 221,00 weekly listeners.

Not to be out done, Greatest Hits Radio Edinburgh (previously Forth 2), also had its highest reach in 13 years.  It now reaches 103,000 listeners! (up 62,000 from the previous year).

Together with the sister stations in the Greatest Hits Radio network, they now reach over half a million listeners across Scotland – 502,000!

Sister station Clyde 1 remains the largest radio station across in the West, by a long way, with weekly listeners of 656,000 (up 56,000 on the same period last year – Q1 2022).

Victoria Easton-Riley, Content Director for the Hits & Greatest Hits Networks across Scotland, said: “An absolutely incredible set of figures this quarter. A seven year high for Forth 1, a 13 year high for Greatest Hits Radio (previously Forth 2), a 21 year high for both stations combined, and a very special mention to the Boogie In The Morning team for a share of the audience of an amazing 25.6%!

“As they broadcast live from the heart of Edinburgh within the stunning St James Quarter, the team have never sounded better.

“It is all down to the incredible hard work and dedication from all our on-air and off-air teams as well as our clients, partners, and fantastic listeners.”

And the best bit is, there are so many more exciting things yet to come, with the likes of the legendary Ken Bruce & PopMaster of course, joining us only last month.”

Forth 1 celebrates highest listener share in nine years!

Over 300,000 people across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife & Falkirk tune into Forth 1 Boogie In The Morning remains the biggest breakfast show across the East

Forth 1, Edinburgh and the East of Scotland’s favourite radio station has seen its audience share grow to a nine year high with it now having a fantastic 18.6% share of all radio listening across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife & Falkirk.

315,000* people are tuning into Forth 1 every week.

Boogie In The Morning continues to dominate all breakfast radio listening across the East with a staggering 22.2% share.

Across Scotland, all of Bauer Media’s Hits & Greatest Hits stations have reason to celebrate as the total amount of listeners for the Hits Brands across Scotland has increased to an amazing 1,670,000** listeners every week, up 65,000 on the quarter.

Forth 2 and the Greatest Hits Network in Scotland has had a fantastic set of results too.

The Greatest Hits Network across Scotland has its highest ever reach – 372,000! (the highest reach in 9 years since it became the Greatest Hits Network across Scotland).

Sister station Clyde 1 also achieved it best result in 18 years and over three quarters of a million people tune into Clyde 1 & 2 every week.

Victoria Easton-Riley, Content Director for Scotland, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with this set of record breaking RAJAR results for our stations. It’s a testament to the incredible work by all our stations and all our presenters and staff across the summer months.

“Forth on the Fringe and the Forth Awards are just two of the massive events our teams have put on for our listeners this year as well as covering the biggest music festivals in the country including TRSNMT, Rewind Festival, Party At The Palace and Belladrum.

“We also have so much to look forward to as well with The Night Afore Disco Party  being hosted live by Forth 1 with special performances from Sophie Ellis Bextor and Altered Images.

“I think a special mention and thank you must also go to our incredible news teams across Scotland who covered the Queen’s passing at Balmoral with such sensitivity and professionalism.”

‘Brilliant’ listener numbers in latest results for Forth 1 & Forth 2 

Forth 1 and Clyde 2 have seen listener figures continue to grow with a fantastic set of results in the latest RAJAR figures.

The Q2 RAJAR 2022 results just go to underline the continued popularity of Forth 1 and Forth 2 with their listeners across Edinburgh and the West.

Forth 1 listeners are up 24,000 (+7%) to 325,000 and Forth 2 up 31,000 (+72%) to 72,000. Meaning that combined Radio Forth is up to 348,000 listeners.

Forth 1 is home to some of Scotland’s favourite presenters including Boogie and Arlene, Gary Spence, Greigsy, Grant Thomson and Callum Gallacher. Not to forget also home to some brilliant music with the biggest hits and biggest throwbacks and truly life-changing competitions like Cash Register.

Across the network listenership has also increased with the likes of Clyde 1, adding an extra 40,000 (+7% QoQ) more listeners this quarter, now reaching 640,000 every week, whilst Clyde 2 has on average 168,000 people tuning in – an increase of 49,000 (+40% QoQ). Meaning that combined, an incredible 719,000 listeners now tune in every week to Radio Clyde!

Combined Radio Clyde & Radio Forth now reach over the milestone million with 1,064,000 weekly listeners across the central belt!

The Greatest Hits Radio Network across Scotland, saw it post its best set of results ever with 339,000** people listening weekly, including record numbers for ‘new signing’ Stuart Webster’s  ‘through the day’ 10am to 2pm weekday show, home to the legendary Top10@10, which achieved its highest ever listenership adding an extra 67,000 (+70%) new listener’s last quarter.

The weekly audience for all of the combined Hits Radio and Greatest Hits stations across Scotland (14) now total over 1.6m*** up by over 130,000 people.

Victoria Easton-Riley, Content Director for Scotland, said: “What a fantastic set of results across our stations in Scotland, and a particular shout out must go to the teams at Clyde 1, Forth 1 and the Greatest Hits network across Scotland for some really outstanding listener numbers.

“To have over 1.6 million people listen to one of our radio stations every week is just amazing.

“I would like to give special mention also to our incredible presenters who continue to create brilliant, funny, moving and engaging content on-air and across our social channels that really connect with our audiences.

“Alongside that, as the world opened up again, this summer they have already been out and about en masse at some really outstanding events and partnerships the length and breadth of the country – from Belladrum in Inverness, Rewind at Scone Palace to the Border Union Show in Kelso, as well as our very own legendary Forth Awards at the Usher Hall.

“And with the football season having just kicked off, Forth On The Fringe this weekend, loads of Edinburgh Fringe activity and our Tom Walker Live & Up Close at the Sky Bar at Radisson RED Glasgow this month, we have so much to be excited about and proud of and the schools haven’t even gone back yet!”

Racecourse has it licked with free ice cream at Luca’s Ice Cream Family Day

Musselburgh Racecourse have got it licked at their next race meeting where they will be giving away a free ice cream to every child.

Teaming up with legendary Honest Toun ice cream maker, S Luca, the East Lothian course’s Luca’s Ice Cream Family Day on Tuesday 19 July has something for kids of all ages.

The afternoon gets underway with the always popular pony racing taking place on the home straight in front of the grandstand, approximately one hour before racing gets underway, and setting the tone for an exciting family day out.

Adding to the high summer festivities, Forth 1 breakfast king Boogie in the Morning will host a children’s disco during the afternoon.

With free fairground rides and free face painting keeping the kids fully entertained, adults can enjoy the thrill of the Flat with seven competitive races kicking off at 1.50pm.

As with all Musselburgh race meetings, children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult, and once inside the racecourse all children’s entertainment is free.

S Luca has been selling ice cream in Musselburgh since 1908 and it is still made to an old family recipe using locally sourced milk, butter and double cream.

The company founder, Luca Scappaticcio, originally from Cassino between Rome and Naples,  learned the art of ice cream making from a Swiss chef when he worked in the kitchens of the North British Hotel on Princes Street in the early part of last century.

Today, still run by family members, S Luca sell their ice cream from what is possibly the world’s only Rolls Royce ice cream van – which was built in 1923 for the Marquis De San Miguel and purchased by Luca Scappaticcio in 1937 and converted for commercial use.

Aisling Johnston, Musselburgh Racecourse’s commercial manager, said: “With the support of Luca, we are dishing up their delicious ice cream free to all  kids, while legendary radio presenter Boogie is in charge of the music and dancing.

“Before the racing gets underway we also have pony racing and other entertainments during the day, including fairground rides and face painting, are all free. For mums and dads, grans and grandads and all other family members, the first of our seven Flat races is off just before 2pm.

“It promises to be a fantastic day out and there are a wide range of food and drink options available for all budgets and to satisfy all tastes.”

Gates open at noon on Tuesday 19 July, the first race is at 1.50pm and the last race is at 5.15pm.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Forth 1 broadcasts first live show from new home in St James Quarter

Forth 1 & 2 has officially moved into its new home, with the station broadcasting its first show live, from St James Quarter in the centre of Edinburgh.

The Boogie In The Morning team began broadcasting from Forth Street for the final time yesterday, before, live on air, making the walk up the street to their brand new studio inside St James Quarter.

The team were stopping traffic as they transported the Forth 1 cow to its new home and were supported by the Watsonians men and women’s rugby teams, St James Quarter staff and Forth 1 colleagues.

At 8am, Boogie and Arlene hit the big switch as the crossover was confirmed with the team presenting from their new location for the first time.

Forth 1 & 2 will now be broadcast live from Edinburgh’s popular retail led mixed use destination each day with access to St James Quarter’s events spaces as part of their newly designed offices.  

Boogie from Forth 1’s Boogie In The Morning said: “Forth House had been our home for so long so there is a bitter-sweet feeling today. But there can be no doubt that our world class new studios and offices in St James Quarter is a huge step forward for the station.  

“When we walked in this morning for the big reveal I was blown away by the studio. The spectacular view is the first thing that hit me especially compared to the old studio which was in the basement at Forth House. Now every morning I get this amazing view of our city!”

Arlene Stuart, co-presenter on Boogie In The Morning, said: “There is no better place to broadcast than right in the heart of our beautiful city and the views of our capital and the surrounding areas from our new studios are incredible.

“I can’t wait to bring our shows from there every morning.”

Victoria Easton-Riley, Content Director for the Hits Radio Network across Scotland: “Our new location opens up a huge range of opportunities. Not just our amazing new studios and offices where we will continue to broadcast our award winning shows from every day, but also working alongside our friends at St James Quarter and their fantastic range of tenants in this new and unique partnership.

“It is a significant investment for the company and is a clear demonstration of our commitment and pride in Forth 1 & 2. It is an honour to have such a loyal listener base and with the continued support from them across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk we will strive to continue to delivering top quality entertainment, news, sport and of course the biggest hits”.

Ed Webb, Director of Development Management at Nuveen Real Estate, said: “Part of our ambition for St James Quarter was to create a new art, culture and fashion hub that merges seamlessly with the city’s cultural offering and events calendar.

“By welcoming Bauer Media UK Group’s Radio Forth stations as our media partner, and having shows broadcast straight from St James Quarter, the development is integrating further into the cultural heart of the city.”

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We’re honoured to be welcoming Forth 1 and 2 to St James Quarter. Forth 1’s ‘Boogie in the Morning’ show is iconic in Edinburgh so to have it broadcast from The Quarter every day is a big deal for us.

“This move is testament to our commitment to provide world-class facilities that will continuously offer unique and new experiences for our guests.”

Hits Radio Network’s Ewen & Cat set for Sunday Morning Snooze!

After six years presenting on Sunday morning breakfast together, Ewen and Cat will be handing over their early Sunday mornings to their mate Greigsy in trade for a well-deserved lie-in.

The popular duo announced today that their last weekend show together will take place on the 7th November before handing over the reins of the Clyde 1 and Forth 1 (and across Scotland on the Hits Radio Network) Sunday breakfast show to Greigsy who currently hosts the weekday 10am to 1pm show.

Ewen and Cat will continue to entertain the nation across the Greatest Hits Network on weekdays 6-10am on ‘Ewen & Cat At Breakfast’.

The award-winning pair were reunited on weekday breakfast earlier this year, and although they have loved the past six years on Sunday breakfast together, are looking forward to hitting the snooze button and enjoying a leisurely weekend while still getting up to their usual mischief during the week.

On top of his weekday 10am to 1pm show, Greigsy will be tackling the early rises on Sundays from 14th November, taking calls from listeners, sharing some of their best weekend stories and of course playing the biggest hits and biggest throwbacks to soundtrack our Sunday mornings.

Ewen said: “Cat and I loved spending a Sunday morning together with our listeners, we had such a laugh every week.

“I’ve got be honest though, it’s going to be great getting a bit of a lie in on Sunday for the first time in six years!”

Cat, who recently became an Amazon Books bestseller with her ‘Cat’s Out The Bag’ biography, added: “After a cracking six years hosting ‘Ewen & Cat at Breakfast’ every Sunday, I’m really looking forward to sitting in my PJ’s on a Sunday morning listening to Greigsy.

“I will miss our legendary ‘Sunday Buffets’ though!”

Greigsy said: “Ewen and Cat are legends of radio, and they have left some big shoes to fill, but I’m really looking forward to Sunday morning’s with our brilliant listeners and having a laugh along the way.” 

Victoria Easton-Riley, Content Director for Scotland, said: “Ewen and Cat have done a brilliant job of keeping us all tuned in and laughing six days a week, for a while now. I’m glad to see them finally pass on their Sunday morning microphones to Greigsy, so they can get a well-earned weekend rest.

“I’m really looking forward to hearing Greigsy bring his fantastic energy, content and music from his weekday show to Sunday mornings.”

Full Sunday line-up on the Hits Radio Network, Scotland, from Sunday the 14th of November:

6am-9am                                 Gavin Pearson

9am-12noon                           Greigsy

12noon-4pm                            Gregor & Lynsey (Cassi Clyde 1 only)

4pm-7pm                                 UK Chart Show

7pm-10pm                               The Throwback with Micky Gavin

10pm-1am                               Hits Chilled with Meg McHugh

Listeners can tune in to Ewen & Cat At Breakfast every weekday across the Greatest Hits Network between 6-10am on AM**, on DAB, online, via the station App or on a Smart Speaker.

Listen to Greigsy on the Hits Radio Network between 9am-12noon every Sunday (& weekdays 10am-1pm) on FM, DAB, online, via the App or on a Smart Speaker.

The Amazon Books bestseller, ‘Cat’s Out The Bag’ by Cat Harvey, gives readers a glimpse into the life of times of the popular radio presenter and journalist and is currently available at Waterstones (Amazon have sold out!).

Find out more: https://planetradio.co.uk/clyde/entertainment/books/cat-out-the-bag-the-book/

*Hits Radio Network includes Clyde 1, Forth 1, MFR, Northsound 1, Tay FM & West FM.

**Northsound 2 is a digital only station, West Sound Dumfries is on FM not AM, West Sound Dumfries is not available on DAB.

Greatest Hits Radio network includes Clyde 2, Forth 2, MFR 2, Northsound 2, Tay 2, West Sound Ayrshire and West Sound Dumfries.

Bauer Media Scotland pay tribute to Tom Steele

Bauer Media Scotland has paid tribute to Tom Steele, a key member of the team which launched Radio Forth, who has passed away after a long illness.

Tom began his career in newspapers before becoming Radio Clyde’s first employee when he was appointed to the news team in October 1973. He then moved to Radio Forth as Head of News ahead of the launch of the new station in January 1975.

He progressed to become the Programme Director and oversaw the splitting of broadcast frequencies on FM and AM to create Forth 1 and Forth 2. Tom then took over as Managing Director before he retired due to ill health in 1999.

As well as his work at Radio Forth, one of Tom’s greatest achievements was at Today FM when a day trip to Dublin turned into a year’s stay as Managing Director during which time he turned around the station’s fortunes.

Tom was a leading light in the radio industry through his work to develop and evolve fresh programming and he was also well regarded for his contribution to radio industry events and committees.

Graham Bryce, Chief Operating Officer, Bauer Media Audio UK, said: “Tom was one of the driving forces behind Radio Forth as he was passionate about radio and doing the best for our listeners and the local area.

“Local radio was very new in the UK at the time and Tom was at the forefront of the industry which was recognised by the many awards and accolades he won over the years. The foundations he laid down have also ensured that Forth remains a market leading station today.

“Tom made a huge contribution to local radio in Scotland and was a key part of our team for many years and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”

ARIAs: Bronze for Boogie

Bauer Media Scotland celebrate success at industry awards

Bauer Media Scotland is celebrating after picking up four awards at the Audio and Radio Industry Awards (ARIAs).

Scotland’s qualification for the Euros saw the Big Scotland Football Show collect a silver award for the Radio Times Moment of the Year. Decided by a public vote, the accolade recognised the overwhelming joy, emotion and tears of Cat Harvey, Ewen Cameron and Steven Mill when David Marshall saved that penalty.

Clyde 1 also won a silver in the John Myers Award for Best Local Station of the Year while Boogie in the Morning on Forth 1 collected a bronze in the Best Music Breakfast Show category.

The partnership between the Scottish Government and SAM Radio from Bauer Scotland was also awarded a bronze for the Best Commercial Partnership.

Graham Bryce, Group Managing Director, Hits Radio Brand Networks, said: “Radio has played an increasingly important role during the pandemic by keeping people connected and engaged as well as conveying important and essential information.

“This is well deserved recognition for the commitment of our teams who have worked incredibly hard to ensure that they deliver relevant and entertaining content to enrich the lives of listeners, and to be a familiar and reassuring presence during lockdowns.

“As well as being there during the more challenging times it was also very rewarding to be able to share the highs of Scotland qualifying for their first tournament in 22 years, and I’m sure that the outpouring of emotion in our studio matched that in homes right across the country.”

The ARIAs are the Oscars for UK radio and audio, recognising the individuals and teams who excel at their craft and produce the very best body of work in the world.

‘Women’s Safety: What Can Men Do?’

Forth 1 and Clyde 1 to broadcast special show today

Following the tragic death of Sarah Everard, Clyde 1, Forth 1 and their sister stations are set to broadcast a special show: ‘Women’s Safety: What Can Men Do?’ to discuss this essential issue.

This morning (Wednesday 17th March) from 9.30pm to 10pm, the show will be broadcast across Scotland on the Hits Radio Network including MFR, Northsound 1, Tay FM, Radio Borders and West FM.

The show will be hosted by Garry Spence and Arlene Stuart and the panel will include:

  • Davy Thompson from White Ribbon Scotland which is the largest effort in the world of men working to end men’s violence against women.
  • Selena Jackson – Radio Clyde journalist who has covered this key issue extensively
  • Donna Davies – counsellor of children, young people and adults

Victoria Easton-Riley, Content Director for Hits Radio brands in Scotland said: “The tragic death of Sarah Everard has dominated the news agenda for the last few weeks. It is a very important conversation and we want to share insights from key figures about the way that everyone can play a part and for us all to talk about it.”

‘Women’s Safety: What Can Men Do?’ will be aired on Wed 17th March 2021 from 9.30pm to 10pm on Clyde 1, Forth 1, MFR, Northsound 1, Tay FM, Radio Borders and West FM.