Tag: Forth 2

Ken Bruce to join Greatest Hits Radio

GOING FORTH: The broadcasting legend will be on air with a new show on the station formerly known as Forth 2 from April 3rd 

The UK’s most popular radio host, Ken Bruce, is joining the team at Greatest Hits Radio across Scotland and the rest of the UK as part of the stations launch this April. 

Forth 2, which will rebrand to Greatest Hits Radio Edinburgh, The Lothians, Fife & Falkirk, will launch with the iconic radio presenter. 

The Glaswegian presenter will be following in the footsteps of other legendary broadcasters when he becomes part of the Greatest Hits Radio family, with a brand-new mid-morning show from 10am – 1pm. Ken will kickstart a weekday line up that also includes presenters Simon Mayo at Drivetime and Jackie Brambles in the early evening.  

Ken, who began his broadcasting career working on hospital radio in Glasgow back in the early 1970’s and has become a radio icon, will now be joining Ewen and Cat and Stuart Webster who will be on presenting to the nation every weekday in the new line-up. Broadcaster Fred MacAulay will also be on air every Sunday.  

Playing the biggest songs of the 70s, 80s and 90s, Greatest Hits Radio is a station that celebrates the good times across Scotland and the rest of the UK. With music from the most iconic artists of all time, including Blondie, Queen, George Michael, Madonna, Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, Elton John and Whitney Houston, it is home to presenters including Ewen Cameron, Cat Harvey, Fred MacAulay and Stuart Webster who will be on at between 1-4pm. 

Ken Bruce said: ‘I can’t wait to launch my new show on Greatest Hits Radio across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

“From beginning in hospital radio in Glasgow, to now launching a new show on Scotland’s first nationwide commercial radio station, it has been a 45-year journey I could have never of dreamed of as a young boy.’ 

Ben Cooper, Chief Content & Music Officer, Bauer Audio UK said: “Ken Bruce is a broadcasting legend, with the biggest radio show in the UK, so as well as today being an exciting announcement for Greatest Hits Radio and its growing audience, it is a hugely significant moment for the industry.

“What a fantastic start to a great year of increased ambition and innovation for Bauer Media Audio.”  

This announcement follows last week’s news that Greatest Hits Radio will become Scotland’s first national commercial radio station as Forth 2, Clyde 2, MFR 2, Northsound 2, Tay 2, West Sound in Ayrshire, and West Sound in Dumfries & Galloway all rebrand to Greatest Hits Radio on the same April 3rd date. 

You can listen to Greatest Hits Radio on DAB digital radio*, on your smart speaker, mobile device or online at greatesthitsradio.co.uk.  

‘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!”

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.”

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.”

Forth celebrates International Women’s Day with interviews with leading Scottish women

Forth 1 and Forth 2 presenter, Cat Harvey, is joined by inspirational Scottish women this International Women’s Day (Monday 8th March), to discuss their successes, challenges and aspirations.

The women, including Judy Murray, sports presenter Eilidh Barbour and woman’s rights campaigner Talat Yaqoob, each at the top of their chosen field, all share personal experiences of breaking through the glass ceiling and stories of their own accomplishments.

The interviews, conducted by breakfast presenter Cat Harvey, one of Scotland’s top female radio talents, will be played out on Forth 1 and Forth 2 and across the Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Networks on Monday, interspersed with a playlist that will be all female artists, all day (Forth 1, 6am to midnight), including the likes of Beyonce, Amy MacDonald, Lizzo, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Adele and Pink.

Scottish business and beauty mogul, Jamie Genevieve, shares her story on Forth 1. She discusses the ‘cookie cutter’ image of women in business and how she discovered the power of being herself and the success this has brought her.

Eilidh Barbour and Cat discuss the success of women’s football in recent years and Eilidh speaks about how she has made her own voice heard amongst her male colleagues’, while Talat Yaqoob discusses the challenges women still face in trying to break into certain industries. 

Judy Murray said: “A lot of the situations I’ve faced [in the sporting industry] have made me…create the female only organisations…I understand how much more you can get out of women and girls when they feel comfortable and relaxed.”

Cat Harvey, presenter of Ewen & Cat At Breakfast on Forth 2, said: “It was extremely empowering speaking to these amazing women across a variety of professions about their achievements and their journey to get to where they are now.

“It’s so important that we continue to have these conversations. We have made progress in the past few years for gender equality, but it is essential that we keep pushing and challenging the status quo, and I’m proud to a play a part in making sure women’s voices are being heard.”

Listen to all the interviews as they are aired across Forth 1 and Forth 2 on International Women’s Day on Monday the 8th of March.

Keep up with all the latest news, sport, biggest hits, greatest hits on Forth 1 and Forth 2 on FM / AM, on DAB radio, online, via the Radio Forth app and on your Smart Speaker.

Full list of interviewees: Eilidh Barbour, Judy Murray, Talat Yaqoob, Dr. Punam Krishan, Dr Marie Macklin CBE, Dr. Katy Stewart (Forth 2 only) and Jamie Genevieve (Forth 1 only).

Forth 1 and Hits Radio Network Scotland will run the interviews at 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm and 11pm. Forth 2 and Greatest Hit Network Scotland will run the features at 7am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm.

£1 million up for grabs for listeners across Scotland

An incredible £1 million prize pot is up for grabs across Scotland and Forth 1 and Forth 2 listeners will have their chance to grab their share of the cash, as the hugely popular ‘Cash Register’ returns.

The contest, which is Scotland’s biggest radio competition, launched yesterday and runs every weekday on the Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio networks across Scotland*, including the likes of Forth 1, Forth 2, Clyde 1, Clyde 2, West FM and West Sound**.

The popular feature gives out life-changing sums of money to listeners and has been a favourite for a number of years, however, this time the prize pot has reached the £1 million mark.

Every weekday after 8am a new cash amount will be revealed on Boogie In The Morning on Forth 1 and on Ewen & Cat At Breakfast on Forth 2, and listeners can find out how to play. One lucky listener will then get the all-important call back from Garry Spence after 5pm for their chance to win by simply repeating the exact sum on-air.

Cash prizes will be given out across the network until the £1 million prize pot has been emptied. Afternoon presenter on Forth 1, Garry Spence, is looking forward to sharing the amazing amount of money with his listeners. He said: “Playing Cash Register with listeners is by far my favourite competition – it’s so simple to play yet can impact someone’s lives in a way that’s hard to imagine.

“The best part is telling people they have won – there is no greater feeling, and with £1 million to give away it’s going to feel even better. I know from speaking to listeners that the prizes on Cash Register can quite literally change people’s lives, and after such a challenging year, we all need these feel-good moments more than ever.”

To find out the daily amount and how to play, listen live to Boogie In The Morning on Forth 1 and Ewen & Cat In The Morning on Forth 2 every weekday morning from 6am, and to Afternoons with Garry Spence from 4 – 7pm for the winner ring back.

Keep up with all the latest news, sport, biggest hits and competitions across the Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio networks across Scotland on FM, AM, on DAB radio, online, via the station app and on your Smart Speaker.

*Cash Register is a text competition played across all of the Hits Radio & Greatest Hits networks in Scotland and full terms and conditions and online entry can be found at the station website.

**West Sound Dumfries is on FM (and not available on DAB). Northsound 2 is a digital station and not available on AM.

Scotland’s Greatest Songs Top 10 revealed

The debate over which song should take the title of ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’ is set to begin as the shortlist of ten is unveiled.

The ten songs were selected by four judges including Jackie Bird, singer and actress, Clare Grogan as well as journalist and presenter, Gordon Smart and Aarti Joshi of DF Concerts after many hours of debate and discussion.

The top ten songs have been named as:

  1. Dignity: Deacon Blue
  1. Whole of The Moon: The Waterboys
  1. Loaded: Primal Scream  
  1. Tinseltown in the Rain: The Blue Nile
  1. Baker Street: Gerry Rafferty
  1. Sunshine on Leith: The Proclaimers
  1. In a Big Country: Big Country
  1. This is the Life: Amy MacDonald
  1. Black Eyed Boy: Texas
  1. Somewhere in My Heart: Aztec Camera

The shortlist was announced by Ewen Cameron who was joined by the judges on his breakfast show, ‘Ewen Cameron In The Morning’ across the Greatest Hits Network including Forth 2, Clyde 2 and Tay 2.

A podcast has also just been launched where the judges talk about their struggle to narrow the list down to just ten.

On Sunday 15th November from 4pm to 7pm the judges will also come together for a special one-off show across the Greatest Hits stations in Scotland. Hosted by head judge, Jackie Bird, she will be joined by her three fellow judges to discuss their shortlist, how they came to their decisions and to play the final ten.

One of the judges joining Jackie will be Gordon Smart, who said: “It was a such a pleasure to debate ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’ with two women I love and respect, Clare Grogan and Aarti Joshi. If it wasn’t for Jackie Bird, we’d still be arguing about our top 10 now!

“It was a reminder of how incredible the canon of work Scotland has produced really is. I’ve not slept well since for excluding some brilliant stuff from bands and artists I love. If you like our final choice, I was Gordon Smart. If you don’t, I’m Ewen Cameron.”

Aarti Joshi, of DF Concerts also commented: “I was honoured to be helping to decide ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’. We were feeling the pressure as judges to choose the final ten songs, especially when this country has produced so many absolute bangers.

“The rest of the panel are really excellent people so locking horns with them was fun with lots of discussion, swearing and laughter – I can’t wait to hear what the public have got to say!”

Voting will open on Sunday 15th November and the winner will be announced by Ewen Cameron on ‘Ewen Cameron in the Morning’ on St. Andrew’s Day.

You will be able to listen on AM*, online, on DAB radio, via the station app or on your Smart Speaker.

*West Sound Dumfries is on FM (and not available on DAB). Northsound 2 is a digital station and not available on AM.

Scotland’s Greatest Song: Jackie Bird to chair judging panel

The judges who have selected the shortlist for ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’ have been revealed ahead of the ten songs being unveiled on Monday 9 November.

The head judge was announced as Jackie Bird who was joined by singer and actress, Clare Grogan as well as journalist and presenter, Gordon Smart and Aarti Joshi of DF Concerts.

After hours of debate, discussion and even the odd disagreement the quartet have selected the ten songs which the public will be able to vote on from Sunday 15th November to be named as ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’.

The winner will be announced by Ewen Cameron across the Greatest Hits Network Scotland including Forth 2, Clyde 2 and Tay 2 on St. Andrew’s Day.

The search was launched to celebrate the country’s musical heritage and head judge Jackie Bird found it tougher than expected to narrow it down to ten.

She said: “It is such a pleasure – and a pressure – to be part of the momentous challenge that is finding Scotland’s Greatest Song.

“The judges put their hearts and souls into whittling down a long list of classics to reach our top ten.  With so many fabulous songs to choose from and so many people rooting for their much-loved favourites it rightly became a huge and very serious debate.  I’m so glad it’s the listeners who will make the final decision.”

Clare Grogan added: “Ultimately I have loved this torturous experience! Getting to re-listen to these amazing songs and artists has been joyful and my goodness we were spoilt for choice.

“So many incredibly talented and influential musicians that Scotland continuously produces and so proud to be part of this with my fellow judges. I’ve never enjoyed fighting with people more!”

Victoria Easton-Riley, content director at Greatest Hits Radio Scotland, said: “We know that our Greatest Hits Radio Scotland listeners are as passionate about Scottish music and artists as our presenters across the network and we were delighted to have the opportunity to be part of this exciting initiative from Audio Frontier.

“Many hours are happily spent debating the relative merits of different songs and artists and I’m sure that there will be a wide range of views and opinions as to what should be on the shortlist!

“I’m looking forward to the shortlist being announced and to find out who our listeners and the general public select as ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’.”

The project is the brainchild of Glasgow-based audio specialists Audio Frontier, which has won a funding bid for the programmes through the UK Government’s Audio Content Fund.

John McInally, of Audio Frontier, said: “Audio Frontier are delighted to work alongside the Greatest Hits Network and the Audio Content Fund to help find Scotland’s Greatest Song.

“The team of judges we have assembled, know their music inside out and I’m just glad we could pass the buck on to them to finalise the ten songs that the country has to vote for.”

On Monday 9th November a podcast launches to reveal the 10 songs shortlisted and how the judges came to the final ten. Ewen Cameron will also join the debate about the shortlist on the same day on his breakfast show ‘Ewen Cameron In The Morning’ from 6am.

On Sunday 15th November from 4pm to 7pm the judges will also come together for a special one-off show across the Greatest Hits stations in Scotland. Hosted by head judge, Jackie Bird, she will be joined by her three fellow judges to discuss their shortlist, how they came to their decisions and to play the final ten.

You can listen on AM*, online, on DAB radio, via the station app or on your Smart Speaker.

*West Sound Dumfries is on FM (and not available on DAB). Northsound 2 is a digital station and not available on AM.