Tag: Radio

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.”

Edinburgh Welcomes Edge 2 Radio

Jay Crawford has announced his return to the airwaves on Edinburgh’s new local radio station, Edge 2

Edge Radio Group, led by Jay Crawford, has taken over another DAB licensed station MIX 1 to create Edge 2, Edinburgh’s new local station which will deliver the best music of the last 50 years.

Following huge investment in new studios and equipment in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge, Edge 2 brings fresh ideas, an updated music selection and the triumphant return of one of Edinburgh’s best loved radio DJs. Edge 2 aims to captivate listeners with a curated selection of timeless classic hits and local news.

This expansion further solidifies Jay Crawford’s influence and impact in the radio industry, showcasing his passion for music and commitment to providing engaging content for his listeners.

Jay said; “This was a golden opportunity to build on the success of Edge Radio and an exciting development for the local radio scene. I saw a gap in the market and felt that Edge 2 could be it. I cannot wait to return to the airwaves to play classic tracks every Monday to Friday.”

At the new Stockbridge home for Edge Radio, Jay continued; “Dedicating an entire station to the best music of the last 50 years offers immense appeal. We will be showcasing hits from the rock ‘n’ roll era of the 1950s to vibrant disco in the ‘70s, pop hits of the ’80s, through to the alternative and grunge movements of the ’90s.

“With such a vast and eclectic pool of music to draw from, the new station is poised to cater to a wide range of listeners, ensuring there is something for everyone.”

Jay Crawford’s experience and expertise as a veteran DJ will undoubtedly shine through in the programming and curation of the playlist.

Listeners can expect a well-crafted selection of songs that not only represent the best of the last 50 years but also showcase the breadth and depth of musical talent that has shaped our cultural landscape.

Edge 2  will go live on Monday 10th July playing music from the last 5 decades broadcasting online, on mobile, smart speakers and DAB+ 

Jay Crawford will be on air every Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm.

Presenters include: Breakfast with Sam Hinks, Jay Crawford and Afternoon Drive with award winning comedian, Billy Kirkwood.

Edinburgh’s Edge Radio welcomes new DJs

Edinburgh Radio legend, Jay Crawford, strengthens the team at Edge Radio, Scotland’s Hit Music Station, with DJ’s Micky Gavin and Yasmin Zemmoura (Yazz).

Forth 1’s Throwback favourite and veteran DJ, Micky Gavin, has announced that he will be joining rival Edinburgh station Edge to present Afternoon Drive.

Micky said; “I can’t wait to get going on Edinburgh’s newest radio station. Joining such a brilliant team, playing the hottest hits and chatting chatting about everything Edinburgh each weekday.”

Having worked with Jay Crawford at both Forth 1 and Real Radio, Micky is excited to help build on Edge Radio’s summer success following a bumper year for listeners in 2022.

Jay Crawford said, “We’ve had a brilliant year so it seems a perfect time to strengthen our Edge Radio team. Micky and I have worked together off and on for 25 years and he’s a fantastic presenter. Yazz has such a lovely radio voice and personality to match. I’m delighted they’ve agreed to join us.”

Yazz, whose dulcet tones will be making a welcome return to the Edinburgh airwaves, has spent the last 10 years in Belfast presenting on Q Radio.

Edinburgh super-fan Yazz will take on the weekend playing the biggest hits in the Afternoon.

Yazz said; ”I love Edinburgh and love the localness of Edge Radio. To be back working with Jay, Matt, Mark and Micky again excites me for the summer ahead.”

Edge Radio is available on DAB, online and mobile and will shortly be moving to studios in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge.

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.”

Fresh new line-ups revealed for Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland

  • It’s a battle for breakfast as TWO new shows launch on Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland.
  • Des Clarke is Back on Breakfast, and Tallia cooks up a storm for Capital!

Next month listeners to Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland will be waking up to a brand new schedule and exciting new voices – live from Scotland – seven days a week.

Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland yesterday (11 April) revealed all-star line-ups and fresh new shows. Both Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland will broadcast live from Global’s Glasgow Broadcast Centre on West Regent Street in the heart of the city from next month (May).

On Heart Scotland there will be a brand-new breakfast show, Heart Breakfast with Des Clarke & Jennifer Reoch, which will broadcast live weekday mornings, 6.30am to 10am. The move sees Des Clarke return to breakfast radio in Scotland, having most recently been entertaining audiences on Heart Drive. Des is no stranger to the early alarm clock, having previously hosted Breakfast for 13 years on Capital, Galaxy and Beat 106.

Meanwhile going head-to-head with Heart Breakfast is Capital Scotland’s brand-new breakfast show hosted by Fat Brestovci & Tallia Storm, 6am to 10am. Singer and social media star Tallia Storm has signed her first radio presenting gig, and joins broadcaster Fat to wake up Scotland every morning.

Heart Scotland’s New Schedule – Live from Glasgow!

In addition to the breakfast show there is a fresh new schedule across the whole day for Heart Scotland which also sees broadcaster Amy Irons joining to present a new mid-morning programme, live from Glasgow 10am to 1pm. Cat Cubie also joins to present a new afternoon show.

The new Heart Scotland Drive programme – 4pm to 7pm – will be presented by leading Scottish broadcaster David Farrell, who joins from BBC Scotland. At the weekend, Grace Nicoll will present a new afternoon show 12 noon to 4pm.

Capital Scotland’s Brand New Schedule – Live From Glasgow!

Alongside the fresh new sound of Capital Breakfast with Fat Brestovci & Tallia Storm, Robyn Richford joins to host mid-mornings 10am to 1pm, Ryan Borthwick presents the new afternoon show 1pm through to 4pm and Katy J stays at the helm of Capital Scotland Drive, 4pm to 7pm. At the weekend, exciting new talent Jonny Campbell completes the Capital Scotland line-up 9am to 12 noon. 

This is part of a major investment in Scotland, with an expansion of Global’s broadcast centre in Glasgow including a new creative hub that will produce live radio, visualised content and podcasts for Global Player, as well as housing Global’s Scotland Tech Hub.

Ashley Tabor-King OBE, Founder & Executive President of Global, said: “I’m delighted that we are bringing listeners more choice with shows coming live from Glasgow, hosted by a combination of our much-loved presenters and exciting new talent.

“What’s more, the broadcast centre will be significantly upgraded to become a creative hub in Scotland, with fully visualised studios and a production centre for creating podcast, social and digital content.”

James Rea, Director of Broadcasting & Content at Global, said: “This is an amazing team of presenters with brilliant personalities and these changes will make what we do even more relevant to the lives of audiences in Scotland.

“It’s great to see Des Clarke return to breakfast radio alongside Jennifer Reoch on Heart and I’m certain Fat and Tallia Storm will bring great energy to the Capital team.”

Capital Scotland is owned and operated under a brand licence by Communicorp UK. Mark Lee, Communicorp UK’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our new Scottish talent will bring new and exciting content within an already fantastic station.

“Combined with the best hit music from the Capital brand, our place as the Official Radio Partner of the OVO Hydro, and our existing relationships within live music, it will further cement our position as Scotland’s Number 1 Hit Music Station.”

The new line-ups for Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland* will be available on FM and DAB, across the central belt alongside Heart UK and Capital UK on DAB. Listeners will also be able to tune-in from anywhere on Global’s entertainment app, Global Player, via smart phone or smart speaker.

BBC Radio 4’s Today programme to be guest edited by listeners

The Today programme is inviting its listeners to edit editions of Today to mark 20 years of its guest editors

BBC Radio 4’s Today is looking for communities of listeners from across the UK to get together in teams and submit their ideas for special editions of the programme, set to be broadcast in the summer.

Those wanting to take part are being invited to submit as a group an idea for their programme, along with an outline as to why they would make good guest editors.

Owenna Griffiths, editor of the Today programme, says: “For 20 years the guest editors have brought original ideas and a wide range of perspectives to the Today programme.

“This summer, we are asking listeners to take control. You might be part of a book club, a local sports team or decide to form a group with the people you work with or live nearby. Whatever forms the basis of your community, we want to hear how you would edit Today.”

The successful guest editors will be chosen by the Today editorial team, who will also seek the advice of a selection of former guest editors, as part of the process.

Each of the chosen teams will have the support of Today producers, who will commission radio pieces and interviews, to bring their ideas to air and make sure they adhere to the BBC’s editorial guidelines.

Every year the BBC Radio 4’s Today invites a series of high profile guest editors to design a show around what they’re most interested in. Over the last 20 years the guest editors have included Prince Harry, Angelina Jolie, Raheem Sterling, Jarvis Cocker and many others.

Dame Prue Leith who guest edited Today in 2020 says: “My advice to anyone wanting to guest edit the Today programme is to tell them one thing you would really love to do and have never done.”

Dame Prue asked the Today team to arrange a singing lesson, which was then broadcast, and says she found the experience “terrific”.

It’s not the first time Today has been guest edited by its listeners. In 2007 a group from Dyfed Powys Police took the editorial reins.

Guest editors usually provide ideas and inspiration and are responsible for between a third and a half of their programme’s output.

The listener guest edited programmes will be broadcast in August and will be in addition to Today’s usual Christmas guest editors, which will be announced later this year.

Applications can be submitted online at bbc.co.uk/today

Terms and Privacy notice also available online.

Applications for submissions opened at 08:00 on 13th March 2023 and will close at 23:59 on 31st March 2023.

Forth 1 & 2 celebrate record listener figures

The latest RAJAR figures reveal that 331,000 listeners across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife & Falkirk tune into Forth 1 every single week. That would fill BT Murrayfield nearly five times over!

In Q4 2022, this impressive number helped Forth 1 reach its highest share of the East of Scotland audience for 10 years – with 18.9% of all radio listening choosing Forth 1 every week*. Forth 2 also enjoyed a great set of results with its highest reach in four years, attracting an audience of 74,000*.

Recently published RAJAR results also highlight impressive figures for sister stations, Clyde 1 & 2, MFR and Tay FM. MFR has similarly seen an increase in listeners, reaching 119,000 every week whilst Tay FM becomes an all-radio market leader for the first time in a decade, with a 16.4% share of all radio across Tayside & Fife. 

MFR’s Jodie At Breakfast has also had a great set of results with an increase of reach from 67k to 78.5k year on year.

Victoria Easton-Riley, Content Director for the Hits & Greatest Hits Networks across Scotland, said: “Given the challenging times that so many are experiencing, we’re proud that our stations are a trusted source and attracting some of our strongest audience figures to date, with many listeners tuning in for longer than ever before.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all our teams across all our stations who work so hard everyday to bring content to our listeners, that not only informs them date but also makes them sing, dance, laugh and cry.

“It is going to be a very exciting year across Scotland for all of our stations. Not only are eight joining the Greatest Hits Radio family on 3 April, but on the same day we welcome radio legend Ken Bruce and the iconic PopMaster too.”

Boosting the social care workforce 

Campaign aims to help fill vacant posts across Edinburgh 

A marketing campaign to support the recruitment of more adult social care workers in Edinburgh has launched this week, to help address the high level of vacancies in the sector.  

The campaign – titled ‘there is more to care than caring’ – will raise awareness of the career opportunities available in adult social care and encourage people to apply. Activity includes radio, outdoor and digital advertising, highlighting the important work done by adult social care workers. 

It is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to attract more people to work in adult social care, retain existing staff and raise its status as a profession. This builds on a pay uplift for all adult social care staff which guarantees them a minimum of at least £10.90 an hour from this April. 

Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart visited Leuchie House in North Berwick yesterday to see the work it does to support people affected by stroke, multiple sclerosis and neurological conditions. 

Mr Stewart said: “Working in adult social care can be challenging but offers the opportunity to have a hugely positive impact on people’s lives on a daily basis.  

“We are increasing pay, improving terms and conditions in the sector, and developing clear career pathways for the workforce, ahead of the introduction of the National Care Service. This will lead to more rewarding roles for the existing adult social care workforce, and for new entrants to the profession. 

“This campaign highlights that while relevant experience can help, it is core interpersonal skills such as communication, compassion, empathy and respect that are most highly valued.

“If these are skills you possess then adult social care could be the career for you.” 

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.  

Online Edinburgh Radio Station attracting the stars

Mix 1 Radio based in Stockbridge have been on air for just under a year and are attracting some big names to join them as guests on air.

The station which has a mixture of music and conversation is exploiting the gap in the local radio marketspace as the larger stations are consolidating shows across the whole country. With presenters giving regular updates on local news, traffic and weather along with promoting local business’s the station is pulling in listeners across the capital and beyond.

The special guest on this weeks Edinburgh Weekender Show on Friday 6 till 8pm is London’s First Lady of Soul, PP Arnold who made her breakthrough as backing singer with Ike and Tina Turner before carving out her own successful career with hits like Angel of The Morning and The First Cut Is The Deepest.

She has a fascinating story to tell and listeners of Mix 1 will enjoy a great conversation with PP Arnold and Mix! Presenters Big T and Clayton P.

PP Arnold talks about her audition in Tina Turners front room. Moving to London and becoming the Boyfriend of Mick Jagger and her bond with Bee Gee Barry Gibb.

Previous guests on Mix 1 recently have been Tim Hower, lead singer of Mike and The Mechanics, Steve Smiley Barnard who played drums in Robbie Williams band, Craig Eddie winner of The Voice 2021 and Paul McCarthy star of TV’s Grange Hill.

There are more exciting guest lined up over the next few months.

The interview will be broadcast on Friday from 6pm on The Edinburgh Weekender Show. You can listen to Mix 1 Radio on your Alexa, just ask Alexa to enable the Mix 1 Radio Skill then Alexa Play Mix 1 Radio or listen online via their website Mix1Radio.co.uk