Tag: Radio

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!”

Stockbridge is going Radio Ga Ga!

Edinburgh has a new, Stockbridge-based community radio station. Launched on Friday in the heart of the Bohemian village, Edinburgh’s Mix1 Radio will serve its listeners with entertainment and local information.

Stockbridge, Comely Bank and other neighbouring villages have a fabulous community spirit. You only have to walk along Stockbridge main street to find that out. So, with the community in mind local broadcaster, musician and designer Sam Hinks decided the time was right to start a station.

Sam said: “Experience is very important in the radio industry, although enthusiasm and ability to learn are just as important.

“We want to attract the best people to entertain and inform the local communities as well as align ourselves firmly with the individuals, businesses and organisations that make up the surrounding area.”

Mix1 Radio’s most important job is to engage with its listeners and be involved as much as possible with the communities. To that end they have set up a basement studio in the heart of Stockbridge, with a meeting area and admin facilities for the station to grow.

Local events will also be a part of the station’s community role. They will be available to engage in outside broadcasts and live entertainment in Stockbridge and surrounding Edinburgh. Contact the station for details.

Training is an aspect that will be very much embraced by the station. Local schools, colleges and individuals will be encouraged to get in touch.

If you feel you want to be involved with local radio, get in touch with Mix1 Radio. They are an all-encompassing company that will welcome you with open arms.

Look for the station on the internet, broadcasting via its website, mobile portal apps and on smart speakers (local Edinburgh city DAB to come soon).

Email Edinburgh@Mix1.Radio
Text/WhatsApp +447840 259452
Website Mix1Radio.co.uk

Facebook @Mix1RadioEH3
Instagram @Mix1Radio
Twitter @Mix1RadioEH3

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.”

‘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.

£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.

Boom Radio unveils presenter line-up ahead of February launch

  • New national radio station for Baby Boomers unveils launch line-up
  • Announcement comes ahead of station’s February 2021 launch

BOOM Radio, a new national radio station targeting the UK’s estimated 14 million Baby Boomers, has unveiled a line-up of familiar radio names ahead of going on air in February.

Several well-known radio personalities from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will be heard, including a weekday breakfast show hosted by Graham Dene who woke up London for a generation, the familiar voice of David Hamilton from midday, Nicky Horne early evening and Diana Luke late at night.

The station’s schedule will be spiced by a soul show with Greg Edwards; appearances by ‘70s Magpie TV host Jenny Hanley; Kid Jensen; and Anna Raeburn returns with ‘Talk to Anna’, recreating the programmes she hosted generations ago – now targeting those same listeners who’ve grown into different life challenges.

Founded by radio heavyweights, Phil Riley and David Lloyd, Boom Radio is a new national station for Baby Boomers – the UK’s 50, 60 and 70-something population – who are hugely loyal radio consumers, yet arguably under-served by stations on offer.

With launch targeted for mid-February 2021, listeners can primarily expect a mix of ‘Boomer’ music favourites from across the decades, peppered with selected more contemporary hits, alongside conversation and company.

Roll-out starts on DAB in London, Portsmouth, Bristol, Birmingham and Glasgow, with additional locations to follow throughout 2021 and access available online from the outset.

Phil Riley said: “We’re extremely proud of what we’ve been able to put together for Boom Radio’s launch.

“With some legendary radio names back on-air, we’re really proving what the station is all about – that age isn’t a barrier to continuing to do what you love.”

David Lloyd added: “There is guaranteed to be at least one presenter whom each listener will relate to, with the line-up featuring names of Boomers of all ages from both commercial and BBC radio from across the UK.

“We’re also calling for feedback from Boomers everywhere – if you’ve got any ideas for music, presenters or shows, then do let us know by getting in contact via our website.”

The line-up includes:

  1. Graham Dene
  2. David Hamilton
  3. Nicky Horne
  4. Diana Luke
  5. Greg Edwards
  6. Jenny Hanley
  7. Kid Jensen
  8. Anna Raeburn
  9. Les Ross
  10. Andy Marriott
  11. Jane Markham
  12. Graham Torrington
  13. Roger Day
  14. Bill Bingham
  15. Rod Whiting

Further names will be announced later this month.

For more information or to provide feedback visit www.boomradiouk.com.

Sam Smith to perform exclusively for Clyde 1 and Forth 1

Here’s how to watch the exclusive performance on Monday 16th November, 4pm

Clyde 1 and Forth 1 are set to broadcast an exclusive session from multi-award-winning global star, Sam Smith on Monday 16th November.

Music fans will have a chance to catch Sam perform a selection of tracks and to listen to an exclusive interview in a special show hosted by Garry Spence from 4pm on Clyde 1 and Forth 1. They can also watch the exclusive performance online via the stations’ Facebook pages.

Speaking about the event Sam Smith said: “We are all trying to find new ways to be together remotely during these strange times, and I am so excited that I’m still able to perform and share a moment with all of you.

“I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who’s supported me and my music over the years. This performance is for all of you xx”

Garry Spence said: “We might not be able to bring you to Sam Smith, so we’re bringing Sam Smith to you. Sit back and enjoy an incredible performance and interview from one of the UK’s greatest. You won’t want to miss it!”

Sam Smith’s highly anticipated new album ‘Love Goes’ is out now.

For more information you can listen to Clyde 1 and Forth 1 on FM, DAB, online, via the station App and on your smart speaker.

Sam Smith’s performances will also be broadcast on MFR, Northsound 1, Tay FM, Radio Borders and West FM.

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.