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BBC Radio Leicester - news archive

This is an archive of news about BBC Radio Leicester. Some links may no longer work, due to the transient nature of the internet.

Robin Banks returns to radio
From Media Guardian. Posted May 12 2008, 11.59am
The former Kiss 100 and Virgin Radio DJ Robin Banks is set to take over the breakfast slot on GCap Media's Leicester Sound. By John Plunkett (more)

Robin Banks back on air
From Radio Today. Posted May 12 2008, 11.37am
Former Kiss 100 and Virgin Radio presenter Robin Banks is returning to radio, as the new breakfast show presenter at GCap's Leicester Sound. The established radio and television host will step into his new role on Monday 30th June. (more)

Bill Maynard's Show Axed on Radio Leicester
From Merry Media. Posted February 6 2008, 3.43pm
BBC Radio Leicester presenter Bill Maynard has been dropped from the station after five years. Maynard, who is best known for playing Claude Greengrass, presented the Sunday show Bill Of Fare. . (more)

Radio Leicester presenter axed
From Radio Today. Posted February 6 2008, 1.01am
Popular BBC Radio Leicester weekend presenter Bill Maynard has apparently been sacked without warning from his Sunday afternoon programme. Now the former Heartbeat actor is on the lookout for more radio work and wants to take over from Wogan. (more)

GCap prepares for Global war
From The Times. Posted January 13 2008, 12.00am
OUTSIDE in Leicester Square, soggy film fans are waiting for the stars of Sweeney Todd, the new film of the bloodthirsty barber, to arrive for its rainswept premiere. Inside, at the offices of GCap Media, Richard Eyre, the radio group’s chairman, is braced for his own close shave. (more)

Alliance & Leicester shares jump on bid hopes
From Daily Telegraph. Posted January 2 2008, 8.10am
Shares in Alliance & Leicester jumped almost 10pc in morning trading after the Daily Telegraph reported that mortgage bank held takeover talks with Grupo Santander, the Spanish owner of Abbey National. (more)

Strike averted at Leicester Mercury after pay deal
From Press Gazette. Posted December 18 2007, 12.00am
Journalists at the Leicester Mercury have settled their pay dispute a month after voting in favour of industrial action. (more)

Leicester Mercury staff vote for industrial action
From Press Gazette. Posted December 3 2007, 12.00am
Strike action could be coming to the Leicester Mercury within two weeks after NUJ chapel members voted in favour of industrial action in a row over pay. (more)

Leicester strike looms following ‘below-inflation’ salary increase
From Press Gazette. Posted November 21 2007, 12.00am
Journalists at the Leicester Mercury could go on strike before Christmas in a dispute over pay, after ballot papers on industrial action were sent out to (more)

BBC Radio 4 looks back at 40 years of BBC local radio
From Media Network Weblog. Posted November 10 2007, 3.19pm
Tonight’s edition of the Archive Hour at 2000-2100 UTC on BBC Radio 4, presented by Libby Purves, looks back at 40 years of BBC local radio stations. First launched in Leicester, Sheffield and Merseyside, the initial days of local programming were chaotic, featuring unruly guests, erratic phone-ins and various technological mishaps. But the ideals of the early pioneers [...] (more)

Ramadan radio RSL’s deadline passes
From Biz Asia. Posted November 7 2007, 10.32pm
The deadline to apply to Ofcom for an RSL (Restricted Service Licence) radio licence to cover the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan for 2008 has now passed, according to RadioToday. Ofcom received a total of 71 applications, 16 of those coming from stations who would like to broadcast to the Bradford area. Applications were also received for stations in Blackburn, Bolton, Bristol, Burton-on-Trent, Cardiff, Dudley, Dundee, Edinburugh, Glasgow, Halifax, Harrow, Hendon, Huddersfield, Keighley, Leeds, Leicester, London, Luton, Manchester, Middlesborough, Oldham, Peterborough, Preston, Reading, Sheffield, Slough, Sutton, Thornton Heath and Walsall. Ofcom will decide in early 2008 which of the 71 applicants are successful. (more)

EXCLUSIVE: Lincs FM buys Oak
From Radio Today. Posted October 19 2007, 8.49pm
The Lincs FM Group has purchased Oak 107 FM from CN Group, RadioToday.co.uk can reveal. This latest addition brings the total number of stations owned by the growing group to nine. Oak will work closely with the group's other Leicestershire based station, Fosseway Radio. (more)

Sabras Radio awarded space in Northamptonshire
From Biz Asia. Posted October 11 2007, 11.38pm
Leicester based Sabras Radio has won space to broadcast its service to Northamptonshire, as part of an effort to boost local digital output in the area. (more)

McCanns give exclusive interview to Leicester Mercury
From Hold the Front Page. Posted October 5 2007, 12.00am
Couple chose to speak to regional paper for first in-depth interview since being made official suspects (more)

Radio Leicester Sports Legends Return
From Merry Media. Posted October 2 2007, 10.39pm
Sports personalities are returning to BBC Rado Leicester for a special reunion event to celebrate the station's 40th anniversary on Monday 8th October.. (more)

Sporting lunch in Leicester
From Radio Today. Posted October 2 2007, 8.00pm
BBC Radio Leicester, the UK's first BBC local radio station is to celebrate 40 years of broadcasting by inviting a squad of sports personalities back to the studios. A Sporting Celebration, which includes lunch and a photocall takes place on Monday 8th October. (more)

Jay Sean & Raghav new music airs on A Network
From Biz Asia. Posted September 11 2007, 9.53am
RnB artist Jay Sean will exclusively perform songs from his new album 'My Own Way' on the BBC Asian Network's Uni Tour '07. After the success of the 2006 Uni Tour, Asian Network announces another ten date tour which will see its unique sound taken to Universities up and down the UK . The tour kicks off Friday 28th September at University of Hertfordshire where Jay Sean will headline with support from H.Dhami and Mumzy, Swami and Asian Network DJs Bobby Friction, DJ Kayper and Sonny Ji who will play throughout the tour with appearances also from Panjabi Hit Squad. Jay Sean had UK Chart success with his debut album, 'Me Against Myself' in 2004 as well as his singles like "Eyes on You" and "Stolen" which reached the Top 10. Jay Sean is also a big hit overseas in India where his first album sold over 2 million copies. The Kings College date - Thursday 25th October will see Jay Sean perform a special LIVE album preview. The Tour will see exclusive plays of much anticipated new material from Raghav who has seen widespread international chart success with Top 10 hits like "Can't Get Enough" and "Angel Eyes" as well as female urban artist Hard Kaur who is returning with a new album later this year entitled 'Supawoman'. Lyrical pioneers Swami will showcase new material including their hit single "Hey Hey" which is getting major MySpace attention as well as heavy radio play. Their anticipated album 'Equalize' takes influences from North African and French hip-hop to the rap of the American East Coast. Ones to watch this time around include British Asian Hip Hop acts Sona Family whose music is supported by Radio DJs Bobby Friction and Nihal, Bhangra artist Imran Khan and the Rishi Rich Showcase featuring H.Dhami and Mumzy. Rishi Rich is a pioneering producer famous for his mix of bhangra, Bollywood and urban beats. He has produced albums on the British-Asian music scene and has also made a mark on the mainstream charts, producing and remixing hits for Madonna, Britney Spears, Mary J Blige and Craig David. Uni Tour 07 takes in Hertfordshire, Leeds, Middlesex, Surrey, Manchester, London, Leicester, Warwick, Kent and Sheffield. Full details of artists appearing is shown below. Mark Strippel, BBC Asian Network Head of Music said: "Asian Network is proud to really support and nurture the British-Asian music scene. Asian Network is where you'll find the hottest DJs and artists and new British Asian material - first. That's why artists choose to work with us exclusively. We’re especially excited to have the first exclusive access to Jay Sean’s new album". Bobby Friction, Asian Network's flagship specialist DJ said: "I'm so revved about the Uni Tour because it's grown substantially this year and we're covering length breadth of UK. The tour musically is going to be Asian beats heaven, with a mix from the established order dropping exclusives and performing with us, PLUS what's really got me hot under the collar is the new generation of acts who'll be using this tour to break through. British Universities are actually on the cutting edge when it comes to live Asian music and creativity." (more)

EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Radio launch details emerge
From Biz Asia. Posted August 31 2007, 8.51pm
BizAsia.co.uk exclusively revealed the launch plans for ZEE Network's first radio station earlier this year. Even though ZEE officials are still remaining tightlipped on the imminent launch, we can now exclusively confirm that ZEE Radio will be available on Sky Digital. Media regulator Ofcom has issued a 'Radio Licensable Content Service' licence to ZEE Network to broadcast its station on the UK satellite platform. According to sources close to BizAsia.co.uk, ZEE Radio is also in final negotiations to clinch a deal with Spectrum Radio. This will result in ZEE Radio relaying its programmes on analogue via 558AM in Greater London for a selected number of hours. It’s a known fact that Leicester based Sabras Radio will be going off Spectrum Radio, however a question mark hangs over on whether or not ZEE Radio will be taking over Sabras' five hours per day slot or some other. There is also speculation, ZEE Radio will be launching on a local London digital radio multiplex. We will bring you full ZEE Radio launch details on BizAsia.co.uk first. Related links: ZEE Network to launch radio station Sabras Radio to end stint on Spectrum Radio (more)

Radio Leicester turns 40
From Radio Today. Posted August 15 2007, 9.08am
BBC Radio Leicester is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a show tune extravaganza over the next few weeks. The station turns 40 on November 8th and was the first BBC local radio station when it started broadcasting in 1967. (more)

BBC Radio Leicester Celebrate 40th Anniversary
From Merry Media. Posted August 14 2007, 10.55pm
BBC Radio Leicester will be celebrating its 40th anniversary by bringing more than a dozen of Leicestershire's amateur dramatic groups together to perform 40 show songs to raise money for the station's charity, The Ruby Rainbow Appeal.. (more)

Brighton DJ wins 6 Music set
From Radio Today. Posted August 13 2007, 12.20am
A DJ from Brighton has won the right to have a live mix set broadcast on BBC 6 Music. DJ Meatbreak from Brighton went head to head with other DJs from around the UK but finally played live last night at the Summer Sundae Weekender in Leicester. His set will be aired next week. (more)

Radio Leicester Presenter in Charity Golf Day
From Merry Media. Posted August 7 2007, 10.39pm
Engelbert Humperdinck and BBC Radio Leicester presenter Charles Dagnall will be taking part in a charity golf day on Tuesday 14 August at the Glen Gorse Golf Club in Oadby.. (more)

New image for One Network
From Radio Today. Posted August 1 2007, 12.14am
Gcap Media’s One Network is going through a re-brand both off and on-air. A new logo is gradually making its way across local radio stations, whilst a new jingle package created by Music4 in London is now on-air at a select few stations including Leicester Sound. (more)

New Show for the XFM Network
From Merry Media. Posted June 22 2007, 3.00pm
Live From Leicester Square is the new show that will go out across the XFM Network from Friday 29th June at 6pm. It comes after the success of XFM London's Friday drivetime sessions.. (more)

Xfm live from Leicester Sq
From Radio Today. Posted June 22 2007, 1.21pm
Xfm's stations in London, Manchester and Scotland are teaming up to bring live music to Friday evenings. Live from Leicester Square from 6pm is designed to get listeners in the mood for the weekend with tracks from their favourite bands - who will be performing live from the Xfm studios in front of a group of lucky listeners. (more)

Reporter swaps Leicestershire for Poland for eye-opening twin town trip
From Hold the Front Page. Posted June 14 2007, 12.00am
Journalist toured two newspapers in Sochaczew as part of educational visit (more)

2,000th Edition of Local Radio Show
From Merry Media. Posted May 23 2007, 3.53pm
The 2,000th edition of BBC Local Radio's longest running programme on all things horticultural will be a special that will be recorded in Leicester's Guildhall on Tuesday 29th May.. (more)

Milestone for radio gardeners
From Radio Today. Posted May 23 2007, 3.43pm
BBC Local Radio's longest running programme celebrates its 2,000th edition this month. A special version of BBC Leicester's "Down to Earth" gardening show will be recorded in the city's Guildhall with former presenters and invited guests taking part in what's being called a "horticultural extravaganza". The show will air early in June. (more)

BBC Rugby man dies
From Radio Today. Posted March 17 2007, 10.00am
BBC Radio Leicester's voice of rugby union has died at the age of 89. Van Hopkins was the first voice of local rugby team The Tigers and commentated on them for over 20 years. Special tribute programmes are planned for the easter weekend on the station. (more)

Engelbert Humperdinck Supports BBC Radio Leicester
From Merry Media. Posted January 11 2007, 2.27pm
Singing legend Engelbert Humperdinck has this morning launched the BBC Radio Leicester Ruby Rainbow Appeal to raise funds for a young people's hospice.. (more)

Marathon broadcast raises cash
From Radio Today. Posted October 1 2006, 9.35am
Non-stop 24 hour radio broadcast raises money for local hospice and brain injury unit at Leicester General Hospital. (more)

Bacon beaten, reports Sun
From Radio Today. Posted August 9 2006, 6.30pm
The Sun reports that Richard Bacon, the new XFM drivetime presenter, was beaten-up on Monday evening at Leicester Square's Garrick Pub while enjoying a first show celebratory drink. The former Blue Peter presenter was followed into the pub's toilets by two men who broke Bacon's nose in a ferocious attack. The men quickly ran-off after the incident. (more)

Ten applications for Liverpool
From Radio Today. Posted July 14 2006, 12.00pm
Ofcom has received ten applications for the Liverpool FM commercial radio licence. These are: allTalk FM Liverpool allTalk FM Liverpool Limited, 5 Castle Street, Liverpool, L2 4XE Contact: Jim Davies Tel: 0151 907 3000 Email: jim.davies@dwf.co.uk A speech based station with a strong commitment to locally led news and information, with intelligent, entertaining and interactive debate relevant to the people of Liverpool and the surrounding areas. The Arrow The Arrow (Liverpool) Ltd, The Chrysalis Building, 13 Bramley Road, London, W10 6SP Contact: Daniel Owen Tel: 020 7470 1065 Email: daniel.owen@chrysalis.com A classic and contemporary rock music station for listeners over 35 in Liverpool. CityTalk Radio City (Sound of Merseyside) Limited, St John’s Beacon, 1 Houghton Street, Liverpool, L1 1RL Contact: Terry Smith Tel: 0151 472 6800 Email: terrysmith545@btinternet.com 24 hours a day of speech programming including news, sport, features, documentaries, advice, phone-ins, studio discussions and special flagship programs on weekly or monthly basis. 105.9 JACK FM Liverpool Liverpool Radio 1059 Limited, 216 Tower Street, Liverpool, L3 4BJ Contact: Clive Dickens Tel: 0151 630 2375 Email: clive@jackfmliverpool.com A variety rock music station for Liverpool and the surrounding area aimed primarily at people aged 40 to 59 years, with regular local news, sport and information. Speech will be most concentrated during weekday peak times, with a music-intensive theme at other times. Liver FM Liverpool Local Radio Limited, Fairmead House, 49 Freshfield Road, Formby, Liverpool, L37 3HL Contact: David Maker Tel: 01704 832207 Email: david.maker@btinternet.com A rolling news and information and music service with Classic Rock and Classic Hits for a 35 plus audience. MerseyLife Merseylife Limited, CN Radio, PO Box 969, St George’s Quay, Lancaster, LA1 3LD Contact: Jon Hewson Tel: 07776 404040 Email: jon.hewson@cnradio.co.uk A locally-focused speech, information and music station aimed at Liverpool’s 45-64 year olds. Original 106 FM Original Liverpool FM Ltd, The New Boathouse, 136-142 Bramley Road, London, W10 6SR Contact: Peter Viner Tel: 020 7565 6600 Email: peter.viner@canwest.co.uk Adult Alternative Radio – an eclectic mix of adult-orientated music with particular ABC1 appeal, with 24 hour local news. Planet Rock Planet Rock Limited, 30 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LA Contact: Jane Wilson Tel: 020 7766 6863 Email: jane.wilson@gcapmedia.com A music based radio station catering for the community of interest that enjoys classic rock music from the 60s to today. RockTalk Liverpool RockTalk Liverpool, Sterling Court, Capitol Park, Leeds, WF3 1EL Contact: Jeff Stephenson Tel: 07710 073021 Email: jeff.stephenson@gmgradio.co.uk A speech and music service for 35-64 year olds which contains a strong commitment to local news, current affairs and interactive debate for the Liverpool area. Comprehensive local, national, world news and information is included, with a wide variety of rock music played during off-peak and bank holidays. Wicked FM UK Media and Radio Liverpool Ltd, 61 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6AX Contact: Mark Oliver Tel: 020 7313 5900 Email: mark.oliver@oando.co.uk A full service broad rock station for people 20 to 49 in the city of Liverpool and surrounding areas with local news and information with a mix of indie, alternative, guitar based Britpop and classic and soft rock music from the last 40 years with specialist rock shows during evenings and weekends. The full applications for this licence will be published on the Ofcom website shortly. Ofcom welcomes the views of the public about the local needs of listeners in this area and the type of service required. Opinions on these issues can either be emailed to commercialradio@ofcom.org.uk or posted to Neil Stock, Head of Radio Planning & Licensing, Ofcom, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HA. Please mark the envelope ‘Liverpool licence’. (more)

Lucio and Bacon in drivetime swap
From Radio Today. Posted July 4 2006, 2.15pm
Richard Bacon is about to swap jobs with Lucio from Xfm. From August, Lucio will host the Drivetime show on Capital Radio, whilst Richard Bacon will join Xfm. Both stations are owned by GCap Media and are broadcast from the same building at Leicester Square, London. (more)

Russell Brand: My Life In Media
From The Independent. Posted April 3 2006, 12.00am
Russell Brand, 30, is a television presenter and stand-up comedian dedicated to "getting as many peculiar and unsettling ideas as I can into very standardised formats". His first MTV presenting job coincided with the peak of his heroin addiction. He was sacked in 2001 and also lost his Xfm radio show. Last night MTV welcomed him back on 1 Leicester Square, an entertainment show whose guests will include Tom Cruise. (more)

Rutland win Nations and Regions Award
From Radio Today. Posted January 12 2006, 6.19pm
Rutland Radio have claimed the hat-trick for the Radio Academy Nations and Regions Awards for the East Midlands. The award was presented by Chrysalis's Chief Executive Phil Riley at last night's "In conversation with..." Radio Academy event at Leicester College. (more)