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BBC Radio Leeds - news archive

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

Go West performs for Aire
From Radio Today. Posted April 4 2008, 8.22am
The Radio Aire and Magic 828 charity Kids Count is bringing back pop band Go West to perform an exclusive gig at a special bash in Leeds. (more)

Plymouth steals title from Perth
From Radio Today. Posted March 30 2008, 12.28pm
The volunteers at Hospital Radio Plymouth were announced as Station of the Year at Saturday night's annual award ceremony. The event, which took place at the Queen's Hotel in Leeds also saw the special John Whitney Award presented to 80-year-old Connal Cather for his dedication and hard work at the Plymouth station. (more)

Photo Special: HBA Awards
From Radio Today. Posted March 30 2008, 12.28pm
The volunteers at Hospital Radio Plymouth were announced as Station of the Year at Saturday night's annual award ceremony. The event, which took place at the Queen's Hotel in Leeds also saw the special John Whitney Award presented to 80-year-old Connal Cather for his dedication and hard work at the Plymouth station. (more)

Radio Leeds loses United rights
From Radio Today. Posted March 15 2008, 7.25pm
Leeds United's agreement with BBC Radio Leeds for full match commentary will come to an end this season. By Radio Today. (more)

Last chance for HBA conference
From Radio Today. Posted March 12 2008, 11.37pm
Hospital Radio volunteers are reminded that March 14th is the final day for non-residential bookings can be made to attend the HBA Leeds Conference. The event, which includes the annual Hospital Radio Awards ceremony and 2008 Spring conference will run from 28th March to 30th March. (more)

Hospital short-list announced
From Radio Today. Posted February 14 2008, 8.03am
The short-list of nominations are out for this years National Hospital Broadcasting Awards, ahead of the awards ceremony taking place at the Queens Hotel in Leeds at the end of the month. (more)

Leeds crowned best BBC local
From Radio Today. Posted November 25 2007, 12.08pm
Radio Leeds won the BBC Station of the Year Award at the annual Gillards in Birmingham on Saturday evening. Stars including Simon Mayo, Jane Garvey, Michael Buerk, Jon Sopal, Jane Hill along with BBC Director General Mark Thompson and BBC Trust Chairman Sir Michael Lyons all attended the bash. (more)

Leeds gets Jewish station
From Radio Today. Posted November 12 2007, 12.25pm
Ofcom has awarded a five year radio licence to one community group today, for a station to serve the Jewish community in Leeds. Radio JCom will broadcast on medium wave with information and programmes about the various interests of the community and offer radio training for volunteers. (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)

Ditchy drops Key for Real
From Radio Today. Posted November 7 2007, 12.56pm
Key 103's drivetime presenter David Ditchfield is heading back to Leeds to takeover afternoons at Real Radio Yorkshire. Ditchy has previously broadcast to the area as host of Radio Aire's breakfast show, where he picked up a Sony in 2002. (more)

Radio Aire jock is top banana
From Radio Today. Posted October 23 2007, 10.45am
The true power of radio was released in Leeds yesterday after a two year old was reunited with her teddy, after her mother appeared on-air begging for help. Sarah Macfarlane from Pudsey was looking for a similar teddy for her daughter Eve but ended up finding the original bear. (more)

Radio MD appointed at Sky
From Radio Today. Posted October 4 2007, 12.28pm
David Ford, current executive producer for Sky Sport News will make the move back to radio with the launch of Sky News Radio in London this month and on Channel 4's new digital multiplex next year. Before television, David worked for BBC Radio Leeds and Five Live. (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)

Free Ice Cream on Aire
From Radio Today. Posted August 23 2007, 8.40am
96.3 Radio Aire’s official ice cream van rolled up at St James’ Hospital in Leeds recently to offer free treats to children. The exercise by the Emap station was to raise awareness of The Kids Count Trust - an appeal to buy a holiday home on the East Coast for the Leeds’ charity Candlelighters. (more)

Radio Aire starts Kids Trust
From Radio Today. Posted August 3 2007, 9.50am
Emap's Radio Aire and Magic 828 in Leeds have launched a new charity to help children in crisis across West Yorkshire. The Kids Count Trust was celebrated with a launch bash at The Living Room in Leeds last night. (more)

New Bollywood paper launches this week
From Biz Asia. Posted July 16 2007, 11.33pm
A new monthly Bollywood paper hits newsstands this week in the UK. Called 'Bollywood Press', the journal aims to provide in-depth coverage of the Indian film industry with articles and interviews from some of Bollywood's leading stars. 'Bollywood Press' will be a free monthly - a venture from KB FM and the online portal Radio Sargam (Leeds). According to a release, the team behind 'Bollywood Press' has been involved in media for over 15 years. The first issue of the paper has been made available from today consisting of 20 pages. The paper will also feature a community page where readers of 'Bollywood Press' will be able to give their views on projects happening in their area. (more)

Former Leeds manager in libel suit against Sun and club chairman Bates
From Press Gazette. Posted July 5 2007, 12.00am
Former Leeds United manager Kevin Blackwell has kicked off a legal battle with News Group Newspapers over a story in The Sun. (more)

HM Revenue to challenge Leeds
From BBC News. Posted July 3 2007, 4.17pm
Ken Bates' proposed buyback of Leeds United is to be challenged by HM Revenue & Customs, the BBC learns. (more)

HM Revenue to challenge Leeds Utd
From BBC News. Posted July 3 2007, 3.42pm
Ken Bates' proposed buyback of Leeds United is to be challenged by HM Revenue & Customs, the BBC learns. (more)

Martin Kelner plans a comeback
From Radio Today. Posted May 16 2007, 6.48pm
Former BBC national and local radio presenter Martin Kelner could be back on the radio shortly, after being let go by BBC Radio Leeds for not being 'female friendly' enough. He is currently in talks with a commercial radio station with the aim of bringing back the Late Martin Kelner Show. (more)

City paper reflects on 'darkest day' for Leeds United
From Hold the Front Page. Posted May 1 2007, 12.00am
Evening Post marks "miserable end to a miserable season" (more)

Richard comes back to radio
From Radio Today. Posted March 30 2007, 1.05pm
Top Gear star Richard Hammond is returning to radio to host a series of programmes over the coming Bank Holidays on BBC Radio 2, starting with a music programme this Easter. His routes can be found in local radio, including stints at BBC Radio's Cumbria, Lancashire and Leeds. (more)

Kelvin Mackenzie and Richard Hammond in race to co-host Radio 4 Woman's Hour
From thenoise.co.uk. Posted February 24 2007, 5.00pm
Former Sun editor Kelvin Mackenzie, Top Gear crash survivor Richard Hammond (pictured) and Radio 4 comic Andy Hamilton are to compete for the chance to co-present a one-off edition of Woman's Hour for Comic Relief.BBC Radio 4 has announced that one of the three men will co-host the Friday 16 March edition with presenter Martha Kearney.The decision on who will end up on air is being put to a public vote, with proceeds from the premium rate number donated to Comic Relief.None of the three contestants is a stranger to radio. Andy Hamilton is a regular appearance on Radio 4's comedy shows, including The News Quiz.Richard Hammond — the Top Gear presenter who miraculously survived a 300 mile per hour crash — started his broadcasting career on a string of BBC local radio stations, including Radio York and Radio Leeds.And Kelvin Mackenzie — after introducing viewers to L!ve TV's news bunny and the weather in Norweigan — headed a consortium to buy Talk Radio in 1998, renaming the station talkSPORT.The former Sun editor — whose relations with Liverpool FC supporters remain tense following his controversial coverage of the Hillsborough disaster — is planning to launch an internet-only sport radio station, thecommentator.com, later this year.Earlier this week, Woman's Hour host Martha Kearney was announced as the new presenter of Radio 4's World At One.From April, she will take over the role of main presenter on the lunchtime show, succeeding veteran broadcaster Nick Clarke, who died from cancer in November last year. (more)

Johnston Press launches free city centre weekly in Leeds
From Press Gazette. Posted January 9 2007, 6.12pm
The Yorkshire Evening Post has launched a free weekly newspaper for the growing population of young professionals living in the Leeds city centre. (more)

Listener gets Radio Leeds show
From Radio Today. Posted December 17 2006, 6.41am
A Listener to BBC Radio Leeds is set to present her own programme on the station after the BBC's Search for a Star contest took place and promised a slot for the winner. Nadine Hill, a Virtual Assistant from Wakefield, has a minute to explain why she should be the chosen one. (more)

Rugby fans baffled as ground is named after DJ
From The Independent. Posted November 18 2006, 12.00am
Chris Moyles is the first to admit that his rugby league credentials are none too strong. He once got a few laughs for a routine involving a mythical rugby team called Lemon Aid, and the Leeds Rhinos, from the city of his birth, have received occasional mentions on his Radio 1 show. (more)

NUJ returns to Leeds to mark 100 years since ‘historic meeting’
From Press Gazette. Posted October 19 2006, 12.00am
Journalists will gather in Leeds to celebrate the centenary of a historic meeting which laid the foundations for the launch of the NUJ. (more)

Air ambulance moves Hammond from Leeds hospital
From The Independent. Posted September 28 2006, 11.06am
Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond was discharged from Leeds General Infirmary today and transferred by air ambulance to an undisclosed hospital. (more)

BBC appoints Yorkshire boss
From Radio Today. Posted September 12 2006, 9.45am
The BBC in Yorkshire has a new Head of Region responsible for all television, radio and online services across the county. Leeds-born Helen Thomas takes up the post this week, moving from from Hull, where she was in charge of BBC output for East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Andy Griffee, Controller, BBC English Regions, said: "I am delighted to announce that Helen Thomas has been appointed as the new Head of the Yorkshire Region, based out of Leeds." (more)

New director at the CMA
From Radio Today. Posted August 7 2006, 9.15am
The Community Media Association is pleased to announce that Liza Kellett, former Chief Executive of Emmaus Leeds has been appointed as the organisation's Director. She replaces Diane Reid who has taken up a new role working on charitable appeals and public service broadcasting policy at the BBC. Liza's first job was as a Radio Production Assistant at BBC Radio Leeds. She has worked in the third sector for fifteen years: as Head of Development at West Yorkshire Playhouse she was responsible for corporate external relations, fundraising and business development; and as Chief Executive of Emmaus Leeds, her brief was to raise the money, make it happen, make it healthy and make it sustainable. She achieved these objectives with the establishment of a Community for homeless people and the creation of a self-sustaining social enterprise. (more)

Yorkshire Radio to launch on Sky
From Radio Today. Posted July 31 2006, 10.15am
Digital station Yorkshire Radio, which broadcasts from Leeds United Football CLub ground is set to launch on the Sky platform tonight at 6pm. Listeners on Sky channel 0188 will be able to keep up to date with the latest Yorkshire Sports news and everything happening at Leeds United with daily updates from Elland Road and access to the Players, Manager and Chairman. (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)

Yorkshire Radio has launched
From Radio Today. Posted July 10 2006, 11.00am
Digital radio station Yorkshire Radio has launched on DAB across Yorkshire, and online at yorkshireradio.net The station is broadcasting from Leeds United at Elland Road and will feature music and sport, including full match commentary on all home and away games. The first song played after a long countdown sequence was 'I predict a riot' by Leeds band The Kaiser Chiefs. (more)

Yorkshire Radio starts testing
From Radio Today. Posted June 29 2006, 8.30am
Yorkshire Radio has started test transmissions on the MXR Yorkshire ahead of its launch on the 10th of July. Yorkshire Radio will focus on music to fit all tastes and sports coverage from across the Yorkshire region. Yorkshire Radio is being launched by Leeds United football culb and will broadcast from Leeds. (more)

UTV Radio Boss on Board
From Radio Today. Posted May 20 2006, 1.00am
The Group Managing Director of ILR for UTV Radio, Chris Hurst, has been appointed to the board of UTV Radio GB Ltd. After graduating from Leeds university, Chris started his career at Signal Radio in Stoke On Trent, where he later became Sales Director then Station Director. He was promoted once again to become Regional Managing Director for The Wireless Group before UTV took over the company last year. His responsiblity for 17 Independent Local Radio Stations ranges from Talk 107 in Scotland to Swansea Sound in Wales. (more)

Radio 1's Chris Moyles Highest Paid British DJ
From radio.about.com. Posted April 13 2006, 1.41pm
From Leedstoday.net: "LARGER-than-life Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles is sitting pretty on a pay packet that's almost as big as his legendary mouth, it was revealed today. Leeds-born Moyles is... (more)

Leeds United to buy GMG space
From Radio Today. Posted April 10 2006, 7.30pm
GMG Radio have sold the space previously held by jazzfm.com on the Yorkshire MXR Digital Multiplex to Leeds United Football Club. Leeds have announced today they are about to launch a new station called Yorkshire Radio which will be managed by Ben Fry, who was previously head of presentation TLRC stations in Scarborough and Bridlington. Ken Bates, chairman of Leeds United describes the new 24 hour station station as "A unique station for a unique county". (more)

Leeds United to kick off digital radio station
From Media Guardian. Posted April 10 2006, 12.16pm
11am: Leeds United is to launch a digital radio station as part of a new media strategy due to be announced by chairman Ken Bates today. By Julia Day. (more)

BBC Three to show Carling Weekend and Radio 1 festivals
From Brand Republic. Posted April 10 2006, 11.04am
LONDON - BBC Three has ramped up its investment in music and is to provide coverage of this summer's Carling Reading and Leeds, and Radio 1's Big Weekend festivals. (more)

BIG marketing for Virgin Radio
From Radio Today. Posted March 28 2006, 11.45pm
Virgin Radio is undertaking an advertising and marketing campaign to promote its involvement at a host of top sold out festivals this summer. The campaign ties in with the station giving away “shedloads” of tickets to see headline bands like Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Who and Artic Monkeys at festivals right across the summer including the Nokia Isle of Wight, T in the Park, Reading, Leeds, the Virgin Mobile V festival and a new event, London’s Calling at Hyde Park. (more)

Tony Grundy joins Oxford bid
From Radio Today. Posted February 17 2006, 8.33am
The upcoming local commercial radio licence for Oxford is expected to attract up to half a dozen applications when it is advertised by Ofcom next month. One of the applications will come from Laser Broadcasting who have just announced that Tony Grundy, until recently Founding Chief Executive of Reading 107, has joined the bid. Tony started his career at Piccadilly Radio in Manchester before moving to Radio Aire in Leeds and Radio Victory in Portsmouth before becoming Chief Executive of Radio 210 in Reading. (more)

Leeds FM radio station doubles its power
From Media Network Weblog. Posted February 3 2006, 12.41pm
UK commercial station 96.3 Radio Aire, based in Leeds, yesterday started broadcasting from a new transmitter and antenna at double the power of the old one. Since the station launched 25 years ago, there has been a huge amount of building development in the city, and the signal in some areas had deteriorated. The new transmitter and antenna mean a strong signal across the station's coverage (more)

Who are the beneficiaries of these new Radio 1 roadshows?
From The Independent. Posted January 1 1970, 12.59am
Over the course of this summer, Radio 1 will broadcast from Glastonbury at the end of June, T In the Park in July and the Reading and Leeds festivals in August, as well as island hopping between favourite holiday destinations including Newquay, Majorca and Ibiza. (more)