Media UK

BBC Radio 2 - news archive

This is an archive of news about BBC Radio 2. Some links may no longer work, due to the transient nature of the internet.

More line up for Q Radio
From Radio Today. Posted May 19 2008, 12.48pm
Jazz records founder Eddie Piller and acclaimed young stand-up comic Russell Kane from BBC Radio 2 and Big Brother's Big Mouth are to join all new Q Radio which launches on June 2nd. (more)

Radcliffe wins personality award
From Radio Today. Posted April 25 2008, 12.22am
BBC Radio 2 evening host Mark Radcliffe made a last minute appearance at the How Do Awards Dinner in Manchester on Thursday night to be presented with the Personality Award. Also, Xfm beat four other north west stations in the Best Radio Station category. (more)

Stephen Tompkinson on Radio 2
From Radio Today. Posted April 24 2008, 12.03am
Brassed Off and Wild at Heart star Stephen Tompkinson is to present a four part series on BBC Radio 2, about the UK’s love affair with brass bands and brass music. (more)

Radio 2 cuts drama output
From Radio Today. Posted April 17 2008, 11.29am
Independent producers have criticised the BBC Radio 2 for reducing its radio drama output.The network will not be commissioning new dramatic readings for part of its Friday night's schedule, which follows BBC Radio 4's decision to reduce the number of plays it broadcasts. (more)

Radio 2 promotes Neil Diamond
From Radio Today. Posted April 17 2008, 12.43am
BBC Radio 2 has secured a live session with Neil Diamond and his band at the BBC Radio Theatre, the results of which will be broadcast on-air in May. (more)

Clyde 1 wins Music Week Award
From Radio Today. Posted April 7 2008, 1.19am
Bauer Radio's 102.5 Clyde 1 has won the best regional radio station of the year of the Music Week Awards. BBC Radio 2 also picked up the national station of the year award. (more)

Hammond tipped to replace Wogan
From Digital Spy. Posted April 3 2008, 7.58pm
Richard Hammond is reportedly in line to replace Terry Wogan on his BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show. (more)

Lyttelton retires from Radio 2 jazz show
From Media Guardian. Posted March 12 2008, 10.02am
Veteran BBC Radio 2 presenter Humphrey Lyttelton is to retire from his Best of Jazz show after 40 years. By Leigh Holmwood (more)

Humphrey Lyttelton retires from Radio 2
From Digital Spy. Posted March 11 2008, 3.54pm
Humphrey Lyttelton retires from his weekly BBC Radio 2 show after nearly 40 years. (more)

Lyttelton retires from Radio 2
From Radio Today. Posted March 11 2008, 12.10pm
Former professional jazz trumpet player Humphrey Lyttelton is to retire from presenting The Best of Jazz on BBC Radio 2 on March 17th. (more)

BBC Radio 2 hires Michael Ball
From Radio Today. Posted February 18 2008, 7.39pm
Another non-radio presenter has been recruited by Lesley Douglas for a weekly show on Radio 2. Singer Michael Ball will take over Sunday mornings from Michael Parkinson. (more)

Ball to take over from Parkinson on BBC Radio 2
From The Stage. Posted February 18 2008, 7.00pm
(more)

Michael Ball in for Parky on Radio 2
From Media Guardian. Posted February 18 2008, 3.00pm
Michael Ball is to take over Michael Parkinson's Sunday lunchtime slot on BBC Radio 2. By John Plunkett (more)

Michael Ball Joins BBC Radio 2
From Merry Media. Posted February 18 2008, 12.22pm
Michael Ball is joining BBC Radio 2 to present a show on Sunday mornings between 11am and 1pm. Michael said: " This is a wonderfully exciting new challenge in my career." . (more)

GCap axes stations to cut costs by £9m
From Daily Telegraph. Posted February 11 2008, 9.15am
GCap Media, the owner of London's Capital Radio, has announced radical plans to cut costs by almost £9m by shutting down two radio stations and scaling back its investment in digital technology. (more)

Hospital Radio Hastings Presenters Awarded
From Merry Media. Posted February 3 2008, 11.20pm
Alex Lester from BBC Radio 2 presented six members of Hospital Radio Hastings with the Long Service Award from the Hospital Broadcasting Association. . (more)

Russell Brand's studio toilet
From Radio Today. Posted January 30 2008, 12.49am
Russell Brand has urinated in a paper cup in the BBC Radio 2 studio during a recent programme - because he couldn't remember where the loo was. Brand, star guest at The Radio Festival last year, has since been told the location of the toilet. (more)

Alan Dedicoat back in Devon
From Radio Today. Posted January 18 2008, 1.33am
Voice of the Balls Alan Dedicoat returned to the local radio station he worked at before landing a job at BBC Radio 2 in 1987. (more)

UTV to acquire Dublin radio station
From Media Network Weblog. Posted December 19 2007, 11.42am
UTV Media Plc is buying Dublin radio station FM104 from Communicorp Group Ltd for 52 million euros ($74.6 million), clearing the way for Communicorp’s purchase of two other radio stations in Ireland. Ireland’s broadcasting regulator in October approved the sale of two radio stations to Dublin-based Communicorp by British media group Emap Plc, but rejected its [...] (more)

Finnish Broadcasting Company contemplates more savings measures
From Media Network Weblog. Posted November 22 2007, 7.55pm
The Finnish Broadcasting Company-YLE is looking at further savings measures. Among things under consideration are the closure of two radio channels, the Finnish language Radio Peili and the Swedish youth channel Radio Extrem. Digital TV channel YLE Extra might also fall under the axe. YLE’s Managing Director Mikael Jungner says closing down the channels is one [...] (more)

Radio 2 raises over 2 million
From Radio Today. Posted November 19 2007, 12.22am
National BBC Radio 2 has done its bit for Children in Need by raising two and a half million pounds. A quarter of a million came from just one bid during an auction on Sir Terry Wogan's breakfast show for a concert performed by Katie Melua and Aled Jones. (more)

The cost of Lunch with Wogan
From Radio Today. Posted November 15 2007, 12.50am
There are some things money can't buy - but lunch with Terry Wogan isn't one of them. During the BBC Radio 2 Auction Of Things That Money Can't Buy for BBC Children in Need one listener bid £75,000 for a date with Sir Terry and Roger Moore. (more)

Sir Terry Wogan Delighted with Money Raised
From Merry Media. Posted November 14 2007, 1.40pm
Sir Terry Wogan was delighted with the amount of money raised for Children in Need by his BBC Radio 2 Auction of Things That Money Can't Buy feature.. (more)

Evans calls the fire brigade
From Radio Today. Posted October 24 2007, 11.37am
Three fire engines were called to Broadcasting House yesterday after BBC Radio 2 drivetime presenter Chris Evans accidentally blew up a microwave at the station. He decided just before his show at 5pm to cook a potato, letting it bake for longer than advised. (more)

PHOTOS: P and M Awards 2007
From Radio Today. Posted October 18 2007, 8.51am
BBC Radio 2 picked up the gold award at last night's Radio Academy Promotions and Marketing Awards for its TV ad campaign featuring Elvis Presley. Click on the full story to see our report from the Radio Academy P&M awards and view our photos from the event. (more)

PHOTOS: PAMs Awards 2007
From Radio Today. Posted October 18 2007, 8.51am
BBC Radio 2 picked up the gold award at last night's Radio Academy Promotions and Marketing Awards for its TV ad campaign featuring Elvis Presley. Click on the full story to see our report from the Radio Academy PAMs awards and view our photos from the event. (more)

Parkinson quits BBC Radio 2
From Radio Today. Posted October 17 2007, 9.12pm
Radio veteran Michael Parkinson has quit his long running radio show on BBC Radio 2 - to travel the world with his wife. The last edition of Parkinson's Sunday Suppliment will broadcast in December after over a decade on the air. (more)

Laughter and Tears on Radio 2
From Radio Today. Posted September 18 2007, 1.58pm
BBC Radio 2 has commissioned radio and television indie Made in Manchester Productions to create a special documentary about the much loved British comic Les Dawson. The documentary. titled "Laughter and Tears: The Les Dawson Story" will be presented by Jo Brand. (more)

Two radio stations launch in Kenyan capital as BBC changes frequencies
From Media Network Weblog. Posted September 18 2007, 11.00am
BBC Monitoring observed on 18 September 2007 the existence of two new radio stations in Nairobi. The first is Umoja FM that is broadcasting lots of African music on 101.5 MHz. However, information posted on the broadcasting regulator’s web site, Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), identified the station as “Neural Digital”. This name could refer to [...] (more)

Radio 2 to broadcast a 'virtual' live Bob Dylan concert
From Media Guardian. Posted September 12 2007, 1.00am
BBC Radio 2 is to broadcast a 'virtual' live Bob Dylan concert featuring rare performances. By John Plunkett. (more)

Kenny Everett on BBC Radio 2
From Radio Today. Posted September 11 2007, 6.48pm
BBC Radio 2 have revealed details of their special programmes which will be created to celebrate 40 years on-air. Smashie And Nicey will record a special Pick of the Pops and the network will air an edition of the Kenny Everett Radio Show from the archives. Paul Hollingdale, Ed Stewart and Michael Aspel will also make appearances. (more)

BBC Radio 2 Celebrating 40th Anniversary
From Merry Media. Posted September 11 2007, 1.30pm
Radio 2 are asking listeners to vote for their ultimate icon that they believe represents popular culture from the past 40 years, and the winner will be announced on a special day of programming.. (more)

China wants to set up two radio stations in Ghana
From Media Network Weblog. Posted September 5 2007, 12.01pm
The Chinese Ambassador in Ghana, Yu Wenzhe, has expressed the intention of China to set up broadcasting stations in Accra and Kumasi [presumably relay stations for China Radio International] to enable the government and people of Ghana to have first hand information on China. He said information and the media played important roles in the world and [...] (more)

Davina turned listeners off
From Radio Today. Posted August 25 2007, 7.53pm
Over 100 BBC Radio 2 listeners have made complaints following Davina McCall's week of cover work on the station. Davina covered The Ken Bruce Show last week, but regular followers said she talked too much about 'sexually orientated' subjects and mentioned Big Brother regularly. (more)

Complaints About Davina McCall on Radio 2
From Merry Media. Posted August 25 2007, 6.50pm
BBC Radio 2 received more than 150 complaints over Davina McCall filling in for Ken Bruce on his mid-morning programme last week. The complaints were about her style of presentation and how she was "cringe-worthy".. (more)

Radiotherapy for Whispering Bob
From Radio Today. Posted August 9 2007, 7.46am
Bob Harris has started radiotherapy treatment for cancer of the prostate. The BBC Radio 2 presenter was diagnosed with cancer in February and has said this week how he finds the support of listeners and colleagues "very strengthening". His last show for now was on August 4th, but Bob hopes to be back in October. (more)

CanWest sells two stations
From Radio Today. Posted July 31 2007, 9.21am
CanWest MediaWorks, owners of the Original brand in the UK has sold its two radio stations in Canada to Corus Entertainment. 99.1 Cool FM in Manitoba and 91.5 The Beat FM in Ontario changed hands for $15 million, leaving the company without any operational radio stations in Canada. (more)

Quiz Returns to the Ken Bruce Show on Radio 2
From Merry Media. Posted July 21 2007, 6.25pm
The Popmaster quiz on BBC Radio 2 was back - but with no phoning in and no prizes on offer. The feature, on the mid-morning show with Ken Bruce, was took off along with all other phone-in competitions on BBC radio and TV.. (more)

BBC's Sally Traffic blows it
From Radio Today. Posted July 18 2007, 8.11am
BBC Radio 2's Sally 'traffic' Boazman had a slip of the tongue yesterday during Mark Radcliffe's show. Mark told her she looks lovely today, to which Sally replied "Thanks, I've had a blow job". She quickly correctled herself saying she meant to say a wash and blow dry! (more)

BBC Radio 2 criticised for pre-watershed swearing
From The Stage. Posted July 16 2007, 5.00pm
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Ticking off for Radio 2
From Radio Today. Posted July 16 2007, 3.40pm
BBC Radio 2 has been found to be in breach of Ofcom's Broadcasting Code after repeating a late-night comedy programme at lunchtime, which included the F-word. Two listeners complained about The Green Guide To Life, broadcast at 1pm on Saturday 14th April 2007. The BBC has apologised for the oversight and put new procedures in place to avoid a similar thing happening again. (more)

Brand - the next Chris Evans?
From Radio Today. Posted July 11 2007, 4.54pm
BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4 television presenter Russell Brand said he would make the move to commercial radio, but only if he could own a station in the same way Chris Evans did with Virgin. Russell was speaking to Jeremy Vine in the final session at the Radio Festival today. (more)

Chris Evans to marry again
From Radio Today. Posted July 2 2007, 6.41am
Chris Evans is getting married – for the third time, according to the News of the World newspaper. The BBC Radio 2 afternoon presenter is to wed part-time model Natasha Shishmanian next month. It’s only been one month since he was granted a divorce from former lover Billie Piper. (more)

Russell Brand for Radio Fest
From Radio Today. Posted June 25 2007, 5.08am
Russell Brand has been confirmed as the celebrity interviewee at the 2007 Radio Festival. The BBC Radio 2 presenter joins other hosts including Danny Baker, Colin Murray, Vanessa Feltz, Jamie Theakston and Nick Ferrari who are also taking part in the industry event. (more)

Israel targets Hamas radio, TV in West Bank
From Media Network Weblog. Posted May 21 2007, 10.26am
The Israeli army seized equipment from four radio and television stations in the northern West Bank linked to the Islamist Hamas movement on Monday, forcing them off the air, sources said. The army raided the Nablus offices of two television stations, Al-Afaq and Sana, and two radio stations, Jabal Al-Nar and Koran radio, seizing documents and [...] (more)

BBC Radio gets new popular music controller
From Digital Spy. Posted May 8 2007, 10.37am
Controller of BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music, Lesley Douglas, will now also oversee popular music output across all BBC platforms. (more)

Douglas gets BBC promotion
From Radio Today. Posted May 8 2007, 8.52am
BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music Controller Lesley Douglas has been appointed as Controller for BBC Popular Music in addition to her current duties. She will work more closely with Radio 1's Andy Parfitt and BBC Prom's Roger Wright to develop plans to improve the BBC's offering to Britain's teens. (more)

Star Bands Cover Beatles Songs on BBC Radio 2
From Merry Media. Posted April 6 2007, 4.48pm
Big name music acts will be covering songs from the famous Beatles album 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' to mark its 40th anniversary as part of special recording sessions for BBC Radio 2.. (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)

Richard Hammond Joins BBC Radio 2
From Merry Media. Posted March 30 2007, 10.02am
Richard Hammond is to return to his radio roots to present a series of Bank Holiday specials for BBC Radio 2.. (more)

New Presenter of Sunday Half Hour on Radio 2
From Merry Media. Posted March 30 2007, 1.18am
Father Brian D'Arcy is to become the new presenter of Sunday Half Hour, BBC Radio 2's weekly programme of hymns and prayers.. (more)

Paul O'Grady Presenting Show on BBC Radio 2
From Merry Media. Posted March 25 2007, 3.06pm
Paul O'Grady will be presenting another show on BBC Radio 2. He will present a 2 hour show in Easter Monday, April 9th.. (more)

Weekly Radio 2 show for Lamacq
From Radio Today. Posted March 24 2007, 11.27am
BBC Radio 2 is having a schedule shuffle. Mike Harding's folk show and Paul Jones' rhythm and blues show move to an earlier evening slot of 7.00pm, and Mark Radcliffe's show moves to 8.00-10.00pm which will be co-presented with Stuart Maconie. In addition, Steve Lamacq gets a regular show each Wednesday. (more)

BBC Radio 2 Evenings Change
From Merry Media. Posted March 24 2007, 3.20am
Some of BBC Radio 2's Monday to Thursday evening programmes will have new time-slots from 16 April 2007.. (more)

Radio 2's Eurovision exclusive
From Radio Today. Posted March 19 2007, 3.10pm
BBC Radio 2 listeners got the lowdown on the showbiz talking-point of the weekend this morning. Talking about the cock-up surrounding the announcement of this year's Song For Europe winner, Terry Wogan told the TOGs, "Nobody died, it's a TV programme. It wasn't the general election. People got a bit confused." (more)

Music Week Awards - winners
From Radio Today. Posted March 16 2007, 10.55am
BBC Radio 2 and Kerrang! Radio were among the big winners at the Music Week Awards last night. The national BBC network won Station of the Year for the second year running, whilst Emma Scrafton from Kerrang! was named Music Programmer of the Year. (more)

BBC Radio 2 is Radio Station of the Year
From Merry Media. Posted March 16 2007, 9.01am
BBC Radio 2 has been named Radio Station of the Year for the 2nd year in a row at this years Music Week Awards, beating off BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 1, Radio Clyde and Radio City.. (more)

BBC Radio 2 wins radio station of the year
From thenoise.co.uk. Posted March 16 2007, 7.00am
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Humphrey Takes a Rest From Radio 2
From Merry Media. Posted March 13 2007, 1.35pm
Humphrey Lyttelton last night announced that BBC Radio 2's The Best Of Jazz is to take a rest and return in the Summer of 2007.. (more)

Humphrey takes a BBC break
From Radio Today. Posted March 13 2007, 10.20am
Long time presenter of BBC Radio 2's The Best of Jazz, Humphrey Lyttelton, is to take a break from his programme, returning later this year. He has hosted the show non-stop for the last 40 years, so he is long ovedue a rest. The last show before the break will be on Monday 2 April. (more)

RTL?s Dutch radio stations lost 6 million euros in 2006
From Media Network Weblog. Posted March 9 2007, 12.48pm
The two radio stations that used to be run by RTL Nederland,  Yorin FM and RTL FM, made a combined operating loss of 6 million euros in 2006. That was actually less than in 2005 (8 million euros) and 2004 (15 million euros). Nevertheless, RTL decided to get out of the overcrowded Dutch radio market. One station, Yorin FM, [...] (more)

Presenter Retires from BBC Radio 2
From Merry Media. Posted March 5 2007, 1.32pm
The Reverend Canon Roger Royle has announced that he is to retire from BBC Radio 2's Sunday Half Hour programme.. (more)

Jeff Smith Appointed Radio 2 Head of Music
From Merry Media. Posted February 19 2007, 4.31pm
BBC Radio 2 announced today that Jeff Smith is to become the network's Head of Music.. (more)

BBC Radio 2 hires Napster boss
From Radio Today. Posted February 19 2007, 9.02am
Jeff Smith, current Director of UK and International Programming at Napster is joining BBC Radio 2 as Head of Music from March 26th. Jeff, who has previously worked at Capital and Radio 1, will take over from Colin Martin who announced his retirement in December 2006. (more)

Napster's Jeff Smith returns to BBC to head Radio 2 music department
From Media Guardian. Posted February 19 2007, 12.00am
BBC Radio 2 has appointed Napster's Jeff Smith as its next head of music. By Chris Tryhorn. (more)

Former BBC Radio 2 Presenter Dies
From Merry Media. Posted February 17 2007, 11.44am
Former BBC Radio 2 presenter Sheridan Morley has died at the age of 65. He also wrote for The Times and worked at the BBC for more than 30 years.. (more)

My Fave Ident...Jeremy Vine from Radio 2
From Merry Media. Posted February 17 2007, 9.00am
Jeremy Vine presents lunchtime programmes on BBC Radio 2 and took the time to tell Merry Media what his memories are of BBC Two idents.. (more)

My Fave Ident...Jeremy Vine
From Merry Media. Posted February 17 2007, 9.00am
Jeremy Vine presents lunchtime programmes on BBC Radio 2 and took the time to tell Merry Media what his memories are of BBC Two idents.. (more)

Wogan and Jupitus off-air
From Radio Today. Posted February 16 2007, 8.00pm
Alarm bells were ringing this morning during Breakfast at the BBC's Western House complex. The fire alarm meant both Terry Wogan on BBC Radio 2, and Phil Jupitus on BBC 6 Music switched to back-up discs as both they both had to evacuate the building. (more)

Talented Young Musicians Take Their Turn in the Spotlight
From Merry Media. Posted February 8 2007, 12.15pm
The finalists battling it out to take the title of BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist 2007 are a Tuba player, a Cornet player, a Soprano Cornet player and a Euphonium player.. (more)

BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards - Winners
From Merry Media. Posted February 6 2007, 8.52am
Seth Lakeman is Singer of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2007. He also won the Best Album Award for 'Freedom Fields'.. (more)

Radio 2 Host Sir Terry Wogan Honoured
From Merry Media. Posted February 4 2007, 12.46am
BBC Radio 2 breakfast presenter Sir Terry Wogan has been honoured in his home city of Limerick with a lifetime achievement award from the Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern.. (more)

BBC Radio 2 adds 530,000
From Radio Today. Posted February 1 2007, 9.12am
BBC Radio 2 continues to be the most popular radio station in the country, adding an extra half-a-million listeners. The station now has 13.27 million listeners and a share of 15.8 per cent. Radio 1 has seen a slight dip, now standing at 10.26 million from 10.29 three months ago. (more)

BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards
From Merry Media. Posted January 18 2007, 12.14am
In one of the most unexpected reunions of the past decade, the legendary folk supergroup Pentangle are to reform for a special exclusive performance at the 2007 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.. (more)

Alan Titchmarsh Joins BBC Radio 2
From Merry Media. Posted January 10 2007, 2.20pm
Alan Titchmarsh is to present a music show on Sunday evenings on BBC Radio 2.. (more)

Titchmarsh gets weekly R2 show
From Radio Today. Posted January 10 2007, 12.47pm
Alan Titchmarsh has finally been given a weekly music show on BBC Radio 2. The new Sunday evening programme will be called 'Alan Titchmarsh with Melodies For You' and will be broadcast from Sunday 28th January, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. (more)

Diana concert live on Radio 2
From Radio Today. Posted December 21 2006, 3.18pm
A massive pop concert next summer in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales is to be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2. The BBC is the UK broadcast partner for the event, which is expected to feature acts like Sir Elton John, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Duran Duran and Joss Stone. (more)

Is 'cool' Radio 2 now too hot for its own good?
From The Independent. Posted December 10 2006, 12.00am
BBC Radio 2 is cool. Credibility has replaced cosiness on the network that boasts middle-youth icons Jeremy Vine, Chris Evans and foppish stand-up comedian Russell Brand as presenters. (more)

Music Editor leaves Radio 2
From Radio Today. Posted December 5 2006, 5.08pm
Colin Martin, the man responsible for the music selection at BBC Radio 2 is to leave the station after six years in charge. He is known for introducing new artists such as Norah Jones, KT Tunstall, Amy Winehouse and James Blunt to the playlist. (more)

Evans drops in on Castlederg
From Breaking Radio. Posted November 26 2006, 5.52pm
A Castlederg family last night described their delight at having their home chosen to host DJ Chris Evans' hit BBC Radio 2 show in Northern Ireland. (more)

Burundi judge detains two radio journalists
From Media Network Weblog. Posted November 23 2006, 3.28pm
A Burundi judge has detained two journalists accused of broadcasting secret information concerning seven people suspected of plotting a coup, while investigations were pending. The suspected coup plotters, including former president Domitien Ndayizeye, were arrested in August after police said they had strong evidence the men planned to kill President Pierre Nkurunziza and seize power. Domitile Kiramvu [...] (more)

BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music to Broadcast Bob Dylan's US Radio Show
From Merry Media. Posted November 22 2006, 1.30pm
Listeners will be able to hear Theme Time Radio Hour, Bob Dylan's radio show, for the first time in the UK when BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music broadcast the music legend's critically acclaimed XM Satellite Radio show.. (more)

BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music to broadcast Bob Dylan’s US radio show
From Breaking Radio. Posted November 22 2006, 11.06am
Bob Dylan's XM radio show will be broadcast on Radio 2 over Christmas before transferring to 6Music. (more)

BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music to broadcast Bob Dylan?s US radio show
From Media Network Weblog. Posted November 22 2006, 11.01am
Listeners will be able to hear Theme Time Radio Hour, Bob Dylan’s radio show, for the first time in the UK when BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music broadcast the music legend’s critically acclaimed XM Satellite Radio show. Bob Dylan started his radio broadcasting career in the USA in May 2006 with a weekly radio [...] (more)

Bob Dylan joins BBC Radio 2
From Radio Today. Posted November 22 2006, 10.50am
Bob Dylan's American radio show will be heard in the UK for the first time as BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music get ready to re-broadcast the music legend's critically acclaimed XM Satellite Radio show.Bob Dylan started his radio broadcasting career in May 2006 with a weekly radio show on XM Satellite Radio in the US. (more)

Dylan radio show to air in UK
From Media Guardian. Posted November 22 2006, 12.00am
10.30am: BBC Radio 2 has signed up Bob Dylan's US radio show. By John Plunkett. (more)

BBC Radio 2 Listeners Donate Record Amount
From Merry Media. Posted November 18 2006, 9.28pm
BBC Radio 2 listeners have pledged a record amount of money for the BBC Children In Need Appeal raising more than two million pounds.. (more)

BBC Children in Need 2006
From Radio Today. Posted November 18 2006, 12.01am
BBC Children in Need 2006 has taken place with BBC Radio 2 and BBC local radio stations around the country holding special programmes to raise money for the annual fund raising extravaganza.Whilst the biggest broadcast of the day is on the television, we take a look at what has been happening on the wireless. (more)

Radio 2 Presenter Joins Panorama
From Merry Media. Posted November 9 2006, 10.23pm
BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine is to join the Panorama team as the programme's main presenter when the show moves to its new slot, in January 2007, of 8.30pm on Monday evenings on BBC One.. (more)

Russell Brand Joins BBC Radio 2
From Merry Media. Posted November 2 2006, 12.27pm
Russell Brand, "the most exciting comedian of his generation", is to move from BBC 6 Music to present a new weekly show for BBC Radio 2 on a Saturday night.. (more)

Chris Tarrant plans return to regular radio
From Media Guardian. Posted October 27 2006, 1.00am
12pm: Chris Tarrant is to broadcast on BBC Radio 2 at Christmas, as the Who Wants to be a Millionaire? presenter plans a regular return to radio. By Julia Day. (more)

Radio 4 still on top in London
From Radio Today. Posted October 26 2006, 8.10am
BBC Radio 4 is still the clear leader when it comes to market share of all radio listening in London. The station is up from 13.1 per-cent to 16.1 per cent quarter-on-quarter.Second place is BBC Radio 2 on 11 per-cent, whilst commercial station Heart takes third. BBC Radio 1 and Magic share 4th place, with once favourite Capital comes in 5th. (more)

Wogan Producer dies aged 59
From Radio Today. Posted October 21 2006, 1.18pm
Paul Walters, a long-time producer of Sir Terry Wogan's breakfast show on BBC Radio 2 has died in hospital following a long illness.Paul was better know as Doctor Wally, and had been with the BBC since 1974. (more)

Terry Wogans Radio 2 Producer Dies
From Merry Media. Posted October 21 2006, 12.46pm
Paul Walters, the producer of Sir Terry Wogans BBC Radio 2 breakfast show has died in hospital after a long illness at the age of 59.. (more)

Radio stations cleared over lorry crash joke
From Media Guardian. Posted October 2 2006, 1.00am
12pm: Two radio stations have been cleared of breaking broadcast regulations after making jokes about a lorry crash in which a man died. By John Plunkett. (more)

Sir Terry Wogan on Friday Night
From Radio Today. Posted September 15 2006, 7.15am
One of the guests on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross is BBC Radio 2 breakfast presenter Sir Terry Wogan. And the reason for his appearance on TV? It just so happens the second volume of his autobiography, Mustn't Grumble, is published next week. But during the TV show, Wogan reveals that he wasn't keen to write it: "I didn't really want to do it because I've forgotten nearly all the people I've interviewed. I didn't want to write 'The Wogan Years', that kind of thing." (more)

Strong results for BBC Radio
From Radio Today. Posted August 3 2006, 9.45am
All BBC Network Radio's reach of 32.85 million is up on the quarter (32.57m) and steady on the year (32.89m), according to RAJAR figures released today. BBC Radio 1 added 689,000 listeners in the last quarter. BBC Radio 2 continues to perform strongly with 13.29 million listeners (12.94m last quarter and 13.27m last year). Share, at 15.7%, is slightly down on the quarter and year (both 16%). (more)

Wisdom leads Radio 2 Laurel and Hardy tribute
From The Stage. Posted July 17 2006, 4.00pm
Comedian Norman Wisdom will present a tribute to Laurel and Hardy for BBC Radio 2 this week . (more)

Two Radio Stations Marred by Embezzlement, Fraud
From radio.about.com. Posted June 23 2006, 9.35am
From freep.com: "A former public radio director was sentenced to probation Thursday for his part in an embezzlement scandal that shook the University of Michigan's stations this year. Michael Coleman,... (more)

Moir to spearhead C4 radio push
From Media Guardian. Posted June 5 2006, 10.59am
10am: Channel 4 is to launch radio spin-offs of Big Brother, Richard and Judy and Lost as it attempts to break into UK radio with the help of former BBC Radio 2 boss Jim Moir. By Julia Day. (more)

Moir to spearhead Channel 4 radio push
From Media Guardian. Posted June 5 2006, 10.59am
Channel 4 is to launch radio spin-offs of Big Brother, Richard and Judy and Lost as it attempts to break into UK radio with the help of former BBC Radio 2 boss Jim Moir. By Julia Day. (more)

BBC Radio 2's Chris Evans Named Music Radio Personality
From radio.about.com. Posted May 10 2006, 4.20am
From itv.com: "Comeback kid Chris Evans thanked the BBC for giving him a 'second chance' after he was named Music Radio Personality at the Sony Awards...Evans, sacked from Virgin Radio... (more)

Dallas Promotion for UK Producer
From Radio Today. Posted April 25 2006, 1.45am
UK Producer Chris Stevens has been appointed as the Vice President / Creative Director of American jingle and production company TM Century. Stevens is former Group Head of Production for GMG Radio where he created award winning imaging for Real Radio, JAZZ FM and Smooth FM. Before moving to Dallas to start work for TM Century last year, he was working for BBC Radio 2 in London. "Chris has brought many new influences into our sounds and styles. He was the man for the job” says TM Century CEO David Graupner. (more)

UK Producer for Vice President
From Radio Today. Posted April 25 2006, 12.30am
UK Producer Chris Stevens has been appointed as the Vice President / Creative Director of American jingle and production company TM Century. Stevens is former Group Head of Production for GMG Radio where he created award winning imaging for the Real Radio stations including JAZZ FM and Smooth FM. Before moving to Dallas to start work for TM Century last year, he was working for BBC Radio 2 in London. "Chris has brought many new influences into our sounds and styles. He was the man for the job,” says TM Century CEO David Graupner. (more)

Leaked BBC salary details
From Radio Today. Posted April 18 2006, 1.15pm
More salary information has been leaked in the last 24 hours, this time it's the turn of BBC Radio 2. Apparently breakfast host Sir Terry Wogan on a top wage of £800,000 - followed by Chris Evans who is being paid £540,000 to take over Johnny Walker's Drivetime from this afternoon. It has also been reported that Jonathan Ross receives £530,000 for his three-hour Saturday show which includes his Friday night TV show. Fellow R2 presenter Steve Wright earns £440,000 and Michael Parkinson £115,000. The Sun earlier revealed Radio 1 wages, with Chris Moyles top earner on £630,000 a year. (more)

Links forged between radio stations for women in US and Iraq
From Media Network Weblog. Posted April 16 2006, 12.27pm
On this Easter Sunday, we're pleased to mention this heartwarming story of two radio stations, one in the US state of Utah and the other in Baghdad. What the two stations have in common is that they're both designed specifically for women. KUTR-AM 820, based in Salt Lake City, is Utah's talk station for women - one of only three such stations in the US. Radio Al-Mahaba was founded by Debbie Bowers (more)

Wake Up To Wogan to Podcast
From Merry Media. Posted April 11 2006, 2.11pm
Sir Terry Wogan is launching a weekly podcast of the best of his BBC Radio 2 show. The 'Wake Up to Wogan' podcast launches on Tuesday 11th April 2006 and give's Terry's fans - affectionately known as TOGs (Terrys Old Geezers/Pals) - the chance to hear the genial Irishman on their portable mp3 player. The weekly compilation features speech highlights from the nation's most popular breakfast show, including listeners emails and Pause for Thought.. (more)

Podcast for Terry Wogan
From Radio Today. Posted April 10 2006, 2.30pm
Terry Wogan is launching a weekly podcast of the best of his BBC Radio 2 show. The Wake Up To Wogan podcast launches on Tuesday 11 April 2006 and gives Terry's fans - affectionately known as TOGs (Terry's Old Geezers/Gals) - the chance to hear the genial Irishman on their portable mp3 player. (more)

Radio 2 Brings Gilmour-On-Demand to Thousands
From Merry Media. Posted April 4 2006, 3.41pm
Hundreds of thousands of David Gilmour fans were able to watch video highlights of the famous Pink Floyd man's performance at the Mermaid Theatre, thanks to BBC Radio 2. Footage from the exclusive performance was watched by an estimated 370,000 times 'on demand' after the concert was broadcast. 110,000 digital satellite TV viewers used the red button to watch Gilmour play three songs, while the intimate gig was viewed 170,000 times online at the Radio 2 website.. (more)

More on-demand from Radio 2
From Radio Today. Posted April 4 2006, 1.30pm
Hundreds of thousands of David Gilmour fans were able to watch video highlights of the former Pink Floyd man's performance at the Mermaid Theatre on BBC Radio 2. Footage from the exclusive performance was watched an estimated 370,000 times 'on demand' after the concert was broadcast. 110,000 digital satellite TV viewers used the red button to watch Gilmour play three songs, while the intimate gig was viewed 170,000 times online. (more)

Jonathan Ross wins radio award
From Radio Today. Posted March 31 2006, 6.45am
The Broadcasting Press Guild Television and Radio Awards 2006 have been revealed and in the limited amount of radio categories, Jonathan Ross won Radio Broadcaster of the Year for his programmes on BBC Radio 2 whilst Radio Programme of the Year went to Ed Reardon's Week on BBC Radio 4. The Innovation Award went to BBC Radio and Music Interactive at the awards which were voted for by more than 100 media journalists and being presented at a ceremony this afternoon. (more)

John Evington heads to Original
From Radio Today. Posted March 27 2006, 10.45pm
Original 106, the new Solent Regional radio station, has today appointed John Evington as Programme Director. John is one of the UK’s most experienced and respected programmers. He was previously Group Programme Director of The Wireless Group. John embarked on his radio career as a presenter with Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio in 1978. A brief period with BBC Radio 2 followed before he was lured back to commercial radio as Programme Director for Signal Radio, later moving to Group PD of The Wireless Group’s 16 stations in England, Scotland and Wales. (more)

BBC Radio 2 hit by listeners' anti-Evans protest
From Brand Republic. Posted March 7 2006, 11.03am
LONDON - The BBC's decision to hand its Radio 2 drivetime show to Chris Evans has provoked a backlash from listeners, who have flooded BBC messageboards with complaints. (more)

France Info, RFI programmes disrupted by nationwide strike
From Media Network Weblog. Posted March 7 2006, 10.06am
Both France Info and RFI radios have had their programmes disrupted since the nationwide strike against the government's new youth employment scheme began in France this morning. The two radio stations are not broadcasting all their news bulletins on the hour and half hour and have replaced most of their usual programmes with music. At 0900 gmt, RFI announced the following: "Because of a (more)

Schedule changes at BBC Radio 2
From Radio Today. Posted March 6 2006, 1.13pm
Chris Evans taking over drivetime on BBC Radio 2 has resulted in a few more changes at the station. Pete Mitchell will be joining the team whilst Stuart Maconie and Mark Lamarr given more airtime. Pete Mitchell will present weekend overnight programmes (Saturday 3-6am and Sunday 1-4am) whilst Janey Lee Grace, who currently hosts the slot will continue to form part of the Steve Wright team. (more)

Douglas stands by Chris Evans
From Media Guardian. Posted March 6 2006, 11.32am
11.15am update: BBC Radio 2 controller Lesley Douglas has defended her decision to appoint Chris Evans to the station's drivetime show. By Julia Day. (more)

Radio 2 accused of censorship
From Media Guardian. Posted March 6 2006, 7.27am
8am: BBC Radio 2 listeners who are up in arms at the appointment of Chris Evans to the drivetime show have accused the corporation of censoring their comments. By Julia Day. (more)

Radio 2 shakes up schedule
From Media Guardian. Posted March 3 2006, 1.59pm
1.15pm: Mark Lamarr and Stuart Maconie have been given beefed up roles on BBC Radio 2 following the appointment of Chris Evans. By Julia Day. (more)

Evans set for Radio 2 'Drivetime' move
From Digital Spy. Posted March 2 2006, 5.07pm
Chris Evans is to replace Johnnie Walker hosting BBC Radio 2's Drivetime show. (more)

New daily show for Chris Evans
From Radio Today. Posted March 2 2006, 12.22pm
Chris Evans will take over the Drivetime show on BBC Radio 2 from Johnnie Walker. Evans last daily radio show was on Virgin Radio Breakfast, which he left after being sacked for failing to turn up to the show in 2001. (more)

Evans in driving seat at Radio 2
From Media Guardian. Posted March 2 2006, 10.35am
10.30am update: Chris Evans is returning to daily national radio after a six-year absence, taking over the BBC Radio 2 drivetime show from Johnnie Walker. By Julia Day. (more)

Chris Evans to take over Radio 2 Drivetime show
From Brand Republic. Posted March 2 2006, 10.03am
LONDON - Chris Evans is to take over presenting BBC Radio 2's drivetime show from Johnny Walker. More soon. (more)

Johnnie Walker takes on new challenges at BBC Radio 2
From Media Network Weblog. Posted February 28 2006, 8.44am
After seven years presenting the BBC Radio 2 drivetime show, Johnnie Walker is to step down from the daily programme at the end of March 2006. Since taking over from John Dunn in 1999, Johnnie has added more than two million extra listeners, making it the most listened to drivetime show in the UK. Johnnie Walker received an MBE for services to broadcasting at Buckingham Palace on Friday. From (more)

Johnnie Walker leaves Drivetime
From Radio Today. Posted February 28 2006, 8.16am
After seven years presenting the BBC Radio 2 drivetime show, Johnnie Walker is to step down from the daily programme at the end of March 2006. Since taking over from John Dunn in 1999, Johnnie has added more than two million extra listeners, making it the most listened to drivetime show in the UK. (more)

Emap stations up for award
From Radio Today. Posted February 16 2006, 8.34am
Three out of the five nominated shortlist for Best Radio Station in the Music Week Awards 2006 - are Emap Stations. Clyde 1, Kerrang! 105.2 and Radio City 96.7 along with The Beach and BBC Radio 2 are in the shortlist. The winner will be announced at the event on March 2nd 2006. The Music Week Awards celebrate the achievements of companies and individuals working in the UK music industry over the past year. From A&R all the way through to retail, the Awards celebrate success and innovation throughout the business - and are also the industry's biggest party of the year. (more)

Arrow's two radio stations likely to be sold
From Media Network Weblog. Posted February 2 2006, 1.18pm
Dutch commercial stations Arrow Classic Rock and Arrow Jazz FM are likely to be sold shortly. Current owner Willem van Kooten has told de Telegraaf that he is in discussions with several parties about buying the stations. However, nothing definite has been decided. It's possible that the two stations will be sold separately to different owners. (more)

Irish company buys two radio stations in Ukraine
From Media Network Weblog. Posted January 18 2006, 9.35am
Irish media group Communicorp has completed the acquisition of two radio stations in the Ukraine - the national commercial network Nashe Radio and Radio Apelsin, a local station in Kiev. Nashe Radio, which targets the 25-45 age group, is licensed to 2012 and has a monthly reach of 30%. Padio Apelsin is aimed mainly at a young audience. Communicorp operates 31 stations in six countries. In Ireland, (more)