Wednesday, 30 December 2020

2020 - the year radio came into its own

This year, our world changed dramatically – and our way of life has been forced to suddenly adapt to; yes, I am going to say it, this "unprecedented" situation.

Many people have turned to radio, not just for information on the latest developments, but as a companion – a means of escape from the negativity we’ve been surrounded by in 2020. A real human voice who is also living through this period of fear and sorrow.

Presenters across the board have judged the mood, managed to find the right words with the right tone at a time when it seemed impossible and provided a much-needed comforting/entertaining distraction, many from their living rooms, kitchens or under a duvet.

I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on just some of what we’ve experienced in these surreal times:

Reassuring words from Greg James

A week before the first lockdown, things were already taking a dark turn. With COVID-19 case rates rising, social distancing guidelines introduced and widespread uncertainty, Greg James spoke to his audience.

“Bye Chris”

The day before the night the PM addressed the nation, announcing the first nationwide lockdown, this call to BBC Radio Solent’s Pat Sissons was trending on social media and achieved national press coverage.

Chris rang the show three months later to admit she’d had to “eat her words a bit”:

The Great British Singalong

On 2nd April, the BBC’s five national pop stations came together for the first in what became a weekly event for two months.

Absolute Radio 40s

On the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the Absolute Radio team, together with TBI Media and supported by the Audio Content Fund, created a pop-up station playing a mix of jazz, swing and big band music from the 1940s.

It took over the main station’s national medium-wave frequency (1215AM) and broadcast on DAB in London for the day. It received a hugely positive reaction:

Mental Health Minute

Now in its third year, most UK radio stations simultaneously broadcast a sixty-second message of famous voices raising awareness of the importance of talking about mental health.

The initiative is overseen by Radiocentre, supported by The Royal Foundation’s Heads Together campaign and, this year, produced by Somethin’ Else for the second time.

Iain Lee calls the show inspired by him

At the beginning of June, Iain Lee announced his departure from talkRADIO after four years on lates.

The end of this historic, yet incredibly unique, radio format "sparked" an idea in the minds of duo Kai Valentine and Hayden Beckett, who decided to launch their own phone-in show on a community/student station in Sunderland.

The show still airs two nights per week on Spark, which is based at The University of Sunderland. Back in the summer, Iain called in to the show that he and co-presenter Katherine Boyle had inspired.

Black Lives Matter

Not only are we facing a medical pandemic, but there’s long been the global issue of racism. It was rightly highlighted after the horrific death of George Floyd in the US back in May.

While, disappointingly, presenters from some commercial and community radio stations were denied the opportunity to speak their minds, those who did shared powerful heartfelt messages.

As well as the brilliant Clara Amfo, Seani B, DeMarkay Williams and Fleur East were among those who spoke openly:

Greg James also found the right words:

Hits Radio Brand Network Expands

After spending more than a year investigating something they eventually decided didn’t matter, the Competition & Markets Authority finally gave the green light to Bauer’s acquisition of four commercial radio groups - UKRD, Celador, Lincs FM Group and the Wireless local stations.

The vast majority of these assets joined the recently-established Greatest Hits Radio network, meaning the end of heritage brands such as Spire, Minster, Yorkshire Coast, Swansea Sound etc.

RAJAR is currently not collecting data - and hasn’t done since the pandemic was declared - so we’re unable to see whether or not the strategy is working in terms of numbers; though it has safeguarded the future of a service providing local news and information in many areas. 

That said, it’s always sad hearing presenters who’ve been connecting with their audiences for many years say goodbye to listeners, especially in 2020 when any tiny drop of normality has been a breath of fresh air.

Here are just a few, thanks to the ever brilliant work of Aircheck Downloads (who have more on their website):

Capital Breakfast pays tribute to senior producer Joe Lyons

The radio industry was in mourning following the tragic news that Capital Breakfast’s senior producer, Joe Lyons, had died. He’d worked at Global for ten years. Presenters Roman Kemp, Sian Welby and Sonny Jay beautifully delivered an emotional tribute:

Virtual Events

With gigs/festivals cancelled across the country and around the world due to the pandemic, radio stepped up to fill the gap as best it could to bring music lovers together from the comfort of their own homes.

Supported by the Audio Content Fund, thanks to independent production companies Somethin’ Else, TBI Media, Listen and We Are Grape, a series of special performances from artists/DJs were broadcast on six of Bauer’s national stations over the Easter weekend.

Of course, this was just the beginning. It’s been the year of Zoom, Teams etc - and there've been countless virtual happenings courtesy of radio stations far and wide... Radio 1′s Big Weekend, Radio 2 Live at Home (instead of Hyde Park), Smooth Sessions, Heart Live at Home, the Best of Capital’s Summertime Ball and Radio X Presents to name a few.

BBC Local Radio’s Make a Difference campaign

At the beginning of the pandemic, the BBC launched their “Make a Difference” campaign to connect those in need of help with those who can provide it, receiving a record number of calls by October.

Clap for our Carers

Earlier in the year, UK radio stations joined in with the weekly Clap for our Carers on Thursdays at 8pm.

New stations hit the airwaves

After months of speculation surrounding the expansion of News UK’s radio business, it was confirmed in January that Times Radio would launch in the summer.

Having announced signings from Michael Portillo to John Pienaar, the station launched on DAB (64kpbs) with sister station talkRADIO moving to DAB+ (32kbps).

The clubs may have been closed, but it’s been a good year if you like dancing. Radio 1 Dance and Capital Dance launched a week apart in October.

And who could forget the launch of the groundbreaking Podcast Radio - the perfect example of how to properly execute a linear podcast-only format, which a certain US media giant who’ve tried it can learn from!

There have also been a significant number of online-only local radio station launches this year, one of which I’m proud to have helped with - but unlike many others, set up in response to the loss of heritage brands in their respective areas, we established Petersfield's Shine Radio in a small market town with little competition in response to long-term demand and have been overwhelmed by the response.

Global unveil new LBC Westminster studio

In September, Nick Ferrari chaired the first Call The Cabinet from the very impressive new studio.

It’s as much of speech radio remains focused on visualization to compete with news/current affairs TV and as a means of creating engaging viral clips.

The Lockdown Awards

Radio 1’s Teen Awards may have been unable to take place this year, but that didn’t stop Greg James from holding a spectacular celebration of “all the stupid stuff that’s made us laugh in what’s been the worst year.”

A small collection of moments that sprung to mind. There has been some fantastic work in all sectors this year.

Despite declining revenues, radio stations have refused to give up on their audiences (in fact, they’ve gone the extra mile in many cases).

Despite a mental health crisis, presenters haven’t failed to raise a smile.

More broadly, it’s a solid explanation as to why creativity must forever be nurtured and embraced.

Without it, I certainly don’t know where I would be at this point - and millions of others will undoubtedly concur.

Whatever your role in keeping our country/planet going in 2020, we could not be more grateful for your public service. Thank you!

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