Sunday, 9 October 2022

One small-scale mux for man...

I was delighted to be invited to the official launch of Winchester's small-scale DAB multiplex this weekend.

As reported by RadioToday, the event was held at Winchester Today HQ in the city centre with representatives from some of the 18 services carried on the local DAB+ platform.

Currently, Ofcom is advertising round four of its SS-DAB rollout with the fifth to come in 2023 (including Alton, Petersfield & Haslemere which, at Shine Radio, we are very excited for).

Unsurprisingly, research shows analogue listening is in decline; but while online has been growing, DAB is far bigger in the UK (as explained here).

While it's true that digital radio has allowed new formats to be viable, building a sustainable traditional radio business always requires great understanding coupled with fresh thinking. WHO is listening? WHAT do they want? HOW can we offer it distinctively?

It's very unlikely that a music station broadcasting on a single SS-DAB mux would be profitable, especially if you employ staff on top of licencing & transmission costs and hope to make a return on investment purely through sponsorship and promotions.

However, these multiplexes are ideal for well-supported not-for-profit organisations and commercial services looking to reach bigger audiences.

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Saturday, 1 October 2022

Loved the show, Steve

After 23 years on BBC Radio 2, and previously (but not immediately before) on Radio 1, Steve Wright in the Afternoon has come to an end... at least for now!

Scott Mills, who left Radio 1 a month ago, will take over the reigns in a couple of weeks.

The move comes as the station looks to close the gap between itself and Radio 1 by repositioning towards the younger end of its remit (35+).

There are a few key sentences in Wright's statement:

  • In advance of our last SWITA show for a while...
  • I’m not retiring!!! I repeat, I am NOT retiring!!!
  • I am taking a break from daytime radio...

While he says about both continuing with the Sunday Love Songs show and hosting some seasonal specials for Radio 2, as well as Serious Jockin' exclusively on BBC Sounds and another podcast, one would've expected other offers to come rolling in almost immediately after the announcement.

In the avoidance of sounding like Digital Spy, I won't dwell on this too much; but where would Steve's natural commercial home be?

Greatest Hits Radio is the most obvious. The point has been made that SWITA wouldn't be on-brand for Virgin Radio, unless it's taking a "talent first, station second" approach whereby the outlet is merely a platform for big names.

An ode to "the big show"

Some of my earliest, fondest memories of falling in love with radio involve Steve Wright. He is my radio hero - someone who massively influenced me and helped me find my own presentation style.

As one of the most hardworking creatives around, he's been a constant, through the good times and the bad, and always given it his all in every show. Consistency counts for a lot in radio.

Wright gets a lot of stick; from the press - over his salary or, appallingly, appearance - and from those who find his style tedious (each to their own); but none of this has held him back as a legendary familiar voice with jolly jingles that has been a comfort blanket to millions.

His last show was typically humble and unique in its own right but still the same format we've come to know and love each weekday.

When presenters are trusted to say goodbye to their loyal listeners with a spectacular send-off, the result is magical and just epitomises why we love radio.

The outpouring of affection for someone we feel we know personally and the memories they made with us.

It’s so special.

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