Formerly The Z Morning Zoo, now Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, it all began following Tom Poleman’s appointment as PD in April 1996. Z100's alt rock phase came to an end, and Duran was moved to breakfast.
In 2004, the show expanded to Max 106.3 in Sussex County (NJ) and Y100 in Miami two years later before signing a national syndication deal with Premiere Networks in 2009. It can now be heard in almost 80 markets.
Earlier in the year, Jeremy Paxman claimed "any fool" could be a newsreader because (the role lacks) "any grandeur or skill" - and I couldn’t disagree more with this outdated view.
Firstly, "reader" isn’t entirely reflective of what’s involved - the best newsreaders don’t just read the words, they tell the stories. Perfecting the art of storytelling isn’t easy. Tone and delivery are crucial.
Furthermore, almost every broadcast journalist today is multi-skilled. Particularly in radio, you don’t just present, you also write copy, edit audio, drive the desk etc.
During the pre-election period (purdah), it also involves carefully crafting news related to the poll to ensure all candidates get their fair share of airtime.
There’s a lot more to it than you might think. Paxman’s view is a common misconception but particularly disappointing to hear from someone of his calibre.
Amid the Apple vs Spotify subscription podcasting battle, Twitter’s announcement of ticketed Spaces and with Reuters & CNN International both set to hide behind a paywall, Bauer Media has today announced premium subscription services for four of its national radio brands - Scala, Jazz FM, Kerrang! and Planet Rock.
Subscribers will enjoy an ad-free listening experience offering greater control and flexibility and be able to skip up to 6 tracks per hour.
The £3.99 per month package also includes access to 20 exclusive online radio stations across genres and music moods as well as more than 30 on-demand shows, documentaries, artist interview content and special programming.
LBC had a podcast subscription service where you could catch up on every show minus the ads and news (this was scrapped in 2018 when the Global Player app began hosting these free of charge).
The rock/metal station Primordial Radio uses this model, as does SiriusXM state-side.
When it comes to skipping tracks, the Capital XTRA app first introduced the function some five years ago with Capital following suit before being rolled out to all music stations on Global Player. Despite opting out of the live stream, you still get presenter links and ads.
Will this be a significant revenue stream? It’ll certainly raise expectations and test the water. A key benefit to Bauer is harvesting consumer data and using it for research as well as to personalise the user experience.
We’re already used to paying a premium for ad-free experiences and/or exclusive content elsewhere - and the four stations selected are particularly niche with passionate audiences which undoubtedly helps.
For the last 10 years Bauer’s Absolute Radio has given free account holders access to higher-quality audio with in-stream technology allowing users to hear fewer, but more targeted, ads (tailored to their age, gender and location) with "bonus songs".
Rupert Murdoch’s News UK has scrapped plans to re-enter the linear TV market following a review which found the news channel to be commercially unviable.
In an email to staff, CEO Rebekah Brooks confirmed that David Rhodes, the man hired to oversee the project, was stepping down from his role in June.
Brooks said:
Whilst there is consumer demand for alternative news provision, the costs of running a rolling news channel are considerable, and it is our assessment that the payback for our shareholders wouldn’t be sufficient.
The company’s newly-founded TV division will merge into News UK Broadcasting with Scott Taunton, current CEO of Wireless (its radio/audio operation), appointed as CEO.
It comes as the group’s speech radio stations continue to engage (and, in some cases, enrage) audiences on social media with high quality video content.
This is particularly relevant to talkRADIO which streams live on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter throughout the day with TV news channel graphics and remote guests in vision.
In fact, when Murdoch’s TV plans were first rumoured, I was expecting the venture to eventually replace it.
There was talk of a channel that would take inspiration from the Fox News model and include right wing commentary (within the UK’s stricter broadcast code), which is essentially what talkRADIO has become.
Meanwhile, at GB News - the forthcoming channel chaired by Andrew Neil, they’ve recently signed Alastair Stewart, Simon McCoy, Kirsty Gallacher and others, as well as most people in my Twitter timeline to work behind the scenes.
It was founded by media execs Andrew Cole and Mark Schneider and promises a full schedule of opinion and debate-led programming.
Despite controversy surrounding the channel’s perceived political stance, insiders have hit back insisting it will be "committed to impartial journalism".
Of course, due impartiality will need to be preserved across the schedule - but, like stations such as LBC, individual shows can be opinionated. talkRADIO get away with a predominantly right wing lineup by inviting callers and guests who hold different views.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Murdoch looks to get his hands on GB News eventually.
News from Australia - TikTok’s local operation has partnered with the Australian Radio Network’s iHeartRadio to launch a new digital radio station, initially for three months. It’ll stream online via the platform and broadcast on DAB+ in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
TikTok Trending on iHeartRadio, described as "your one-stop-shop for staying up to date with what's happening on TikTok", will play "all the tracks that blow up on (the app’s) 'For You' page", combining the biggest hits, emerging talent and classic tracks being rediscovered on the platform.
Four influencers are signed up as presenters and will "shine a spotlight on the stories behind the TikTok-trending music they're playing, as they interview artists and chat about their favourite songs and acts on the platform".
There’ll also be guest hosts ("popular creators, local artists and international stars") - Rita Ora is the first name to be announced.
Despite the fact its eclectic music mix is a programmer’s worst nightmare, it seems like a great way to engage younger audiences which some say radio can’t do because, apparently, it’s "dead".
If that were the case, brands wouldn’t be so eager for a slice of the cake. It’s certainly interesting - and TikTok won’t be the last brand to utilise the unique benefits of audio.
Sean Ross has been listening to it, along with SoundCloud Radio - a station from rival group Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) which is dedicated to music discovery.
Very well said by Graham Norton in the observer today. Whatever you think about The BBC this needs to be said - and often pic.twitter.com/nEbLltN6wc
— charlie higson (@monstroso) April 25, 2021
Interesting point from Graham Norton - traditionally, this was undoubtedly the case... but is it still this simple in a multi-media age?
Firstly, although it’s not perfect (is any large organisation?), I’ve always passionately defended the BBC’s existence and funding model. Its high quality journalism, education resources and broadcast output make it one of this country’s proudest institutions.
In the days before the internet, when a handful of TV/radio stations reigned supreme, the BBC was the commercial sector’s only competitor - and it didn’t have adverts then either.
Nowadays, you also have the likes of Netflix, Spotify and an ever-growing range of digital media including podcasts which are raising the bar for all traditional broadcasters, including the BBC.
Of course, two ad-free pop stations with huge budgets behind them (including the UK’s most listened-to, Radio 2) are still huge competition for commercial radio - but traditional radio/TV isn’t just competing with its own anymore.
To put it simply, audiences are setting the standards more than ever.
If you work in media, you probably had a busier than expected day on Friday (9th April).
Buckingham Palace announced the Duke of Edinburgh’s death at midday.
For radio, it was time to activate the practiced "Obit" procedure.
This was once a strictly defined protocol for the death of a "category one" royal (which Prince Philip isn't), but there’s no longer any regulatory obligation for stations to follow this.
Here’s Radio Authority guidance published in 2002:
While not required to, stations will adjust the tone of their output so as not to be seen as disrespectful or perhaps, depending on the event/circumstances, to genuinely reflect the mood of their audience.
In previous generations (it could be argued a more royalist era) and no digital media, analogue radio/TV could more effectively influence the national psyche because consumers would have nowhere else to go.
These days, as the weekend’s viewing figures have shown, a sizable chunk of audiences will desert their preferred media, hijacked by blanket coverage, in pursuit of things that actually interests them.
Another, honest and valid, point to make is that Prince Philip is not The Queen whose death will spark a more widespread emotional response.
Unlike its infamous mishap in 2002 after The Queen Mother’s death was announced, IRN triggered the 'Major Story Alarm' (literally) just after midday on Friday.
Traditionally, in the days before text/email alerts, this was the most efficient way to alert ILR stations to a significant breaking news story such as a royal death or attack/disaster involving large loss of life.
Upon seeing the light flash in studios and newsrooms, jocks or journalists on duty would pre-fade the primary satellite feed awaiting details of additional and extended bulletins.
These days, clients just receive a text and email from the news provider with this information including the time to opt in for a clockstart announcement.
IRN/Sky broke the news of Prince Philip's death in a special 12:30 bulletin carried by many community and hospital stations that rely on the service.
Most commercial operators had their own news teams on duty at the time, although Bauer’s Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio networks took the live IRN announcement before simulcasting output and producing national bulletins in-house throughout the afternoon.
New audio - @GreatestHitsUK with @SimonMayo (Apr 9th 2021).#aircheck #radio pic.twitter.com/fFeB7cuedH
— Aircheck Downloads (@airchecks) April 10, 2021
Global was quick off the mark with James O’Brien interrupting a caller, not because of his political view for once, but to break the news to LBC listeners shortly after midday.
New audio - @LBC announces that Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and husband to Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at the age of 99 (Apr 9th 2021).#aircheck #radio pic.twitter.com/N8iivshsKr
— Aircheck Downloads (@airchecks) April 9, 2021
The seven music networks all threw to a special pre-recorded bulletin (allowing greater flexibility for a smooth segue) anchored by Tim John with a pre-prepared package from Simon Conway before launching into their beautifully programmed Obit playlists and half-hourly news updates, dropping ads and jingles for much of the day but with bespoke "marking the death of Prince Philip" sweepers. All brand spin-offs simulcast the flagship station.
All BBC stations, some abruptly, interrupted normal programming for a breaking news announcement superbly delivered by Tom Sandars.
They continued with a Radio 4 special, presented by Evan Davis and Mishal Husain, for much of the afternoon before splitting off but remained sombre for some time.
Radio 1 initially played instrumentals before continuing with a softer sound for much of the weekend but allowing for regular programmes.
Over the weekend, Radio 2 made a few schedule changes and continued in Obit mode throughout - 6 Music and Asian Network adopted a similar approach and even joined Local Radio in simulcasting 5 Live overnight.
While commercial radio had largely resumed format by Saturday lunchtime, being a public broadcaster, the BBC has to tread particularly carefully.
No disrespect to anyone following a procedure - but I’m sure there’ll be a lot of tuning around today. Commercial stations have got it right by largely resuming format. Let’s not forget there are people for whom radio is a lifeline as an entertaining companion.
— Harrison RB (@HarrisonRBRadio) April 10, 2021
On a personal level, with no morning engagements, I didn’t have an alarm set and woke up at midday expecting a quiet Friday.
As part of my first thing scroll through the headlines, I remember seeing a BBC News article which had been live 50 seconds ago at the time, hurriedly dialled into our playout system (which, of all the songs it could've been, was playing "Happy" at the time) and flipped to Obit mode.
Shortly afterwards, Radio News Hub broke the news to Shine Radio listeners and bulletins aired every quarter hour before dropping to half-hourly later in the day.
Props to the national team for providing an efficient service throughout the day, and to fellow Shine Radio volunteers who speedily got us a local angle.
Entering Obit is one thing, but transitioning out is quite the task - gradually increasing the tempo and reintroducing much loved features while exercising caution over potentially distasteful ads or songs.
The degree to which regular programming should be interrupted is determined by the individual - their level of seniority, a particular fondness they enjoyed etc - and the circumstances that led to their death.
For example, the hugely popular Princess Diana was a horrible shock - and, taking into account both factors, any feeling of sorrow will take longer to shift after The Queen has died (particularly for older audiences) than it did on Friday for Prince Philip.
I think it’s important to weigh up any sadness with the frustration or mental health effects among listeners of losing the familiar feel of their chosen listen.
Similarly, as COVID has shown, presenters have an important role to play in providing companionship and reassurance. In fact, for those who aren't too keen on the solemn music, they are the primary reason for leaving the radio on.
Stations also adjust the tone of their output following any major national or international tragedy.
At HHR, after the horrific Manchester Arena attack, we thoroughly checked and made changes to the following day's logs and suspended features as a mark of respect and to reflect the mood of listeners.
Don’t forget to check the lyrics of your Obit songs... https://t.co/GfjtVT4Bit pic.twitter.com/6SQJbOgscr
— Harrison RB (@HarrisonRBRadio) April 11, 2021
Audio of Radio 1 Dance abruptly joining the network announcement mid-national anthem has gone viral.
The transition into the Prince Philip News on BBC R1 Dance was something else 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/HoYseQMcYa
— Mark Holt (@MarkHolt4) April 9, 2021
As a relatively new online-only service, it seems to have been missed by the override of all BBC stations.
