Apple ventures out (a little bit)

For years, Apple kept its radio content buried away inside the Music app as if hoping people would magically stumble across it while swiping through playlists. Now, finally, it seems they’ve realised broadcasting to the outside world might help someone actually hear it.

Promoting your own platforms is fine - good even - but this doesn’t mean hiding your content so effectively that even loyal iOS users have no idea it exists.

This TuneIn deal puts Apple Music Radio where people actually are - those of us who don’t live inside one app ecosystem - and if you want listeners, you have to meet them on their terms.

Being a great station means more than curating content - it starts with accessibility and making sure people can actually find it with ease. Because no matter how good your programming is, hiding it in a labyrinth of menus doesn’t make it exclusive. It just makes it invisible.

Now the distribution has improved slightly, any chance of a marketing strategy…?

Making it Shine for five years

It’s hard to believe Shine Radio has been part of Petersfield’s community for five years, but I will be attending a drinks reception in town later as members of the team - past and present - mark this anniversary.

Looking back on my time involved in those early days, I feel a deep sense of pride mixed with gratitude. Pride for what the team built together, and gratitude for the people who made it happen.

I was honoured to have played my part in Shine Radio’s launch (supported by a certain Take That song) and initial growth, and the station’s ongoing success is thanks to the ever-growing team of incredible volunteers, partners and supporters who keep it alive and thriving today.

From the start, Shine Radio wasn’t just about launching another station. It was about giving Petersfield something it had long missed: a truly local voice.

Petersfield is one of those lovely market towns where people take very seriously things like the best artisan bakery for their sourdough and whether the biweekly farmers’ market has enough quinoa and kombucha to go around (“Middle Class Radio” might have been a perfectly good working title)!

For years, many in the town relied on regional or national stations that didn’t reflect the rhythms, stories, and spirit of Petersfield itself. Shine Radio changed that by creating a space where local news, events, culture, and everyday stories could come to life.

Originally, the plan was to wait until the forthcoming small-scale DAB multiplex - operated by a consortium which includes Shine Radio - was up and running before launching a linear broadcast. But the COVID lockdown saw more people at home craving connection, and the community needed us. This urgency pushed the station to launch earlier than expected.

Unlike traditional FM or DAB stations, internet radio has often found it hard to build a sustainable business model or attract enough local listeners to cover costs. This includes struggles with audience discoverability, limited local advertising opportunities, and stiff competition from global streaming services and podcasts.

But Shine Radio was never intended to be just a linear radio station. The approach was always multi-platform and on-demand-first. We recognised that today’s audiences consume content in many ways - not just live radio but also podcasts, streaming, and social media.

The team ensured content was available wherever, and whenever, people wanted it. This strategy meant commissioning and creating content that could live across multiple platforms, giving more people access to stories that mattered. 

It also allowed Shine Radio to keep its linear daytime schedule focused on a consistent 35-54 audience, a key local demographic prized for its loyalty and value to advertisers. Meanwhile, specialist shows and on-demand content could cater to niche interests, providing depth and variety beyond mainstream programming.

I’m proud that Shine Radio’s work has been recognised beyond the town. The station won Gold for Digital or RSL Station of the Year in the 2022 Community Radio Awards - having bagged Silver in 2021 - which was incredible validation. The podcast Dogs with Jobs also won Gold for Best Podcast in 2022, a project very close to the team’s heart. And Shine Radio’s nomination for Community Station of the Year at the Radio Academy ARIAS 2023, placing it among the country’s top six community stations, felt like a real milestone.

What sets Shine Radio apart? I believe it’s a combination of:

• Genuine Hyperlocal Connection: Made by Petersfield people, for Petersfield people - authentic and rooted in community spirit.

• Thoughtful Multi-Platform Strategy: Meeting listeners where they are, offering on-demand and live content, and commissioning across channels to maximise reach and relevance.

• Consistent Audience Targeting: Clear focus on the 35-54 demographic during daytime, following proven industry principles on consistency in content and music.

• Unique Specialist Programming: Catering to niche tastes and interests through dedicated shows and podcasts, ensuring diversity and depth.

• Volunteer Heartbeat: Powered by passionate volunteers whose dedication brings life to every broadcast and production.

I remain incredibly proud of Shine Radio’s place in Petersfield - not just as a broadcaster but as a community hub. 

While I’ve moved on to new roles, the station is in excellent hands, with a strong team continuing to push forward. 

The road ahead will surely have challenges, but if the first five years have reassured me of anything, it’s that with heart, vision, and a community behind you, local radio can thrive.

The truth about the GB News "number one" claim

My girlfriend showed me a TikTok from GB News which is now claiming to be “Britain’s number one news channel” - so let’s look at what’s really happened and how much of a triumph this actually is.

It’s true that in several key dayparts, such as breakfast and evenings, GB News has pulled ahead of the BBC News Channel and Sky News in terms of average viewers. Those who watch GB News also tend to stay watching for longer.

But when you look at weekly reach, the picture changes. BBC News and Sky News still attract roughly twice as many people overall. That suggests GB News has a smaller but more dedicated audience, inevitably those who typically share the views it promotes, rather than mass-market dominance.

This difference comes down to the nature of the channels. GB News is more of a "newstalk" outlet - closer in spirit to a TV version of LBC - with presenters offering strong opinions and plenty of discussion.

The BBC News Channel and Sky News, meanwhile, focus on rolling coverage and updates. You don’t usually watch them for extended debate; you dip in to find out what’s happening in the world and leave when you’re up to speed.

GB News’s rise in certain time slots is the result of that loyal base tuning in for long stretches, not necessarily a broad shift in the nation’s news habits. The “number one” label comes from picking a single favourable metric rather than an all-round victory. By other measures, the BBC and Sky are still far ahead.

It’s just worth remembering that “Britain’s number one news channel” can have so many different meanings. In this case, it’s a bit like calling yourself the UK’s top restaurant because more people stayed for dessert on Tuesday than anywhere else. It might be true in a certain, highly specific sense - but it's not exactly the whole picture.

Yes, this thing is still on

If you’re wondering where I’ve been, the short answer is: everywhere.

It’s been such a jam-packed few months that finding time to sit down and write this has taken far longer than I’d like. But now that I’ve finally come up for air, let me catch you up on what’s been happening with me and the amazing team at Express FM.

Let’s rewind to the end of last year. One of the biggest highlights? Express FM being nominated for Station of the Year at the Community Radio Awards. That alone felt surreal. Being named one of the top six community radio stations in the entire UK – just wow. The team and I had a brilliant night in Cardiff, celebrating all the incredible work happening in community radio.

Huge congratulations to ALL FM for taking home the trophy - but for us, just being there meant the world. Earlier in the day, I had the honour of speaking on a panel about community engagement through radio at the UK Community Radio Network conference - a topic I’m endlessly passionate about - and later, presenting the prestigious Young Person of the Year award. An inspiring day from start to finish.

In December, I dusted off the DJ decks and returned to the booth for Festive Bangers at Portsmouth On Ice in Guildhall Square - a night full of cheesy hits, good vibes, and icy dance moves. It was great fun being back on the decks after a few years out!

Great night on the decks at Portsmouth On Ice for ‘Festive Bangers’ - plus, briefly on the ice with my girlfriend and a couple of esteemed @expressfm.com colleagues afterwards! ⛸️🎄 📸 Rosalind Lane

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— Harrison RB (@harrisonrb.com) December 23, 2024 at 2:32 AM

Christmas Day brought even more excitement. George Sampson and Lorraine Stanley - stars of the Kings Theatre Pompey Panto - joined us for a very special show that morning. They brought so much energy and festive cheer to the airwaves. Proper Christmas magic.

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This year’s also been full of new beginnings. We launched a brand new show in partnership with Pompey History Society all about the rich history of PFC, brilliantly hosted by former BBC Radio Gloucestershire presenter Richard Atkins-Greig. And our Express Pride programme got a glow-up - now a two-hour Saturday night show co-hosted by the Co-Chair of Portsmouth Pride.

April saw me co-present a special World Autism Awareness Day programme alongside the brilliant Charlotte Faulconbridge - an autistic author and member of Pompey Poetry Party. We were joined by some incredibly powerful voices, including Flo and Murray from the award-winning Inside Our Autistic Minds documentary, and Cheryl from Autism Hampshire..

Later that month, Express FM went backstage at the Portsmouth Music Awards, the city’s first-ever black tie celebration of its vibrant music scene. I was honoured to present the very first Pop Act of the Year award - what a night that was!

We also marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with an emotional and poignant collaboration with Pompey Poetry Party. Its members shared beautiful original works that paid tribute to a generation of bravery and sacrifice.

Then came the biggest surprise of all: Express FM was nominated for John Myers Local Radio Station of the Year at the ARIAS – or, as they’re affectionately known, the “Radio Oscars.” 

We were the only community station nominated, up against three BBC heavyweights and the heritage commercial giants Clyde 1 and Forth 1. Forth took the win (and deservedly so), but to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the biggest names in the industry? Unreal. Genuinely one of the proudest moments of my career.

So yes - it’s been non-stop. But in the best way possible.

I’m endlessly proud of the work we’ve been doing, the voices we’ve platformed, and the stories we’ve told. If the past few months have shown me anything, it’s that radio - especially community radio - is alive and kicking.

Who knows what the second half of 2025 will bring...!

Bauer moves on new localness rules

The next phase of commercial radio deregulation is in full swing with the DCMS making commencement regulations for Part 5 of the Media Act 2024 just over a week ago, immediately removing requirements from analogue commercial licences relating to music formats and locally-made programming.

It means operators are now free to drastically change any commercial FM station's music policy without the need to seek permission from Ofcom, and these licences can network 24/7 if they so wish (assuming existing local news provision requirements are upheld).

Bauer was quick to announce it is axing regional afternoon programming across the Greatest Hits Radio network from early next month, as well as on Hits Radio Bristol and Hits Radio South Coast.

Contrary to popular belief, lobbying for deregulation was never driven by a blanket desire to do the bare minimum - it was about giving private operators the freedom to take a fully market-led approach with programming decisions and compete with lesser-regulated media.

Presenters, producers and other colleagues affected by changes across the country were given opportunities for a reason, and at least nothing can take away those transferrable skills.

Every job loss represents a human being and I send my best wishes to them all.

As with previous phases of deregulation, groups will be weighing up the return on investment in local / regional programming with the ability to make savings, streamline their businesses and invest in bigger talent. These will be considered decisions.

You wouldn't go for the bare minimum if the risk of losing audience and advertisers outweighs the benefits.

Part 5 also includes a consultation on new local news and information requirements for analogue licences (while retaining current requirements in the meantime) and ending the need for DAB mux operators to seek Ofcom's permission before adding or removing services.

Of all the topics I have written about over the years, commercial radio deregulation has warranted the most articles - so I have put them all in a specific category here!

Tales from the London radio tour

On Thursday (17th) and Friday (18th), I was lucky enough to visit three of the four main national radio headquarters in London.

Ironically, we were staying in Leicester Square and didn't call in to Global on this occasion (this month and Fridays generally are particularly busy there) - but I had done so before attending the ARIAS in May 2023 and, other than new brand extensions and talent moves, not a huge amount has changed... yet. However, a walk past and a late-night pint in Spoons next door was very much able to happen!

After arriving into Waterloo at 3pm, taking the Bakerloo Line to Oxford Circus and a speedy walk up Regent Street, the first of our adventures was New Broadcasting House - home to the UK's only Caffè Nero with no exterior branding... oh, and the BBC.

There was much activity in the newsroom during our tour owing to breaking news at the time that Israel was claiming to have killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. BBC Verify was about to go live from its corner of the mezzanine floor above the newsroom to dig deeper into these reports as we walked through.

As the industry has evolved, and with significant advances in technology, commercial broadcast centres have lived up more and more to standards initially set by the BBC - but anyone who works in a commercial newsroom will appreciate there is little to no comparison in terms of resources. This is the mother of all hubs.

It was then time to head up to the 8th floor, in a glass more claustrophobia-friendly lift (the best kind), home to most of BBC pop radio. Up here, we first came to 1Xtra and the new home of 6 Music followed by Radio 1 (including a visit to the world-famous Live Lounge) and lastly Radio 2's new home which is still being painted / decorated following its move from Wogan House earlier this year.

I would also like to show my appreciation for how the absolute pro that is Sara Cox was able to seamlessly smile and wave through the glass mid-link - so much so that it would be impossible to pinpoint this moment when listening back on Sounds!

Friday morning saw us embark on a half-hour walk to The Lantern in Euston, the new home of Bauer, where it was a delight to join none other than Mr Ken Bruce and his producer Andy at Greatest Hits Radio. You forget just how many splits there are until you can see them all!

I'm used to playing along with PopMaster at home or in the car but sitting next to the man himself wearing guest cans was quite the experience for a radio nerd!

Ken kindly gave us a tour of the wider building and I was amused by the somewhat starstruck looks on the faces of his Bauer colleagues at other brands and in other departments as we wandered (something he wouldn't ordinarily do).

Ken is far too humble to accept such an idea but we all know he is true radio royalty!

Perhaps owing to it being lunchtime - and the fact GHR and Hits were both out of Manchester from 1pm - but one thing that struck me was how quiet it seemed compared to others, despite housing its nine national radio networks and a plethora of magazine brands.

It was pleasant, spacious and despite being a powerhouse felt more like a traditional single big city radio station building than a group hub. One of Bauer's strengths - a notable example being the Hits network talent - is creating national media job opportunities in the North as well as in London.

The final stop on our two-day trip was Rupert Murdoch's News UK. Home to talkSPORT, TalkRadio, Virgin Radio and Times Radio, despite being part of one of the world's biggest media conglomerates and owner of The Sun and The Times, this is by far the smallest of the big four radio businesses.

We were on the 17th floor which houses all studios (apart from that of Times Radio, formerly used for talkRADIO, which is on the 14th floor) and I was delighted to be reunited with Ian Collins, one of my radio heroes, for a good old-fashioned chinwag.

This was my first time at The News Building which, in spite of its 17 floors, seemed quite a small space for multiple national radio stations - but a good atmosphere nonetheless - and Ricky Wilson didn't seem to remember me from our last encounter at Victorious Festival 2023!

There has been much change at Talk in recent months, following its ill-fated venture into linear TV which nobody really understood in practice. As a strategy, it's clear to anyone that Murdoch was rattled by his failed attempt to take over Sky and this was a desperate bid to re-enter the British TV market.

The current incarnation of TalkRadio began life in 2016 with a mix of newstalk and entertainment / comedy from personality presenters before increasing current affairs output over a number of years. Traditionally, it had little to no marketing / cross-promotion despite having unique access to its hugely influential sister newspaper titles.

There was speculation in 2020 that Times Radio would replace it but a decision was made for both stations to exist which led TalkRadio to morph into more of an "angry white men" Fox News-style outlet - effectively aligned with The Sun - generating millions of social media hits even though the radio station and live YouTube stream saw much slower growth.

GB News was a consequence of this, and that led to unconsidered plans for TalkTV which wasn't able to compete with anyone. For all its flaws, GB News stands for something - Talk was always a bit flaky, at least trying to be more balanced and serious at times (which annoyed the right / core audience) and at the same time retaining the "shock jock" element as a key part of its business model (which wrecks all credibility).

The difference with LBC is that it isn't tabloid and doesn't promote "shock jocks" or political theatre in the same way, at least not anymore. It is opinionated but more journalistic in its approach - not tearing up newspapers and shouting at clouds.

Anyway, I've gone off on one again - it was a fascinating and insightful few days during which I saw some old friends and met even more great people, including a new generation of radio pros. The facilities and quality of on-air / digital content are proof of how far we've come as an industry.

The future is bright!

Not-so-easy listening

On 9 July 1990, Melody FM, a new sound for London's "over 50s" population landed on 104.9 FM.

Initially close to what exists today in the form of Boom Light, Angel Radio or Serenade Radio, I'm not sure a 50 year-old even then would have been overly pleased about being considered within the target audience for a station like that! But tightening demographics is a whole other article entirely.

Shortly after Melody's move to a new frequency, 105.4, it would flip to a more contemporary and economically viable Soft AC format just before joining the Magic network under new owner Emap in 1998.

Over at GMG, Smooth would replace Jazz FM in Manchester and subsequently London in the early-mid 2000s which eventually morphed into an easy listening format that has become synonymous with the Smooth brand.

Except, the Smooth and Magic brands today - as built up by Global and Bauer respectively - stand for something a little different.

Magic

It became noticeable just ahead of going national on D1 that Magic was becoming a little more upbeat. This came towards the end of its days on AM in northern England in favour of a regionally-delivered classic hits format (Metro 2, Hallam 2, Radio City 2, etc) so thinking at the time was that this could be a subtle transition period for the MW network together with a general test of the water.

Just over a year later came the launch of Mellow Magic and Magic Chilled (now Hits Radio Chilled), the former adopting Magic's heritage position and the latter comprising a mix of contemporary chilled pop with 90s & 00s R&B.

This cemented Magic's current position as a more rhythmic pop-based national AC brand, focusing primarily on new wave, power ballads and softer current music. It is described as "the UK's favourite upbeat-optimistic station" - confirmation of realignment if ever it was needed!

I would add, full of warmth and personality to back up that statement. I'm a fan.

In my view, the loveliest way anyone can describe a radio station is “homely” - and it perfectly sums up the feel of @magicfm.

— Harrison RB (@HarrisonRBRadio) December 2, 2021

Oh, and who could forget becoming the first UK national radio station to flip to an all-Christmas format throughout December which has proved popular every year since. The only time of year they’ll play anything by Nat King Cole these days.

Smooth

Of the two, Smooth is the closest to what it once was - a "you're never far away from a power ballad" Soft AC mix - although you're also never far away from an 80s synth or a disco ball.

Once "Your Relaxing Music Mix" - a slogan now carried by its ten-month-old digital sister station, Smooth Relax - the main station has been positioning as "Always The Best Music" for the last two years.

Its latest marketing is skewed towards music icons with George Michael, Bee Gees, ABBA and Whitney Houston taking centre stage in the station’s meta description and stirring memories of Capital Gold’s “Where Legends Live” strapline (now being used by Greatest Hits Radio - with the addition of “On” - and iterations heard on Virgin Radio Anthems).

In conclusion...

The repositioning of heritage Soft AC brands and new station launches just demonstrates how the "older" audiences of today are different and how radio listening is primarily mood-driven - in other words, while it has its place, does research suggest most wouldn't want to listen to something laidback 90% of the time?

It also makes sense, if you're looking for a presenter to put a smile on your face, you're probably also looking for a music mix that does the same job.

I've run the RAJAR Q2 2024 numbers for a few of the main national "chilled" music stations:

• Capital Chill (chilled house and ambient dance): 241k
• Hits Radio Chilled formerly Magic Chilled (R&B and stripped back pop): 462k
• Mellow Magic (traditional Soft AC / easy listening): 443k
• Smooth Chill formerly Chill (ambient / trip-hop): 531k
• Smooth Relax (traditional Soft AC / easy listening): 494k
• Virgin Radio Chilled: (acoustic singer-songwriters): 249k

Together, listening to these stations makes up 4.8% of all radio.

While there is little point in comparing with the mothership Magic and Smooth audiences, given they do not have as much if any heritage to lean on and not as much marketing behind them, it does at least suggest that easy listening is perhaps more niche than it once was.