After a six-year hiatus, the RadioToday Programme is back, offering a familiar voice to those following the UK radio industry. The podcast, hosted by Stu Cochrane and Roy Martin, has returned with a new episode recorded at Radiodays in Latvia, a major gathering for radio professionals. The comeback appears to have been prompted by the constant inquiries from listeners asking if the show would ever reappear, according to the hosts.
The podcast’s return is notable in a media landscape that often sees projects fade away and it’s being playfully compared to other comebacks in the industry, like Chris Evans’ move to UKRadioAid. But unlike heavily-sponsored ventures, this iteration of the RadioToday Programme is currently operating without sponsors, jingles, or a dedicated producer – a deliberately stripped-down approach focusing on conversation and industry insights. The podcast aims to provide a candid look at the radio world, featuring interviews and discussions with key figures.
The first episode features conversations with a wide range of radio professionals who attended Radiodays in Latvia. Guests include Matt Wilkinson of Heart, Aled Haydn Jones, head of BBC Radio 1, Andy Ashton of Greatest Hits Radio, Matt Lomax and Heidi Donald from Global, Jack Saunders and Daisy Jarrett from Radio 1’s New Music Show, radio consultant James Cridland, and Simon Myciunka, President of Audio at Bauer Media Group. The return also saw the unexpected reappearance of Matt Deegan and James Cridland, adding a nostalgic element for long-time listeners.
A Long-Awaited Return for Radio Industry Insiders
The RadioToday Programme initially gained a following for its in-depth coverage of the UK radio industry, offering analysis, interviews, and a behind-the-scenes perspective. Radiodays, an annual event, has develop into a crucial meeting point for radio professionals from across Europe and beyond. Radiodays, held this year in Riga, Latvia, provides a platform for sharing best practices, discussing industry trends, and networking. The choice of Radiodays as the location for the podcast’s relaunch underscores its commitment to covering the broader European radio scene.
The podcast’s absence over the past six years has been felt by many in the industry, with regular questions about its potential return surfacing on social media and within industry circles. The hosts acknowledged this persistent demand as a key factor in their decision to revive the show. The return is a testament to the enduring interest in a dedicated space for discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the radio sector.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
The interviews featured in the new episode offer a snapshot of the current state of the UK radio industry. Matt Wilkinson, a prominent voice on Heart, discussed the station’s continued success and its approach to connecting with listeners. Aled Haydn Jones, as BBC Radio 1’s Controller, likely addressed the challenges of maintaining relevance with younger audiences in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
The inclusion of representatives from Global, Bauer, and Greatest Hits Radio highlights the diverse range of perspectives within the industry. Global, one of the largest commercial radio operators in the UK, is known for its portfolio of popular stations, including Heart, Capital, and LBC. Bauer Media Group also operates a significant number of stations, including Kiss, Absolute Radio, and Magic. Greatest Hits Radio, meanwhile, focuses on a classic hits format, appealing to a different demographic.
The Role of Radio Consultants and Innovation
The participation of James Cridland, a well-respected radio consultant, adds a layer of expert analysis to the discussion. Cridland is known for his insights into the future of radio and his advocacy for innovation. His presence suggests a focus on the evolving technologies and strategies that are shaping the industry. He regularly publishes insights on his website, jamescridland.com, offering a valuable resource for radio professionals.
Simon Myciunka, as President of Audio at Bauer Media Group, brings a strategic perspective on the broader audio landscape, encompassing radio, podcasts, and digital streaming. His insights are particularly relevant as the industry navigates the increasing competition from on-demand audio services.
Listeners can access the RadioToday Programme via the Audioboom feed, as well as through other popular podcast platforms. The podcast’s return signals a renewed commitment to providing insightful coverage of the UK radio industry, offering a valuable resource for professionals and enthusiasts alike. The hosts have not yet announced a regular schedule for future episodes, but the initial response suggests a strong appetite for more content.
The RadioToday Programme’s revival comes at a pivotal moment for the radio industry, as it continues to adapt to changing listening habits and technological advancements. The podcast’s focus on industry voices and its willingness to tackle challenging topics position it as a key platform for navigating these changes. Future episodes will likely delve deeper into the issues discussed at Radiodays, offering further analysis and insights into the future of radio.
Share your thoughts on the return of the RadioToday Programme in the comments below, and feel free to share this article with your colleagues and friends in the radio industry.
Worth a look
