After a six-year hiatus, the RadioToday Programme is back, offering a familiar voice to industry professionals and enthusiasts. The podcast, hosted by Stu Cochrane and Roy Martin, resumed publishing new episodes this week, spurred by persistent inquiries about its return. The first episode features conversations recorded at Radiodays in Latvia, a major European radio conference, and includes interviews with prominent figures from across the UK radio landscape.
The revival comes without the traditional trappings of a fully funded production. Cochrane and Martin are currently operating without a sponsor, jingles, or a dedicated producer, relying on their long-standing rapport and industry connections to deliver content. This stripped-down approach, they say, is a direct response to the constant question of “when is the programme coming back?”
The podcast’s initial absence spanned from 2018 to 2024, leaving a void for those who appreciated its insider perspective on the UK radio industry. The return episode features interviews with Matt Wilkinson of Heart, Aled Haydn Jones, head of BBC Radio 1, Andy Ashton of Greatest Hits Radio, and Matt Lomax and Heidi Donald from Global. Also appearing are Jack Saunders and Daisy Jarrett from Radio 1’s New Music Display, radio consultant James Cridland, and Simon Myciunka, President of Audio at Bauer Media Group. A notable, and somewhat unexpected, appearance is made by Matt Deegan and James Cridland, harking back to the programme’s earlier days.
The RadioToday Programme originally gained a following for its in-depth interviews and analysis of the radio industry, often providing a platform for discussion on trends, challenges, and successes within the sector. Radiodays, held this year in Riga, Latvia from March 17-21, 2024, according to the event’s official website, brought together radio professionals from across Europe and beyond, making it a natural setting for the podcast’s relaunch.
The podcast’s return has been met with positive reactions online, with many industry figures expressing their enthusiasm for its revival. The hosts acknowledge the informal nature of the current setup, but emphasize their commitment to continuing the conversation about the evolving world of radio.
Listeners can access the RadioToday Programme via the Audioboom feed, as well as through other popular podcast platforms. The first episode is now available, offering a snapshot of the discussions and insights shared at Radiodays in Latvia.
The podcast’s return signals a renewed interest in dedicated audio industry analysis, particularly as the sector navigates ongoing changes in consumption habits and technological advancements. Whereas the future of the RadioToday Programme remains unwritten, the initial response suggests a strong appetite for its unique perspective.
Cochrane and Martin have indicated they are open to exploring sponsorship opportunities to support the podcast’s continued production. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out directly, according to the hosts. The next episode’s content and release date are yet to be announced, but listeners can expect further updates via the Audioboom feed and social media channels.
What do you think about the return of the RadioToday Programme? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with others interested in the UK radio industry.
