2012 in British radio

none April 2014 April 2014 2012 British radio British television British music This is a list of events in British radio during 2012. Events January 6 January – Following its sale to UKRD, Fresh Radio, which broadcast on MW across the Yorkshire Dales, closes.https://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/9458293.end-of-an-era-as-craven-based-broadcaster-bows-out/ End of an era as Craven-based broadcaster bows out Adrian Braddy 6 January 2012 Craven Herald & Pioneer 26 June 2020 The more populous parts of the area are later served by Stray FM which is expanded to cover areas such as Skipton and Wharfedale, and the Richmond area is served to Star Radio North East. 7 January – Alan Titchmarsh joins Classic FM to present a new Saturday morning programme.Alan Titchmarsh signs for Classic FM After having his car stolen the previous evening, Graham Norton asks listeners of his Radio 2 show to help find it. Calling it "The Great Car Hunt" he tells listeners to "Keep your eyes out for it. It was filthy by the way." The car is subsequently returned to him.https://www.standard.co.uk/news/norton-gets-car-back-after-radio-plea-7305723.html Norton gets car back after radio plea London Evening Standard Standard.co.uk 2012-01-09 2018-01-14Norton's radio hunt for his stolen car http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2012/0110/434785-nortong/ 24 October 2017 RTÉ 10 January 2012 8 January – Graham Torrington joins Smooth Radio to host his Late Night Love show on the network.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2011/12/torrington-takes-late-night-love-to-smooth/ Torrington takes Late Night Love to Smooth Radio Today 1 December 2011 31 December 2011 12 January – GMG Radio confirms a deal with US syndication firm Premiere Networks to air 1970s editions of the original American Top 40 show presented by Casey Kasem at weekends on its new digital station "Smooth 70s". The station also features Disco Lunch and Late Night Love Songs among its weekday programming.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/01/smooth-70s-to-air-old-american-top-40s/ Smooth 70s to air old American Top 40s Radio Today 12 January 2012 24 January 2012 21 January – Under new guidelines to come into force from 30 April clinics which charge for pregnancy services including abortions will be able to advertise on radio and television after the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice ruled there was no justification for barring such clinics from advertising their services. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16663800 Abortion clinics cleared for TV by advertising body BBC BBC News 21 January 2012 21 January 2012 23 January – GMG Radio announces it is conducting a "full review" of its news staff. Currently the broadcaster employs 39 journalists, nine of whom are based in Scotland.http://news.stv.tv/scotland/west-central/294700-real-radio-owners-to-make-news-staff-redundancies/ https://archive.today/20120714161133/http://news.stv.tv/scotland/west-central/294700-real-radio-owners-to-make-news-staff-redundancies/ dead 14 July 2012 Real Radio owners to lay off newsroom staff Glasgow and West STV News News.stv.tv 23 January 2012 25 January 2012 26 January – The UK-based British Army radio station, Garrison FM switches on two more transmitters in Inverness, making the city the second in Scotland to receive the service after Edinburgh.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/02/garrison-fm-adds-to-more-fm-locations/ Garrison FM adds two more FM locations Radio Today 16 February 2012 16 February 2012Helen Bushnell http://www.highland-news.co.uk/News/Army-radio-to-be-launched-in-Inverness-and-Fort-George-25012012.htm News Army radio set for Inverness and Fort George Highland News 25 January 2012 16 February 2012 29 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120129064925/http://www.highland-news.co.uk/News/Army-radio-to-be-launched-in-Inverness-and-Fort-George-25012012.htm dead 28 January – Zoë Ball announces she is stepping down from her Saturday breakfast show on Radio 2 and that she has presented her final programme. She will continue to provide cover for other presenters on the network.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/01/last-radio-2-saturday-show-for-zoe-ball/ Last Radio 2 Saturday show for Zoe Ball Radio Today 29 January 2012 31 January 2012 29 January – Radio 4's Desert Island Discs celebrates its 70th anniversary, having first been broadcast on 29 January 1942. February 3 February – UTV Media acquires the licences for The Wyre and The Severn from MNA Broadcasting.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/02/wyre-and-severn-sold-to-utv-media/ Wyre and Severn sold to UTV Media Radio Today 3 February 2012 7 February 2012 Manx Radio, the Isle of Man's national radio station sets out proposals to cut all but one of its staff presenters as the broadcaster faces cuts in contributions in the forthcoming Government budget for 2012–13.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/02/presenter-cuts-planned-for-manx-radio/ Presenter cuts planned for Manx Radio Radio Today 3 February 2012 9 February 2012 7 February – UTV Media unveils plans to merge The Wolf, The Wyre and The Sever and rebrand them as Signal 107.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/02/the-wolf-wyre-severn-become-signal/ The Wolf, Wyre & Severn become Signal Radio Today 7 February 2012 7 February 2012 The rebrand happens on 26 March. 14 February – Poole community radio station The Bay 102.8 is re-branded as Hot Radio.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/02/hot-radio-takes-over-from-the-bay-102-8/ Hot Radio takes over from The Bay 102.8 Radio Today 13 February 2007 14 February 2012 16 February – Ofcom gives the KMFM n e t w o r k permission to network the breakfast show, meaning programming will be identical across all seven stations at all times.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/02/kmfm-group-can-have-one-breakfast-show/ kmfm group can have one breakfast show Radio Today 16 February 2012 24 February 2012 19 February – Jazz FM issues an apology after listeners heard five minutes of what appeared to be an adult film played over the beginning of one of its programmes the previous evening.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/02/jazz-fm-turns-blue-after-studio-incident/ Jazz FM turns blue after studio incident Radio Today 19 February 2012 24 February 2012 Ofcom later launches an investigation into the incident after receiving three complaints.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/ofcom-investigates-jazz-fm-porn-broadcast/ Ofcom investigates Jazz FM porn broadcast Radio Today 5 March 2012 7 March 2012John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/mar/05/jazz-fm-gay-porn-film?newsfeed=true Jazz FM to be investigated over gay porn gaffe Guardian Media Group The Guardian 5 March 2012 7 March 2012 21 February – Global Radio places an immediate ban on the playing of tracks by the boy band One Direction on its stations after group member Harry Styles mistakenly thanked Radio 1 during a BRIT Awards acceptance speech for an award voted for by listeners of Capital Radio, a Global station.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/04/one-direction-still-banned-by-capital-fm/ One Direction still 'banned' by Capital FM Radio Today 20 April 2012 23 April 2012 25 February – Television presenter Anneka Rice makes her debut on Radio 2, presenting the Saturday breakfast show vacated by Zoë Ball.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/02/rice-takes-radio-2-weekend-show-from-ball/ Rice takes Radio 2 weekend show from Ball Radio Today 10 February 2012 11 February 2012 26 February – The Top Ten countdown from The Radio 1 Chart Show is made available in vision for the first time through the station's website.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/01/radio-1-chart-goes-visual-for-last-hour/ Radio 1 chart goes visual for last hour Radio Today 22 January 2012 1 March 2012 28 February – LBC introduces the first client-hosted programme with the weekday "Bupa Wellbeing Hour".http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/02/lbc-introduces-client-hosted-programmes/ LBC introduces client-hosted programmes Radio Today 29 February 2012 1 March 2012 29 February – The BBC World Service celebrates its 80th anniversary.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17155441 BBC News BBC World Service at 80: A lifetime of shortwave BBC 29 February 2012 2 March 2012 March 1 March – Some digital radio listeners are required to retune their devices to continue receiving some stations after changes are made settings to "improve the efficiency of the network".http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/listeners-told-to-re-tune-digital-radios/ Listeners told to re-tune digital radios Radio Today 1 March 2012 1 March 2012 5 March – Phil Upton says he will step down as host of the breakfast show on BBC Radio WM from the end of next month after five years in the role.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/phil-upton-to-leave-bbc-wm-breakfast/ Phil Upton to leave BBC WM breakfast Radio Today 5 March 2012 7 March 2012 6 March – Comedian Alan Carr announces his intention to quit his Radio 2 show Going Out with Alan Carr so he can devote more time to his television career.http://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0307/carra.html Carr quits radio to concentrate on TV RTÉ News Rte.ie 6 March 2012 7 March 2012 7 March – Guildford based County Sound is given approval by Ofcom to change its classic hits format to a community-based information station under the name Eagle Extra.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/county-sound-to-change-to-eagle-extra/ County Sound changes to Eagle Extra Radio Today 7 March 2012 14 March 2012 14 March – The owners of Jack FM announce the launch of a new consultancy firm, OXIS Media, which will represent the brand throughout the UK and Europe.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/oxis-media-to-represent-jack-fm-in-europe/ OXIS Media to represent Jack FM in Europe Radio Today 14 March 2012 14 March 2012 Ofcom invites bids from groups to apply for a community radio licence to broadcast in Northern Ireland.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/northern-ireland-radio-licences-available/ Northern Ireland radio licences available Radio Today 14 March 2012 16 March 2012 16 March – Quidem, owners of the Touch FM brand agrees a deal with the Lincs FM Group to buy Oak FM in Loughborough and Hinckley, thus increasing its number of stations to eight.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/quidem-buys-oak-fm-from-lincs-fm-group/ Quidem buys Oak FM from Lincs FM group Radio Today 16 March 2012 16 March 2012 19 March – BBC Director-General Mark Thompson tells staff at the broadcaster that he will step down from his position later in the year.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17433580 BBC News BBC director general Mark Thompson announces departure BBC 19 March 2012 23 March 2012 20 March – It is reported that Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) will join Xfm for a ten part series titled On The Road To Big Beach Bootique 5 airing on Saturday nights from the end of March.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/fatboy-slim-signs-for-10-shows-on-xfm/ Fatboy Slim signs for 10 shows on Xfm Radio Today 20 March 2012 23 March 2012 21 March – Smooth Radio announces a deal to begin airing a syndicated show from the United States presented by Donny Osmond from 8 April, replacing Graham Torrington's Late Night Love. Torrington will leave the network, while other changes include Drivetime's Carlos and afternoon presenter David Jensen swapping shows.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/further-schedule-changes-for-smooth-radio/ Smooth Radio adds Donny Osmond to line-up Radio Today 21 March 2012 22 March 2012 23 March – The BBC's MediaCityUK complex at Salford Quays is officially opened by the Queen.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17489474 BBC News Queen opens BBC MediaCityUK base in Salford BBC 23 March 2012 23 March 2012 Tony Blackburn and Mike Read are signed to appear on the Magic Network.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/blackburn-read-join-dlt-on-magic-am/ Blackburn & Read join DLT on Magic AM Radio Today 23 March 2012 26 March 2012 26 March – Radio 2 confirms it will air a dance music show presented by Dave Pearce from April. Dave Pearce's Dance Years will air on Saturday evenings.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/dave-pearce-for-radio-2-saturday-nights/ Dave Pearce for Radio 2 Saturday nights Radio Today 26 March 2012 26 March 2012 Orion Media rebrands the West Midlands stations BRMB, Beacon, Mercia and Wyvern as Free Radio.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/orion-stations-morph-into-free-radio/ Orion stations morph into Free Radio Radio Today 27 March 2012 10 April 2012 27 March – The BBC announces plans to axe 140 news posts in 2013 as part of cost-cutting measures. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17526840 BBC News announces plans to close 140 posts BBC BBC News 27 March 2012 27 March 2012 April 2 April – A shake-up of the Radio 1 schedule sees Scott Mills and Greg James swapping shows, James hosting the drivetime show and Mills the afternoon show.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/02/greg-james-to-host-bbc-radio-1-drivetime/ Greg James to host BBC Radio 1 Drivetime Radio Today 28 February 2012 1 March 2012 Former Heart Bristol breakfast presenter Andy Bush joins Absolute Radio to present the afternoon show.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/02/bush-leaves-heart-for-absolute-radio/ Bush leaves Heart for Absolute Radio Radio Today 8 February 2012 11 February 2012 Talksport dedicates its entire programming schedule to sport output, having previously offered a variety of sport and general news-related topics.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/talksport-changes-to-24-hour-sport/ talkSPORT changes to 24-hour sport Radio Today 7 March 2012 8 March 2012 3 April – 2012 London mayoral election candidates Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone reportedly have a heated argument following a debate on London's LBC.Hodges Dan http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danhodges/100148917/foreman-vs-ali-marciano-vs-louis-ken-vs-boris/ https://archive.today/20120712004410/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danhodges/100148917/foreman-vs-ali-marciano-vs-louis-ken-vs-boris/ dead 12 July 2012 Boris tells Ken: 'You're a f***ing liar' Telegraph Media Group Daily Telegraph 3 April 2012 7 April 2012 8 April – Forces broadcaster BFBS simulcasts a two-hour show with Smooth Radio allowing family and friends of serving troops to connect with their loved ones.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/04/bfbs-links-up-with-smooth-for-easter/ BFBS links up with Smooth for Easter Radio Today 4 April 2012 7 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120409150818/http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/04/bfbs-links-up-with-smooth-for-easter/ 9 April 2012 dead dmy-all 10 April – Martin White is sacked from his role as sidekick on The Dave Gorman Show on Absolute Radio.Absolutely sacked http://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2012/04/11/15200/absolutely_sacked Chortle 11 April 2012 14 April – Radio 2 airs a minute-by-minute account of the sinking of the RMS Titanic to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the disaster.Gillian Reynolds https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9200288/Titanic-Minute-by-Minute-Radio-2-preview.html Titanic: Minute by Minute, Radio 2, preview Telegraph Media Group Daily Telegraph 12 April 2012 14 April 2012 16 April – Graham Torrington joins BBC Radio WM to present a late night weekday music and chat programme.https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00qzrm2 WM Programmes – Graham Torrington, 16/04/2012 BBC 10 April 2012 He also rejoins BBC Bristol from 21 April to host Graham Torrington's Late Night Love Songs, a show syndicated across BBC stations in the South West on Saturday and Sunday evenings.http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Graham-s-Bristol-airwaves/story-15847076-detail/story.html https://archive.today/20130505062819/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Graham-s-Bristol-airwaves/story-15847076-detail/story.html dead 5 May 2013 Graham's back on the Bristol airwaves Bristol Evening Post 18 April 2012 19 April 2012 17 April – Ed James celebrates ten years as breakfast show presenter at Heart West Midlands.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/04/ed-james-marks-10-years-on-heart-breakfast/ Ed James marks 10 years on Heart breakfast Radio Today 18 April 2012 19 April 2012 19 April – BBC Radio 4's Today features a groundbreaking interview with Tourette's sufferer Jess Thomas. Ed James is named as Chairman of Birmingham Press Club.Brown Graeme http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/technology-and-innovation/2012/04/19/heart-fm-s-ed-james-named-as-new-birmingham-press-club-chairman-65233-30795441/ https://archive.today/20120804221507/http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/technology-and-innovation/2012/04/19/heart-fm-s-ed-james-named-as-new-birmingham-press-club-chairman-65233-30795441/ dead 4 August 2012 Heart FM's Ed James named as new Birmingham Press Club chairman Trinity Mirror Birmingham Post 19 April 2012 19 April 2012 20 April – Premier Christian Radio loses a High Court challenge against a ban on an advert it planned to run seeking Christians who felt they had been "marginalised at work". The Court rules that it was "directed to a political end" and the Radio Advertising Clearance Centre acted lawfully in banning the commercial.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17785917 BBC News Christian radio station loses advert High Court bid BBC 20 April 2012 23 April 2012 23 April – Jazz FM is found to be in breach of Ofcom's broadcasting code after the transmission of a pornographic soundtrack during an edition of one of its programmes. However, the station is not fined over the incident.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/04/jazz-fm-found-in-breach-after-incident/ Jazz FM found in breach after incident Radio Today 23 April 2012 23 April 2012 The Independent reports that BBC Radio 5 Live is to make broadcasting history by producing a two-hour show live from an abortion clinic. Presented by Victoria Derbyshire, the show will air next month and the BBC hopes it will provide some insight into what is regarded by many as a taboo subject.Ian Burrell https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/bbc-to-tackle-taboo-with-live-radio-show-from-abortion-clinic-7669133.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/bbc-to-tackle-taboo-with-live-radio-show-from-abortion-clinic-7669133.html 1 May 2022 subscription live BBC to tackle taboo with live radio show from abortion clinic Independent Print Ltd The Independent 23 April 2012 24 April 2012 Undated in April Gilles Peterson joins BBC 6 Music as the station shakes up its weekend schedule.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/weekend-shuffle-for-bbc-radio-6-music/ Weekend shuffle for BBC Radio 6 Music Radio Today 12 March 2012 14 March 2012 Celador Radio rebrands Andover Sound and Newbury Sound as The Breeze, bringing to nine the number of stations with that name.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/andover-and-newbury-sound-to-become-breeze/ Andover and Newbury Sound to become Breeze Radio Today 13 March 2012 14 March 2012 The weekend breakfast show on the north of England Magic stops being a local show in favour of a networked programme. Only the weekday breakfast show remains locally produced. May 1 May – Ofcom approves a co-location request from Touch Radio Staffordshire to move from Tamworth to Oak FM's headquarters in Coalville. Touch will share some of Oak's programming, but must retain its local Staffordshire-based breakfast show.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/05/touch-staffordshire-can-move-to-oak-fm/ Touch Staffordshire can move to Oak FM Radio Today 1 May 2012 10 May 2012 5 May – BBC Breakfast presenter Sian Williams joins Radio 4's Saturday Live magazine programme to co-host alongside Rev. Richard Coles. The programme is also extended from 60 to 90 minutes.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/newsreader-sian-williams-returns-to-radio/ Newsreader Sian Williams returns to radio Radio Today 4 March 2010 4 March 2012 7 May – Launch of Heart Cornwall replacing Atlantic FM.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/05/globals-heart-brand-arrives-in-cornwall/ Global's Heart brand arrives in Cornwall Radio Today 8 May 2012 15 May 2012 12 May – Liza Tarbuck begins presenting her first regular show on BBC Radio 2, having provided holiday cover on many previous occasions.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/liza-tarbuck-gets-radio-2-saturday-nights/ Liza Tarbuck gets Radio 2 Saturday nights Radio Today 8 March 2012 8 March 2012Paul Millar http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/media/news/a370162/liza-tarbuck-to-replace-alan-carr-on-bbc-radio-2-going-out-show.html Liza Tarbuck to replace Alan Carr on BBC Radio 2 'Going Out' show – Media News Digital Spy 8 March 2012 8 March 2012 14 May – "Jealous of the Angels", a song recorded by US country singer Jenn Bostic and inspired by her father, is first played by broadcaster Simon Bates on his Simon Bates at Breakfast show on Smooth Radio as part of the Our Tune strand.http://www.jennbostic.com/news?page=news_item&NewsID=3765647606194&Press_Page_Width=750&last_page=news_archive 'Jealous of the Angels' on Smooth Radio in the Uk Jenn Bostic 14 May 2012 28 September 2012http://www.smoothradio.co.uk/shows-presenters/simon-bates-at-breakfast/our-tune-with-simon-bates/our-tune-14-may-2012/7b8c3 Our Tune with Simon Bates – 14 May 2012 Smooth Radio 14 May 2012 28 September 2012 The song is quickly among the station's Top 10 Most Played for the week, and goes on to receive over two million views on YouTube.http://www.americansongspace.com/1f3e69379c4a6e7f5ee591678d8105619ead5603 Jenn Bostic American Songspace 28 September 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130529131312/http://www.americansongspace.com/1f3e69379c4a6e7f5ee591678d8105619ead5603 29 May 2013 15 May – Newcastle-based Amazing Radio leaves the DAB multiplex after a contractual dispute with Digital One owners Arqiva, but continues to broadcast online.http://www.radioguide.co.uk/article/amazing-radio-leaves-dab-radio.html Amazing Radio Leaves DAB Radio Guide 21 May 2012 4 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120530103146/http://www.radioguide.co.uk/article/amazing-radio-leaves-dab-radio.html 30 May 2012 dead dmy-all 22 May – Capital FM ends its three-month boycott on One Direction songs after the group's hit What Makes You Beautiful is played on the network shortly after 7.45pm.Clarkson Stuart http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/05/capital-fm-ends-3-month-one-direction-ban/ Capital FM ends 3-month One Direction ban Radio Today 22 May 2012 24 May 2012 24 May – Orion Media announces it will relaunch four medium wave frequencies in the West Midlands under the Free Radio brand. The stations – currently part of the Gold network – will be dedicated to 80s music when the rebrand happens later in the year.Clarkson Stuart http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/05/gold-to-be-free-radio-80s-in-west-mids/ Gold to be Free Radio 80s in West Mids Radio Today 24 May 2012 4 June 2012 27 May – Smooth Radio's Simon Bates presents a special programme ahead of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, previewing Elizabeth II's journey along the Thames on the Spirit of Chartwell. Given special access to the vessel chosen as the royal barge he chats to the boat's owner, Philip Morrell as well as composer Debbie Wiseman who was commissioned to write the music for the event.Clarkson Stuart http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/05/smooth-radio-previews-jubilee-pageant/ Smooth Radio previews Jubilee pageant Radio Today 25 May 2012 1 June 2012 31 May – BBC Radio 4 announces a five-and-a-half-hour celebration of James Joyce's Ulysses on this coming Bloomsday (16 June), claiming it as the novel's first full-length dramatisation in Britain.Ben Dowell https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/may/31/radio-4-ulysses Radio 4 to dramatise Ulysses Guardian Media Group The Guardian 31 May 2012 3 June 2012 Undated in May – BBC Somerset launches as a full-time station. June 1 June – Swansea's 102.1 Bay Radio is relaunched as Nation 80s, becoming the first FM station in the UK to play nothing but 80s music.Clarkson Stuart http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/06/swanseas-bay-radio-relaunches-as-nation-80s/ Swansea's Bay Radio changes to Nation 80s Radio Today 1 June 2012 2 June 2012 2 June – Jonathan Dimbleby presents his final edition of Radio 4's Any Answers? after 25 years, but continues with its sister programme Any Questions?.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/05/dimbleby-steps-down-from-radio-4-show/ Dimbleby steps down from Radio 4 show Radio Today 22 May 2012 24 May 2012 3 June – As part of their Diamond Jubilee coverage Global Radio's LBC 97.3 makes a world exclusive broadcast from The Shard, Europe's tallest building, to cover the River Thames Pageant, offering a bird's eye view of the event.Clarkson Stuart http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/06/lbc-covers-jubilee-pageant-from-on-high/ LBC covers Jubilee pageant from on high Radio Today 1 June 2012 4 June 2012 4 June – Radio 2 airs the Diamond Jubilee Concert from Buckingham Palace.Neil McCormick https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/the_queens_diamond_jubilee/9309940/The-Queens-Diamond-Jubilee-concert-Pop-royalty-gathers-to-pay-tribute.html The Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert: Pop royalty gathers to pay tribute Telegraph Media Group The Daily Telegraph 4 June 2012 4 June 2012 7 June – Online music station Last.fm says that some of its passwords have been leaked, and urges users of its website to change them immediately.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18358485 BBC News Last.fm is the latest site to suffer a password breach BBC 7 June 2012 8 June 2012 8 June – Bauer Radio stations Kiss and Heat carry the first in a series of live adverts for a new TV show on Channel 4. The heat4...Live! social TV experiences are three live dual screen events, with the first centred around the Hollyoaks Savage Party special. http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/05/bauer-to-air-live-radio-commercials/ Bauer to air live radio commercials Roy Martin Radio Today 30 May 2012 31 May 2012 It is reported that Absolute Radio's CEO Donnach O'Driscoll has emailed users of the station's website to apologise after some received unsolicited mail.Martin Roy http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/06/absolute-security-breach/ Absolute apologies for security breach Radio Today 8 June 2012 8 June 2012 9 June – Anita Anand takes over as presenter of Any Answers?. 11 June – Simon Bates takes his Smooth Radio Breakfast Show to the Falkland Islands for a week of programmes to mark the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War.Martin Roy http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/06/bates-to-broadcast-from-the-falklands/ Bates to broadcast from the Falklands Radio Today 8 June 2012 8 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120610213203/http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/06/bates-to-broadcast-from-the-falklands/ 10 June 2012 dead dmy-all 12 June – It is reported that GMG has received multiple offers for its radio business which value it at £50 million, as the company seeks to reshape itself to stem losses being made by The Guardian and The Observer.Gideon Spanier https://www.standard.co.uk/business/media/the-guardian-tries-to-secure-future-again-7848091.html The Guardian tries to secure future again Evening Standard Associated Newspapers Ltd 13 June 2012 17 June 2012 15 June – Supermarket retailer Tesco buys a majority share in WE7, the digital music platform which offers free personalised radio stations online.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/06/tesco-buys-online-radio-service-for-11m/ Tesco buys online radio service for £11m Radio Today 15 June 2012 17 June 2012https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9333189/Tesco-WE7-deal-could-net-windfall-for-Peter-Gabriel.html Tesco WE7 deal could net windfall for Peter Gabriel Telegraph Media Group The Daily Telegraph 15 June 2012 17 June 2012 17 June – Salisbury's Spire FM simulcasts a two-hour programme with BFBS for Father's Day.Clarkson Stuart http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/06/fathers-day-link-up-for-bfbs-and-spire-fm/ Father's Day link-up for BFBS and Spire FM Radio Today 5 June 2012 7 June 2012 20 June – The BBC Trust says that Radio 1's core audience is still too old, despite changes made to output following an amendment to the wording of its service licence in 2009. The station is aimed at the 15–29-year age group, but the average age of their listeners is 30.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/06/bbc-trust-radio-1-fails-to-meet-targets/ BBC Trust: Radio 1 fails to meet targets Radio Today 20 June 2012 23 June 2012 23 – 24 June – 100,000 people attend Radio 1's Hackney Weekend, a two-day music concert at Hackney Marshes, which forms part of the build-up to the 2012 Summer Olympics.Kitty Empire https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/jun/23/radio-1-hackney-weekend-empire?newsfeed=true Radio 1's Hackney Weekend offers an urban alternative to the Olympics The Observer Guardian Media Group 23 June 2012 23 June 2012 25 June – GMG Radio is sold to Global Radio for an undisclosed amount, thought to be around £50m. However, no structural changes will be made to either organisations until the deal has been investigated by Ofcom.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/06/global-radio-buys-gmg-radio/ Global Radio purchases GMG Radio Radio Today 25 June 2012 27 June 2012 Several rival radio groups express their concerns over the takeover and the effect it could have on commercial radio in the UK.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/06/radio-groups-oppose-global-domination/ Radio groups oppose Global domination Radio Today 25 June 2012 27 June 2012 26 June – The online Radioplayer service is to be made available to non-Ofcom licensed stations for the first time, but initially only 30 slots are being offered.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/06/radioplayer-opens-up-for-all-stations Radioplayer opens up for all stations Radio Today 26 June 2012 27 June 2012 29 June – Tim Lihoreau replaces Mark Forrest as host of Classic FM's weekday breakfast show with Jane Jones taking over the weekend breakfast show which Tim vacated and John Brunning replaces Mark as printer of weekly Classic FM chart show.Breakfast schedule changes at Classic FM July 3 July – The BBC Trust rules that Sir Terry Wogan breached the broadcasting guidelines following comments he made on his Radio 2 show that appeared to make light of the Costa Concordia disaster nine days after the ship ran aground and partially sank off the Italian Coast in January.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/9373052/Sir-Terry-Wogan-rapped-by-BBC-for-Costa-Concordia-Rock-the-boat-joke.html Sir Terry Wogan rapped by BBC for Costa Concordia 'Rock the boat' joke Telegraph Media Group The Daily Telegraph 3 July 2012 5 July 2012 Global Radio announce plans to branch into television with the launch of two non-stop music channels; Heart TV and Capital TV, which will go on air from September.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/07/global-radio-to-launch-heart-capital-tv/ Global Radio to launch Heart & Capital TV Radio Today 3 July 2012 9 July 2012 4 July – Broadcaster George Entwistle is named as the next Director-General of the BBC beginning in autumn 2012.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18702085 BBC News George Entwistle named next BBC director general BBC 4 July 2012 4 July 2012 8 July – It is reported that Wise Buddah Productions will create a new jingle package for BBC Radio 2.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/07/wise-buddah-creates-new-radio-2-jingles/ Wise Buddah creates new Radio 2 jingles Radio Today 8 July 2012 9 July 2012 11 July – Chris Moyles announces on-air that he will leave the Radio 1 Breakfast Show in September. It is confirmed later the same day that he will be succeeded by Nick Grimshaw.Crookes Del https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-18792684 Newsbeat Chris Moyles to leave Radio 1 breakfast show in September BBC 11 July 2012 11 July 2012 12 July – At midday, the BBC World Service makes its final broadcast from London's Bush House after 71 years at the building. The broadcaster's language services are thereafter relocated to Broadcasting House in a merger with the rest of BBC News.Dan Sabbagh https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/jul/12/bush-house-ceases-bbc-broadcasts?newsfeed=true Bush House ceases BBC broadcasts after 71 years The Guardian Guardian Media Group 12 July 2012 13 July 2012 18 July – BBC Commissioning invites tenders to produce a new networked evening show for its local radio stations to begin airing from 7 January 2013.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/07/date-set-for-networked-local-radio-show/ Date set for networked BBC evening show Radio Today 18 July 2012 20 July 2012 26 July – Talksport secures a six-year deal to air FA Cup matches, meaning the BBC has lost the exclusive rights to the competition and must now share with its commercial rival.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/jul/26/bbc-loses-exclusive-fa-cup-radio-rights BBC loses exclusive radio rights to FA Cup and must share with TalkSport Guardian Media Group The Guardian 26 July 2012 28 July 2012 27 July-12 August – BBC Radio 5 Live operates a temporary station – 5 Live Olympics Extra – to provide additional coverage of the 2012 Summer Olympics. August 3 August – Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt instructs Ofcom and the Office of Fair Trading to examine Global Radio's £70m purchase of GME Radio.Katherine Rushton https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/media/9449285/Jeremy-Hunt-calls-on-Ofcom-and-OFT-to-probe-Guardians-radio-deal.html Jeremy Hunt calls on Ofcom and OFT to probe Guardian's radio deal Telegraph Media Group The Daily Telegraph 3 August 2012 4 August 2012 6 August – Ruth Barnes takes over as breakfast show presenter on Amazing Radio.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/08/amazing-radio-appoints-new-breakfast-host/ Amazing Radio appoints new breakfast host Radio Today 2 August 2012 4 August 2012 13 August – To celebrate Team GB's Olympic success at London 2012 Absolute Radio's breakfast show host Christian O'Connell plays Spandau Ballet's 1983 hit Gold 29 times between 6.00am and 10.30am, matching the number of gold medals won by Britain's athletes. 14 August – Outgoing BBC Director-General Mark Thompson is appointed CEO of The New York Times, taking up his role in November. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19263760 New York Times appoints BBC's Mark Thompson as new boss BBC News BBC 14 August 2012 18 August 2012 17 August – 24 September – BBC Local Radio begins switching off its medium wave frequencies in a five-week experiment to determine whether the service will be missed by their listeners. BBC Radio Kent, BBC Radio Lincolnshire, BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC Radio Nottingham are the first to cease AM broadcasting in what is planned as a cost-cutting exercise.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/08/bbc-local-radio-starts-switching-off-am/ BBC local radio starts switching off AM Radio Today 19 August 2012 28 August 2012 18 August – It is announced that veteran Birmingham-based sports broadcaster Tony Butler has retired due to ill health.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/08/butler-retires-from-west-midlands-radio/ Butler retires from West Midlands radio Radio Today 24 August 2012 28 August 2012http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2012/08/25/birmingham-football-pundit-tony-butler-retires-97319-31694348/ Birmingham football pundit Tony Butler retires Brett Gibbons Trinity Mirror Birmingham Mail 25 August 2012 28 August 2012 24 August – An Ofcom survey of radio listeners reveals many believe there are too many adverts on commercial radio.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/08/too-many-commercials-radio-listeners-say/ Too many commercials, radio listeners say Radio Today 24 August 2012 28 August 2012 27 August – Astrologer Russell Grant joins Smooth Radio to present a one-off programme playing some of his favourite tracks from the 1960s.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/08/russell-grant-to-host-smooth-radio-show/ Russell Grant to host Smooth Radio show Radio Today 15 August 2012 16 August 2012 The digital station Smooth 70s counts down its Top 70 of the 70s chart after inviting listeners to vote for their favourite hit from the decade. The chart, presented by several presenters from the main Smooth Radio station, features ABBA's Dancing Queen as its number one.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/08/smooth-radio-presenters-head-to-smooth-70s/ Smooth Radio presenters head to Smooth 70s Radio Today 22 August 2012 28 August 2012 28 August – UTV Media – which owns the ITV franchise for Northern Ireland and the UK-based sports-orientated radio station Talksport – reports a summer of mixed fortunes in terms of advertising revenue. Coverage of the 2012 European Cup proved lucrative for talkSPORT, but television advertising was hit by the 2012 Summer Olympics.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/aug/28/utv-media-mixed-results-summer-sport?newsfeed=true UTV Media gets mixed results from summer of sporting events The Guardian Guardian Media Group 28 August 2012 28 August 2012 30 August – BBC Radio 2 unveils a landmark 50-part series which will highlight 50 tracks that have shaped modern British culture. The series, The People's Songs will be presented by Stuart Maconie and air in 2013, and features songs as diverse as Vera Lynn's "We'll Meet Again" and "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/08/smooth-ops-lands-50-part-radio-2-series/ Smooth Ops lands 50-part Radio 2 series Radio Today 30 August 2012 31 August 2012 In a marketing strategy designed to target its listeners with adverts suited to their age and location Absolute Radio announces plans to require its listeners to register with their website to hear their online streaming services.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/08/absolute-radio-moves-behind-registration/ Absolute Radio moves behind registration Radio Today 30 August 2012 31 August 2012 West Midlands based Sanjhi Awaz Radio ceases broadcasting after two years on air due to financial problems.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/08/west-midlands-station-ceases-transmission/ West Midlands station ceases transmission Radio Today 31 August 2012 31 August 2012 September 3 September – Wayne Bavin leaves 96.2 The Revolution owned by Steve Penk and takes over Drive time on Sunderland's 103.4 Sun FM. 4 September – Maria Miller is appointed as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, replacing Jeremy Hunt.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/09/maria-miller-appointed-culture-secretary/ Maria Miller appointed Culture Secretary Radio Today 4 September 2012 6 September 2012 Gold is replaced by Free Radio 80s in the West Midlands on AM and DAB.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/08/free-radio-80s-replaces-gold-on-am-dab/ Free Radio 80s replaces Gold on AM & DAB Radio Today 31 August 2012 31 August 2012 5 September – It is announced that BBC Radio 4 announcers Charlotte Green and Harriet Cass will take voluntary redundancy as the BBC cuts the announcing team for the station from twelve to ten.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/sep/05/radio-4-charlotte-green-harriet-cass?newsfeed=true Radio 4 announcers Charlotte Green and Harriet Cass to leave BBC The Guardian Guardian Media Group 5 September 2012 6 September 2012 At Radio 2 Fran Godfrey and Fenella Fudge will also leave, along with several freelance newsreaders who present bulletins for the network as the BBC streamlines its radio news teams.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/sep/05/familiar-bbc-radio-voices-to-depart Familiar BBC radio voices to depart in 'night of the long mics' The Guardian Guardian Media Group 5 September 2012 23 December 2012 Mark Goodier announces he will leave Smooth Radio in mid-December to focus on his company, Wise Buddah Productions. http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/09/presenter-mark-goodier-leaves-smooth-radio/ Presenter Mark Goodier leaves Smooth Radio Radio Today 5 September 2012 6 September 2012 7 September – BBC Radio 2 commissions an hour-long music drama pilot titled Shout to the Top starring Shane Richie, that will combine specially written music and drama from the Radio Drama team.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/09/shane-richie-to-host-new-radio-2-drama/ Shane Richie to host new Radio 2 drama Radio Today 7 September 2012 8 September 2012 12 September – The radio industry news website Radio Today reports that Simon Bates has started to present a separate breakfast show for Smooth Radio's sister station, Smooth 70s. The content is "voice tracked" from the main breakfast show.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/09/simon-bates-takes-on-a-new-breakfast-show/ Simon Bates takes on a new breakfast show Radio Today 12 September 2012 14 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120914204729/http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/09/simon-bates-takes-on-a-new-breakfast-show/ 14 September 2012 dead dmy-all 14 September – Chris Moyles hosts his final breakfast show on Radio 1.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/08/date-set-for-new-radio-1-breakfast-show/ Date set for new Radio 1 Breakfast show Radio Today 9 August 2012 9 August 2012 Sir Charles Allen, chairman of Global Radio criticises media regulation rules, saying those relating to the purchase of radio stations are out of date.Gideon Spanier https://www.standard.co.uk/business/capital-boss-vents-fury-over-8139303.html Capital boss vents fury over regulation on 'small deal' London Evening Standard Daily Mail and General Trust 14 September 2012 16 September 2012 17 September – George Entwistle takes up his role of Director-General of the BBC. http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/tv-and-radio/george-entwistle-starts-work-as-director-general-of-bbc-1-2530588 George Entwistle starts work as director-general of BBC Johnston Press The Scotsman 17 September 2012 23 September 2012 The syndicated BBC Local Radio evening show contract is awarded to Wire Free Productions, a new company set up by former BBC executives Matthew Bannister and Husain Husaini. http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/09/matthew-bannister-wins-bbc-local-evenings/ Matthew Bannister wins BBC Local evenings Radio Today 17 September 2012 23 September 2012 24 September – Nick Grimshaw takes over the Radio 1 Breakfast Show.Elisabeth Mahoney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/sep/24/nick-grimshaw-radio-1-breakfast-show?newsfeed=true Nick Grimshaw's first Radio 1 breakfast show marks change of direction The Guardian Guardian Media Group 24 September 2012 24 September 2012 27 September – Magic 1152 breakfast show presenter Anna Foster presents her programme from her phone due to being stuck in traffic in Newcastle upon Tyne.Gridlocked DJ hosts show on phone https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-19757429.amp 28 September 2012 BBC News BBC 15 October 2023 October 2 October – The switch-off of medium wave frequencies at some BBC local radio stations will continue after the trial attracted very few complaints from listeners, the BBC confirms.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/10/mw-switch-off-remains-at-bbc-local-radio/ MW switch-off remains at BBC Local Radio Radio Today 2 October 2012 5 October 2012 4 October – Former Classic FM presenter Mark Forrest is confirmed as the presenter of the BBC's networked Local Radio Evening programme, which will begin from 7 January 2013.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/10/mark-forrest-to-host-bbc-networked-show/ Mark Forrest to host BBC networked show Radio Today 4 October 2012 5 October 2012 5 October – Absolute Radio 00s rebrands itself Absolute Radio 007 for the day to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film series and the launch of Sky Movies 007, a film channel dedicated to Bond movies.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/10/absolute-radio-00s-becomes-007-for-the-day/ Absolute Radio 00s becomes 007 for 1 day Radio Today 5 October 2012 5 October 2012 To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of the first single from The Beatles, all 39 BBC local radio stations stage their own My Beatles Story Day, airing listeners memories of the group.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/09/bbc-local-radio-celebrates-the-beatles/ BBC local radio celebrates The Beatles Radio Today 24 September 2012 5 October 2012 8 October – The BBC launches iPlayer Radio as a separate service to BBC iPlayer. The service will provide a dedicated online platform for BBC radio content.Lee Dave https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19869320 BBC News BBC launches iPlayer Radio to promote audio content Bbc.co.uk 8 October 2012 8 October 2012 11 October – The Office of Fair Trading agrees to fast-track the investigation into Global Radio's purchase of GMG Radio after Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Maria Miller says the deal will not be investigated for media plurality. The matter is also forwarded onto the Competition Commission, which oversees business mergers and takeovers.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/10/the-oft-grants-fast-track-to-global-radio/ The OFT grants fast-track to Global Radio Radio Today 11 October 2012 13 October 2012 The Competition Commission later announces 27 March 2013 as the date on which it will publish its findings into the takeover.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/10/date-set-for-global-radios-competition-commission-results/ Date set for Global Radio's CC results Radio Today 11 October 2012 13 October 2012 12 October – Launch of Heart and Capital TV on Freesat and Sky.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/10/heart-and-capital-tv-start-broadcasting/ Heart and Capital TV start broadcasting Radio Today 12 October 2012 13 October 2012 The BBC announces that sports presenter Clare Balding will replace Aled Jones as host of Radio 2's faith-based programme Good Morning Sunday from January 2013.Josh Halliday https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/oct/12/clare-balding-radio-2?newsfeed=true Clare Balding to front her first radio show on Radio 2 Guardian Media Group The Guardian 12 October 2012 15 October 2012 17 October – BBC Radio 2 axes folk presenter Mike Harding after fifteen years with the network. He will host his last show on 26 December.TV and Radio https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9615551/Radio-2-axes-Mike-Harding-from-folk-role.html Radio 2 axes Mike Harding from folk role Telegraph Media Group The Daily Telegraph 17 October 2012 18 October 2012 23 October – Ofcom warns west London community station OnFM that it is in "serious and ongoing" breach of its licensing conditions after being off air since 7 September.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/10/onfm-in-trouble-with-ofcom-for-being-off/ OnFM in trouble with Ofcom for being off Radio Today 23 October 2012 23 October 2012 30 October – Smooth Radio confirms that Smooth Christmas will return, airing on the Digital One multiplex in the lead up to the festive season, giving the brand three stations on the platform.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/10/smooth-xmas-set-to-return-on-digital-1/ Smooth Xmas set to return on Digital 1 Radio Today 30 October 2012 30 October 2012 November 1 November – The BBC makes 920 episodes of Alistair Cooke's Letter From America available for download through its website. The editions represent the entire back catalogue of the series held by the corporation.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/10/letters-from-america-gets-online-archive/ Letters From America gets online archive Radio Today 14 October 2012 15 October 2012 BBC London 94.9 presenter Danny Baker quits his show live on air, and launches a two-hour tirade against station chiefs after learning his regular daily show is to be axed.Neil Lancefield https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/danny-baker-back-on-air-after-thursdays-rant-at-bbc-bosses-8280163.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/danny-baker-back-on-air-after-thursdays-rant-at-bbc-bosses-8280163.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Danny Baker back on air after Thursday's rant at BBC bosses Independent Print Limited The Independent 3 November 2012 7 November 2012 5 November – An advertising campaign for digital radio featuring a "digital evangelist" named "D Love" is unveiled at a conference at the BBC's Broadcasting House. Ads for the two-year campaign will air on BBC radio and television, as well as on commercial stations.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/11/meet-d-love-digital-radios-secret-weapon/ Meet D Love – digital radio's secret weapon Radio Today 5 November 2012 22 December 2012 Real Radio begins networking its daytime schedule.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/10/real-radio-introduces-networked-daytimes/ Real Radio introduces networked daytimes Radio Today 15 October 2012 15 October 2012 10 November – George Entwistle steps down as BBC Director-General following the Newsnight child abuse broadcast controversy.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/9669681/George-Entwistle-quits-as-director-general-over-Newsnight-fiasco.html George Entwistle quits as director-general over Newsnight fiasco Telegraph Media Group The Daily Telegraph 10 November 2012 10 November 2012 11 November – Tim Davie, BBC head of audio and music becomes Acting Director-General following George Entwistle's resignation.Helen Lewis http://www.newstatesman.com/staggers/2012/11/bbcs-director-general-george-entwistle-resigns-over-newsnight-mistakes BBC's director-general, George Entwistle, resigns over Newsnight mistakes New Statesman 10 November 2012 10 November 2012 13 November – A parliamentary reception is held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the UK Singles Chart, which launched on 14 November 1952. Among guests at the event are Tony Blackburn and the latest presenter of the Radio 1 Chart Show, Jameela Jamil.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/11/tony-blackburn-and-jameela-jamil-cut-cake/ Tony Blackburn and Jameela Jamil cut cake Radio Today 14 November 2012 15 November 2012 14 November – To celebrate the 90th anniversary of its first radio broadcast, the BBC links all stations owned by the corporation around the UK and the world for a three-minute show titled Radio Reunited.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/09/bbc-to-network-all-radio-stations-for-90th-bbc90/ BBC to network all radio stations for 90th Radio Today 10 September 2012 14 September 2012http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/11/audio-bbc-radio-celebrates-ninety-years/ AUDIO: BBC Radio celebrates ninety years Radio Today 14 November 2012 15 November 2012 16 November – Magic Network presenter Dave Lee Travis is taken off air with immediate effect after he was arrested as part of an investigation into sexual offences.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/11/dlt-taken-off-air-with-immediate-effect/ DLT taken off-air with immediate effect Radio Today 15 November 2012 16 November 2012 19 November – BBC Radio 2 raises £4,010,974 for BBC Children in Need, its largest total to date.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/11/bbc-radio-2-raises-record-amount-for-cin/ BBC Radio 2 raises record amount for CiN Radio Today 19 November 2012 19 November 2012 22 November – The BBC appoints Tony Hall as its new Director-General. He is expected to start in the role in early March 2013.Rob Williams https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bbc-confirms-tony-hall-to-be-appointed-new-directorgeneral-8343625.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bbc-confirms-tony-hall-to-be-appointed-new-directorgeneral-8343625.html 1 May 2022 subscription BBC confirms Tony Hall to be appointed new Director General Independent Print Limited The Independent 22 November 2012 22 November 2012 Absolute Radio launches an app for Xbox Live.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/11/absolute-radio-now-available-on-xbox/ Absolute Radio... now available on Xbox Radio Today 22 November 2012 24 November 2012 28 November – Radioplayer cancels its offer to provide places to non-Ofcom licensed stations due to lack of innovation.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/11/radioplayer-cancels-non-ofcom-offerings/ Radioplayer cancels non-Ofcom offerings Radio Today 28 November 2012 28 November 2012 30 November – Harriet Scott steps down as co-host of the breakfast show on Heart London after seven years.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/11/breakfast-drive-changes-for-heart-london/ Breakfast & Drive changes for Heart London Radio Today 19 November 2012 10 December 2012http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/12/emma-bunton-joins-jamie-theakston-at-heart/ Emma Bunton joins Jamie Theakston at Heart Radio Today 10 December 2012 10 December 2012 December 4 December – Australian radio presenters Mel Greig and Mike Christian, impersonating the Queen and Prince of Wales, make a prank call to King Edward VII's Hospital in London which is providing prenatal care to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. The following day, their conversations with two nurses are broadcast without consent on their Hot30 Countdown show on 2Day FM in Sydney. On 7 December follows the suicide of Jacintha Saldanha, one of the nurses involved.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/jacintha-saldanha-inquest-australian-radio-station-donates-500000-to-family-of-nurse-who-killed-herself-after-royal-prank-call-9730999.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/jacintha-saldanha-inquest-australian-radio-station-donates-500000-to-family-of-nurse-who-killed-herself-after-royal-prank-call-9730999.html 2022-05-25 subscription live Jacintha Saldanha inquest: Australian radio station donates $500,000 to family of nurse who killed herself after royal prank call The Independent London 2014-09-13 2014-10-24 On 10 December Scottish radio presenter Robin Galloway, who has built a career on making prank calls, suspends sales of his latest CD following the incident.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/12/galloway-pulls-commercials-for-wind-up-cd/ Galloway pulls commercials for wind-up CD Radio Today 10 December 2012 10 December 2012 14 December – BBC Radio 1 broadcasts its last show from Yalding House in London, The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw.https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01p23n7 BBC Radio 1 – The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw, The morning after BBC 2012-12-14 2016-08-17 Real and Smooth have secured exclusive broadcast rights to the "Christmas Hit Factory Live" concert, a show featuring artists and groups who achieved success with the Stock Aitken and Waterman and PWL record labels. The event is held on 21 December and is aired on New Year's Eve.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/12/real-and-smooth-to-air-hit-factory-live/ Real and Smooth to air Hit Factory Live Radio Today 14 December 2012 14 December 2012 live https://web.archive.org/web/20121218002118/http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/12/real-and-smooth-to-air-hit-factory-live/ 18 December 2012 15 December – Celador rebrands its recently acquired Kestrel FM stations as The Breeze.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/12/kestrel-fm-stations-rebrand-as-the-breeze/ Kestrel FM stations rebrand as The Breeze Radio Today 12 December 2012 12 December 2012 Free Radio presents £750,000 to West Midlands charities at its annual music event, Live 2012.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/12/free-radio-presents-750000-to-charities/ Free Radio presents £750,000 to charities Radio Today 17 December 2012 18 December 2012 17 December – Lynn Parsons takes over Smooth Radio's weekday Mid Morning show from Mark Goodier. David Prever succeeds her as presenter of the weekend Mid Morning slot.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/10/parsons-replaces-goodier-on-smooth-radio/ Parsons replaces Goodier on Smooth Radio Radio Today 23 October 2012 23 October 2012 Alternation broadcasts for the final time on NE1fm after 5 and a half years. It was a part of the station's line up at launch.AlterNation on NE1fm http://www.ne1fm.net/alternation/ NE1fm 20 March 2013 18 December – Bennett, Coleman & Co, the owners of Absolute Radio are reported to be in discussions to sell the loss-making station for £10-£15million.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/12/talks-recommence-to-sell-absolute-radio/ Talks recommence to sell Absolute Radio? Radio Today 18 December 2012 18 December 2012 19 December – BBC Radio 5 Live Controller Advian Van Klaveren steps down from his role following the publication of the Pollard report. Jonathan Wall will replace him on a temporary basis.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/12/adrian-van-klaveren-to-leave-bbc-5-live/ Adrian Van Klaveren to leave BBC 5 Live Radio Today 19 December 2012 21 December 2012 21 December – Kerrang Radio counts down to the End of the World as predicted in a 5,000-year-old Mayan prophecy by inviting listeners to request the songs they'd most like to hear before they die. Christmas music is also banned on the network.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/11/kerrang-celebrates-death-cancels-xmas/ Kerrang! celebrates death & cancels Xmas Radio Today 27 November 2012 28 November 2012 29 December – Classic FM managing director Darren Henley is awarded an OBE in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to music.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/12/obe-award-for-classic-fms-darren-henley/ OBE award for Classic FM's Darren Henley Radio Today 29 December 2012 30 December 2012 Station debuts 17 February – Nifty UKhttp://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/02/ex-revolution-dj-sets-up-his-own-station/ Ex Revolution DJ sets up his own station Radio Today 16 February 2012 18 February 2012 26 March – Free Radio 4 September – Free Radio 80s 5 November – Solid Gold Gemhttp://radiotoday.co.uk/2013/11/solid-gold-gem-am-celebrates-first-year/ Solid Gold Gem.am celebrates first year Radio Today 5 November 2013 5 November 2013 Programme debuts 10 January – Inside Health on BBC Radio 4 (2012 – present) 7 February – The Kitchen Cabinet on BBC Radio 4 (2012 – present) 30 March – The Listening Project on BBC Radio 4 in conjunction with Local BBC Radio (2012 – present) 6 April – BBC Radio 1's Dance Anthems on BBC Radio 1 (2012 – present) 16 April – Late Night Graham Torrington on BBC Radio WM and BBC Coventry & Warwickshire (later other BBC Local Radio in the Midlands) (2012–2020) 28 May – Honest Doubt on BBC Radio 4 (2012) 31 July – Kevin Eldon Will See You Now on BBC Radio 4 (2012–2019) 24 September – The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw on BBC Radio 1 (2012–2018) 28 September – Gloomsbury on BBC Radio 4 (2012–2018)http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/radio/gloomsbury/ Gloomsbury British Comedy Guide 2021-02-27 November – The Golden Age on BBC Radio 4 (2012) Relaunching this year after a break of one month or more Date of returnStationDate of original closedown1 November 2012Smooth Christmas27 December 2011 Continuing radio programmes 1940s Sunday Half Hour (1940–2018) Desert Island Discs (1942 – present) Woman's Hour (1946 – present) A Book at Bedtime (1949 – present) 1950s The Archers (1950 – present) The Today Programme (1957 – present) 1960s Farming Today (1960 – present) In Touch (1961 – present) The World at One (1965 – present) The Official Chart (1967 – present) Just a Minute (1967 – present) The Living World (1968 – present) The Organist Entertains (1969–2018) 1970s PM (1970 – present) Start the Week (1970 – present) You and Yours (1970 – present) I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue (1972 – present) Good Morning Scotland (1973 – present) Newsbeat (1973 – present) File on 4 (1977 – present) Money Box (1977 – present) The News Quiz (1977 – present) Feedback (1979 – present) The Food Programme (1979 – present) Science in Action (1979 – present) 1980s Steve Wright in the Afternoon (1981–1993, 1999–2022) In Business (1983 – present) Sounds of the 60s (1983 – present) Loose Ends (1986 – present) 1990s The Moral Maze (1990 – present) Essential Selection (1991 – present) Essential Mix (1993 – present) Up All Night (1994 – present) Wake Up to Money (1994 – present) Private Passions (1995 – present) The David Jacobs Collection (1996–2013) Sunday Night at 10 (1998–2013) In Our Time (1998 – present) Material World (1998 – present) Scott Mills (1998–2022) The Now Show (1998 – present) 2000s BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards (2000 – present) Big John @ Breakfast (2000 – present) Sounds of the 70s (2000–2008, 2009 – present) Kermode and Mayo's Film Review (2001–2022) A Kist o Wurds (2002 – present) Fighting Talk (2003 – present) Jeremy Vine (2003 – present) Annie Mac (2004–2021) Fearne Cotton (2009–2015) Elaine Paige on Sunday (2004 – present) The Bottom Line (2006 – present) The Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show (2006 – present) The Unbelievable Truth (2006 – present) Radcliffe & Maconie (2007 – present) Geoff Lloyd's Hometime Show (2008–2017) The Strand (2008–2013) The Media Show (2008 – present) Newsjack (2009 – present) Paul O'Grady on the Wireless (2009–2022) Alan and Mel's Summer Escape (2009–2020) 2010s Weekend Wogan (2010–2015) The Chris Evans Breakfast Show (2010–2018) Graham Norton (2010–2020) Simon Mayo Drivetime (2010–2018) Ambridge Extra (2011–2013) Simon Bates at Breakfast (2011–2014) The Third Degree (2011 – present) Ending this year 22 March – Sounds of the 20th Century (2011–2012) 22 June – Honest Doubt (2012) 30 July – Brian Gulliver's Travels (2011–2012) 14 September – The Chris Moyles Show (2004–2012) Closing this year Date Station Debut(s)6 JanuaryFresh Radio19975 MarchRossendale Radiohttp://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/03/lancashires-rossendale-radio-closes-down/ Lancashire's Rossendale Radio closes down Radio Today 5 March 2012 7 March 2012201026 March Beacon Radio 1976BRMB 1974Mercia1980Wyvern FM198225 JuneKMFM Extra (replaced on DAB by the new-countywide KMFM)8 AugustDune FM199730 August Sanjhi Awaz Radio201026 December Smooth Christmas2011 & 2012 Deaths 6 January – Bob Holness, 83, broadcaster and quiz show hosthttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/culture-obituaries/tv-radio-obituaries/8998513/Bob-Holness.html Bob Holness Telegraph Media Group The Telegraph London 6 January 2012 9 January 2012 22 January – Sarah Cullen, 62, broadcast journalist (Today)Anthony Hayward https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/sarah-cullen-reporter-for-itn-and-today-who-found-the-authentic-voices-of-the-streets-7278681.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/sarah-cullen-reporter-for-itn-and-today-who-found-the-authentic-voices-of-the-streets-7278681.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Sarah Cullen: Reporter for ITN and 'Today' who found the authentic voices of the streets – Obituaries – News Independent Print Limited The Independent London 22 February 2012 22 February 2012 9 June – Don Durbridge, 73, broadcasterhttp://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/06/tributes-paid-to-former-radio-2-host/ Tributes paid to former BBC Radio 2 host Radio Today 26 June 2012 30 November 2012 7 July – Alf Pearson, 102, singer (part of Bob and Alf Pearson double act)Leigh Spencer Alf Pearson: Singer who moved successfully from music hall and variety https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/alf-pearson-singer-who-moved-successfully-music-hall-and-variety-radio-and-television-8120614.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/alf-pearson-singer-who-moved-successfully-music-hall-and-variety-radio-and-television-8120614.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Independent 21 March 2021 en 9 September 2012 6 August – Bernard Lovell, 98, physicist and radioastronomerSilverman Rosa https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9460865/Sir-Bernard-Lovells-death-could-shed-light-on-assassination-Cold-War-mystery.html https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20120808101710/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9460865/Sir-Bernard-Lovells-death-could-shed-light-on-assassination-Cold-War-mystery.html dead 8 August 2012 Sir Bernard Lovell's death could shed light on 'assassination' Cold War mystery Telegraph Media Group The Daily Telegraph 8 August 2012 8 August 2012 30 August – Daire Brehan, 55, Irish-born actress, broadcaster and barrister 10 September – John Moffatt, 89, character actor (died 2012)Coveney Michael https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/sep/16/john-moffatt John Moffatt obituary The Guardian London 2012-09-17 2023-10-31 12 September – Derek Jameson, 82, tabloid journalist and broadcasterhttps://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/derek-jameson-fleet-street-veteran-and-television-star-dies-at-82-8134202.html Derek Jameson, Fleet Street veteran and television star, dies at 82 London Evening Standard Daily Mail and General Trust 13 September 2012 14 September 2012 22 October – Russell Joslin, 50, journalisthttps://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/analysis/liz-kershaw-radio-queen-makes-waves-1-6548848 Liz Kershaw: Radio Queen makes waves 8 April 2014 Yorkshire Post 15 April 2019 13 January 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190415170907/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/analysis/liz-kershaw-radio-queen-makes-waves-1-6548848 dead 23 November – Chris Jones, broadcasterhttp://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/11/tributes-paid-to-bbc-presenter-chris-jones/ Tributes paid to BBC presenter Chris Jones Radio Today 25 November 2012 27 November 2012 21 December – Daphne Oxenford, 93, radio presenter and actress, presenter of Listen with Motherhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20908822 BBC News Daphne Oxenford, voice of Listen With Mother, dies BBC 4 January 2013 4 January 2013 References Radio British Radio, 2012 In Category:Years in British radio