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Business News Media
New shows at Radio 2 and Jack FM
By Chris Cooke | Published on Monday 13 June 2022
Fun facts for fans of radio station schedule changes now. Both Radio 2 and local radio station Jack FM announced some schedule changes last week. So, if you haven’t already, update your spreadsheets everybody!
The first company to use the North American Jack FM brand in the UK – and, I think, the only one still broadcasting stations using the name, all based in Oxfordshire – has hired Iain Lee to host the main Jack FM breakfast show. He takes over from current host Trevor Marshall, who will move to the drivetime slot. Lee’s most recent radio gig, with Talk Radio, ended in 2020.
Confirming his new job at Jack FM, he said: “After two years off-air, I’m champing at the bit to get back on the radio. Absolutely THRILLED that Jack FM has taken a punt on me that I won’t get them in trouble. In a world of doom and darkness, I’ll be bringing a well needed bit of colour and silliness to anyone who fancies listening”.
The new schedule has been put together by new Programme Controller Steve Simms. He previously worked with Jack FM Oxfordshire in 2011, before spending five years at another local station that used the Jack FM brand and format, that being Jack FM South Coast, which then re-branded as Sam FM before, like most British local radio stations, eventually becoming part of the Bauer-run Greatest Hits Radio network.
On his new job and new schedule, Simms says: “I’m delighted to have returned to the Jack brand and have been given an amazing opportunity to reinvent the wheel. I’m confident that we now have the perfect blend of big names and local heritage to compete with the big boys, whilst retaining the spirit of the original Jack FM, which I still have much affection for. We’re ‘Playing What We Want’ and we’re not afraid to say it!”
Over at BBC Radio 2, last week’s schedule announcements all related to weekend shows, with new programmes announced presented by Angela Griffin, DJ Spoony and Michelle Visage, the latter two fronting new Friday night shows, while the former with host ‘Radio 2 Unwinds’ on Sunday nights. Making room for the new Radio 2 weekend programmes are Craig Charles, Ana Matronic and Dr Rangan Chatterjee, whose current shows for the station will all end.
Says Head Of Radio 2 Helen Thomas: “I’m delighted to welcome Angela, DJ Spoony and Michelle to the Radio 2 family and looking forward to hearing their new weekly shows on Radio 2 from July. As ever, listeners can hear the shows they love any day and any time of their choice via BBC Sounds”.
