Jump to content

2017 in British radio

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

List of years in British radio (table)
In British television
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
In British music
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
+...

This is a list of events in British radio during 2017.

Events

[edit]

January

[edit]

February

[edit]
  • 1 February – Clare Teal presents Desmond Carrington – All Time Great, a special Radio 2 show celebrating the music played by Desmond Carrington during his time with the network.[21] The programme airs on the day that Carrington's death is announced.[22]
  • 25 February – Brian Matthew presents his final edition of Sounds of the 60s for Radio 2, having taken the decision to retire from the weekly show because of ill health.[23]

March

[edit]
  • 4 March – Tony Blackburn succeeds Brian Matthew as presenter of Radio 2's Sounds of the 60s. The two-hour show also moves to the earlier time of 6 am.
  • 29 March –
  • 31 March – Star Radio is reprieved when UKRD announces that it has sold the station to View TV Group.[26]

April

[edit]

May

[edit]
  • May – Talksport secures exclusive national radio commentary rights to the English Football League.[29] It gives them the ability to broadcast up to up 110 EFL fixtures a season for three years until the end of the 2019/2020 season.
  • 22 May – A light-hearted quiz concerning Moors murderer Ian Brady which appeared on Nathan Turvey's BBC Radio Leeds breakfast show the previous day is described by the BBC as "unacceptable".[30]
  • 26 May – London-based LBC announces that Katie Hopkins, who had presented a Sunday morning programme since April 2016, will leave the station immediately following a post she made on Twitter in the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing in which she talked of the need for a "final solution".[31]

June

[edit]

July

[edit]
  • 5 July – Jazz FM confirms its presenter Peter Young, known as PY to listeners, has stepped down from his presenting role after 27 years at the station due to ill health. The station also announces a new schedule beginning on 8 July, which will see three new presenters–Tony Minvielle, Tim Garcia and Anne Frankenstein–join its weekend lineup.[36]
  • 24 July – The BBC announces a new music festival for 2018, which it is hoped will fill the gap left by Glastonbury, which is taking a year off. The Biggest Weekend will run from 25 to 28 May, and take place at four venues, one in each of the Home Countries. Coverage will be shown on BBC radio and television.[37]
  • 27 July – The BBC reverses its decision to axe the Radio 4 arts programme Saturday Review.[38]

August

[edit]
  • 1 August – Star Radio North East is rebranded as Rathergood Radio.[39]
  • 10 August – Radio 4 defends its decision to include an interview with Nigel Lawson in a segment of The Today Programme about climate change after the Green Party accused the former Chancellor of making "false claims" on the topic. Radio 4 says it has a duty to represent all sides of the climate change debate.[40]
  • 13–14 August – Pirate BBC Essex broadcasts for the fourth and presumably final time to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act 1967.
  • 17 August – Radio 4 announces it has commissioned a pilot of Where's The F In News, a topical radio panel show whose guests will mostly be women. The programme will be written and presented by Jo Bunting, producer of Have I Got News for You.[41]
  • 18 August – Four new presenters—Abbie McCarthy, Katie Thistleton, Jordan North and Yasser—will make their debut on BBC Radio 1, standing in on Matt Edmondson's weekend show throughout September while he is away filming for television.[42]
  • 30 August – BBC Radio 3 announces plans to broadcast a one-off, six-hour programme featuring the voices of people living with dementia, which will air overnight on 15 October.[43]

September

[edit]
  • 1 September – The Bauer City 3 network is disbanded, and The Hits as a single national service returns to DAB in its place.[44]
  • 9 September – The concert held to reopen Manchester Arena following June's bombing is broadcast live on BBC Radio Manchester, Key 103 and Radio X.[45]
  • 18 September – The fourth roll-out of new transmitters of the BBC National DAB multiplex is completed. The programme, which had run for the past two years, increased the reach from 93% to more than 97% of the UK's population and saw the switching on of 164 new transmitters.[46]
  • 26 September – A poll of Radio Times readers names Sir Terry Wogan the greatest broadcaster of the last 50 years.[47]
  • 30 September – 50th anniversary of the launch of BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2, which began broadcasting on 30 September 1967.[48] To celebrate the occasion, the two stations air a joint 90-minute show presented by Nick Grimshaw and Tony Blackburn, while Radio 1 launches a special pop up vintage station featuring 50 hours of programming from their archives.[49]

October

[edit]
  • 1 October – Smooth Radio hires former Magic presenter Gary Vincent to present its evening programme. He succeeds Chris Skinner from 2 October.[50]
  • 6 October – Prince Harry has been invited to guest edit an edition of The Today Programme, its editor, Sarah Sands confirms. The Prince is one of several guest editors lined up to edit the programme over the Christmas 2017 period.[51]
  • 12 October – BBC Radio 4 confirms that The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is to return for a new series, with the original cast reuniting to record a dramatisation of Eoin Colfer's And Another Thing..., a continuation novel commissioned by the Estate of Douglas Adams.[52]
  • 22 October – Reality television starlet Gemma Collins suffers a near fatal fall after plunging through a trapdoor while presenting an award at the Radio 1 Teen Awards, held at Wembley Stadium.[53][54]
  • 23 October – Julia Hartley-Brewer, a presenter on talkRADIO, faces criticism after posting a joke on Twitter about an armed siege. Hartley-Brewer posted about the siege at a bowling alley in Nuneaton, Warwickshire on 22 October, saying that she would "take hostages too" if she was stuck at the venue on a Sunday evening.[55]
  • 26 October – Figures indicate that the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw recorded its lowest listener audience in the third quarter of 2017, with 4.93 million weekly listeners between July and September, compared to 5.5 million in the previous quarter.[56]

November

[edit]
  • 9 November – BBC Director General Tony Hall says the BBC will not go ahead with a planned £10million in cuts to local radio.[57]
  • 19 November – It is reported that BBC Radio Wales presenter Aled Jones has voluntarily agreed not to appear on the BBC while the broadcaster holds an investigation into allegations he sent inappropriate messages to a woman more than a decade ago, it is reported. Jones apologises for any upset caused by his behaviour, which he says can be "occasionally juvenile".[58] In January 2018, the BBC confirms the presenter, last heard on air in October, will return to his presenting roles.[59]
  • 20 November – Global announces that it has purchased Cumbrian stations The Bay and Lakeland Radio from CN Group.[60]
  • 23 November – Guest presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme over the Christmas period will include Henry, Prince of Wales and a robot, it is confirmed.[61]
  • 26 November – Clare Balding steps down as presenter of BBC Radio 2's Good Morning Sunday, with the day's edition being her final programme. Angie Greaves will assume the presenting role in the short term.[62]

December

[edit]
  • 18 December – Ofcom launches an investigation into impartiality over two appearances by climate change denier Nigel Lawson on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, the first major Ofcom investigation into the BBC since taking over responsibility for regulation of the BBC earlier in the year. The investigation concerns appearances made by Lawson on the programme in 2014, and August 2017.[63]
  • 20 December –
  • 22 December – The former pirate station Radio Caroline begins broadcasting on 648kHz medium wave, having been granted a licence to do so by Ofcom. The frequency was formerly used by the BBC World Service.[67]
  • 27 December – Prince Harry guest edits the Today programme, on which is included guest interviews with former US President Barack Obama and Prince Charles.[68]

Station debuts

[edit]

Programme debuts

[edit]
  • 7 January – Alone on BBC Radio 4 (2017 (pilot)–Present)
  • 9 January – The Nigel Farage Show on LBC (2017–2020)
  • 20 March – Alex Lester at Breakfast on BBC WM (2017–2019)
  • 19 June – Brexitcast on BBC Radio 5 Live (2017–2020)
  • 17 November – The Wilsons Save the World on BBC Radio 4 (2017–2020)
  • 18 December – Holmes and Watford on BBC Radio 4 (2017–2018)

Continuing radio programmes

[edit]

1940s

[edit]

1950s

[edit]

1960s

[edit]

1970s

[edit]

1980s

[edit]

1990s

[edit]

2000s

[edit]

2010s

[edit]

Ending this year

[edit]

Deaths

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "£15.5m raised for children in poverty by Bauer". Radio Today. 3 January 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  2. ^ "New Heart breakfast DJ to host alongside Ed James revealed". Birmingham Mail. Trinity Mirror. 3 January 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  3. ^ Walker, Peter (5 January 2017). "Nigel Farage to host LBC radio talkshow". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  4. ^ "Smooth Radio North East in social media fail – RadioToday". radiotoday.co.uk. Retrieved 10 May 2018. The update said "I'm fuc*ed mate. No more drinks for me".
  5. ^ Farley, Paul (6 January 2017). "Dreams signs up for Heart radio campaign". Furniture News Magazine. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  6. ^ "Radio 4 to broadcast six comedy pilots on one day". British Comedy Guide. 21 December 2016. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  7. ^ Smith, Colleen (8 January 2017). "Shock as Simon Bates quits BBC Radio Devon breakfast show". Torquay Herald Express. Retrieved 21 January 2017.[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ Carnie, Lewis (9 January 2017). "Radio 2 announces overnight schedule changes". BBC Media Centre. BBC. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  9. ^ "talkRADIO starts its very own Woman's Hour". Radio Today. 12 January 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  10. ^ Martin, Roy (13 January 2017). "TV host Sian Welby joins Heart for evenings". Radio Today. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  11. ^ Martin, Roy (17 January 2017). "New presenters for Heart's Feel Good Weekend". Radio Today. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  12. ^ "Online radio station planned for Magna Park". Radio Today. 17 January 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  13. ^ Martin, Roy (18 January 2017). "Geoff Lloyd and Annabel Port to leave Absolute Radio". Radio Today. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  14. ^ Martin, Roy (19 January 2017). "BFBS to end national DAB radio transmissions". Radio Today. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  15. ^ "BBC Northampton 'Trump shot' tweet blamed on hacker". BBC News. BBC. 21 January 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  16. ^ "Dermot O'Leary hosts his last Radio 2 afternoon show". Radio Today. 22 January 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  17. ^ Martin, Roy (18 January 2017). "Frank Skinner to get his own radio station". Radio Today. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  18. ^ "Desert Island Discs at 75: David Beckham is anniversary show castaway". BBC News. BBC. 20 January 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  19. ^ "Evening Standard editor Sarah Sands moves to Today programme". BBC News. BBC. 30 January 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
  20. ^ Celador Radio takes control of Anglia Radio
  21. ^ Martin, Roy (17 January 2017). "Radio 2 tribute planned for Desmond Carrington". Radio Today. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  22. ^ "Radio 2 presenter Desmond Carrington dies, aged 90". BBC News. BBC. 1 February 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  23. ^ "Sounds of the 60s: Brian Matthew 'saddened' to leave show after 27 years". BBC News. Bbc.co.uk. 25 February 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  24. ^ "Star Radio North East Closure". Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  25. ^ "Star Radio North East Separation". Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  26. ^ "Star Radio North East Saved from Closure". Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  27. ^ Douglas, Claire (10 April 2017). "'Front Row' gets weekend edition, but 'Saturday Review' is axed". The Bookseller. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  28. ^ "Amol Rajan to present BBC radio's Media Show". BBC News. BBC. 28 April 2017. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  29. ^ "EFL: New radio rights deals to maximise broadcast coverage for clubs and competitions". www.efl.com.
  30. ^ "BBC Radio Leeds Ian Brady music quiz 'unacceptable'". BBC News. BBC. 22 May 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  31. ^ "Katie Hopkins to leave LBC 'immediately'". BBC News. 26 May 2017.
  32. ^ "Ex-BBC presenters Tony and Julie Wadsworth jailed for sex offences". BBC News. BBC. 9 June 2017. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
  33. ^ "Britain's Got Talent comedian Daliso Chaponda lands own Radio 4 show". BBC News. BBC. 14 June 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  34. ^ "5 Live's Brexitcast wins British Podcast Awards Listeners Choice". Retrieved 13 June 2019.
  35. ^ "BBC Radio 5 live – Brexitcast, Electioncast is dead. Long live Brexitcast!". BBC. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
  36. ^ "Peter Young leaves Jazz FM due to ill health – RadioToday". radiotoday.co.uk. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  37. ^ "Glastonbury gap year to be filled by new BBC Music festival". BBC News. BBC. 24 July 2017. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
  38. ^ "Reprieve for Radio 4's Saturday Review". BBC News. BBC. 27 July 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  39. ^ "Star North East to rebrand as Rathergood Radio".
  40. ^ "BBC defends Lawson climate change interview". 10 August 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  41. ^ "BBC to launch female-led panel show". 17 August 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  42. ^ McIntosh, Steven (18 August 2017). "Who are BBC Radio 1's new DJs?". Retrieved 26 October 2017 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  43. ^ Savage, Mark (30 August 2017). "Dementia patients to take over Radio 3". Retrieved 26 October 2017 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  44. ^ "The Hits to replace Bauer's City 3 network", RadioToday, 2017-08-29
  45. ^ "Manchester Arena: Radio stations to broadcast reopening concert". BBC News. BBC. 5 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  46. ^ "Arqiva confirms BBC DAB rollout complete". Archived from the original on 16 December 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  47. ^ "Sir Terry Wogan named greatest BBC radio presenter". BBC News. BBC. 26 September 2017. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  48. ^ Savage, Mark (30 September 2017). "50 facts about Radio 1 & 2 as they turn 50". Retrieved 26 October 2017 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  49. ^ "DJs celebrate 50 years of Radio 1 and 2". 30 September 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  50. ^ "Gary Vincent joins Smooth Radio for evenings – RadioToday". radiotoday.co.uk. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  51. ^ Ruddick, Graham (6 October 2017). "Prince Harry to guest edit Radio 4's Today programme". Retrieved 26 October 2017 – via www.theguardian.com.
  52. ^ "Hitchhiker's Guide returns to Radio 4". 12 October 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  53. ^ "TOWIE's Gemma Collins in dramatic stage fall during awards show". Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  54. ^ "Gemma Collins nearly 'crushed' Love Island stars in near fatal fall". Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  55. ^ Hartley, Laura (23 October 2017). "Radio presenter slammed over 'disgusting' tweet about siege terror". Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  56. ^ "Worst ever listener results for Grimmy". 26 October 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  57. ^ "BBC to scrap £10m cuts to local radio". BBC News. BBC. 9 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  58. ^ "Aled Jones denies 'inappropriate' behaviour". BBC News. BBC. 19 November 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  59. ^ "Aled Jones to return to the BBC". BBC News. BBC. 23 January 2018. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
  60. ^ "Global purchases The Bay and Lakeland Radio". BBC News. Radio Today. 20 November 2017. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  61. ^ "Prince Harry and robot to edit R4 Today". BBC News. BBC. 23 November 2017. Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  62. ^ "Clare Balding to leave Good Morning Sunday". BBC Media Centre. BBC. 26 November 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  63. ^ "Ofcom to probe BBC climate change item". BBC News. BBC. 18 December 2017. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
  64. ^ "A new look for Sunday mornings on Radio 2". BBC Press Office. BBC. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  65. ^ "Global launches its own entertainment awards". Radio Today. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  66. ^ "Global Awards categories revealed". Music Week. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  67. ^ "'Original' pirate radio station returns". BBC News. BBC. 21 December 2017. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  68. ^ "Prince Harry to 'shine spotlight' on issues". BBC News. BBC. 27 December 2017. Retrieved 5 January 2018.
  69. ^ "RG2 Radio". Reading: RG2 Radio. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  70. ^ Barker, Dennis (2 February 2017). "Desmond Carrington obituary". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  71. ^ "Howard Philpott, Radio 4 newsreader, dies aged 63". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. 5 February 2017. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
  72. ^ "The Archers actor Sara Coward dies at 69". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  73. ^ "Steve Hewlett: Radio 4 presenter dies at the age of 58". BBC News. BBC. 20 February 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  74. ^ "Former This Morning presenter Stephen Rhodes dies from motor neurone disease". BBC News. BBC. 22 February 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
  75. ^ "Obituary: Brian Matthew". BBC News. 8 April 2017. Retrieved 8 April 2017.