Steven Marrey

The provided text details a comprehensive list of radio-related events that occurred in the United Kingdom during January 2023. It covers a wide range of activities, including programming changes on various radio stations such as BBC Radio 2, Jazz FM, Heart, and Capital. The text also highlights regulatory updates from Ofcom, the launch of new services and podcasts, and significant appointments and departures within the broadcasting industry. Specific events include the switch-off of Absolute Radio's mediumwave transmitters, the appointment of new presenters, and the announcement of new academic programs related to podcasting. The text also notes various station rebrands and the acquisition of media companies.

January 2023 saw numerous shifts in UK radio programming. BBC Radio 2 featured special Take That programming and noted Ken Bruce's announcement of his departure at the end of March, with a move to Greatest Hits Radio confirmed for April. Damian Lewis hosted a blues and swing special on Jazz FM, while Charlie Higson returned to Scala Radio. Heart saw Lindsey Russell take over the weekday Early Breakfast show and Rob Howard begin weekend Early Breakfast. Adil Ray presented a one-off show for Jazz FM. BBC Radio 1Xtra welcomed CassKidd to a Tuesday evening show, and Sonny Jay began presenting Capital's weekday late night show. Get Radio Oxfordshire saw Trevor Marshall join for weekday drivetime and later for weekend breakfast with Rich Smith. Andrew Marr joined Classic FM for a Sunday morning program. Phil Williams and OJ Borg adjusted their Radio 2 show schedules, and Nikita Kanda became the regular breakfast presenter for BBC Asian Network. Ricky Wilson of Kaiser Chiefs began presenting the weekday drivetime show on Virgin Radio. Sam Thompson started on Hits Radio's weekday evening show, Hits UK, while Jordon Lee moved to Kiss for weekday early breakfast, retaining other shows.

Several stations underwent significant technical and regulatory changes. Absolute Radio ceased broadcasting on mediumwave (MW) on January 20th, becoming exclusively a digital station. This move led Ofcom to initiate proceedings to revoke Bauer Radio's mediumwave licence. Ofcom also continued awarding small-scale DAB licences, beginning with areas like Glenrothes and Kirkcaldy. Several community stations, including Radio2Funky, Takeover Radio, and Cumbernauld FM, were found to be in breach of their commitments regarding original output. Ujima Radio requested changes to its Key Commitments to broadcast less non-English output. Gaydio expanded its DAB availability to seven additional UK cities. Regency Radio hired Tommy Boyd for a Sunday night show, and Fun Kids launched a subscription service called Fun Kids Podcast+. Signal 1's Stafford and Congleton transmitters began broadcasting Greatest Hits Radio.

The UK audio industry saw several new developments. The Community Media Association underwent a rebrand for its 40th anniversary. Bauer Media Audio UK appointed Lucie Cave as Chief Creative Officer for Podcasts and Commercial Content. City University of London announced the launch of the UK's first MA degree in podcasting, alongside a Centre of Podcasting Excellence. Smooth Radio underwent a brand refresh with a new logo and strapline. Made in Manchester partnered with Workerbee for content generation. Aiir announced the launch of Aiir Scheduler, a cloud-based music playlist management tool. The Radio Academy held its inaugural "Last Mondays" event for audio industry professionals. Josh Tate potentially became the UK's youngest newsreader after joining Radio Exe at 16, later reading headlines on Times Radio. BBC Sports broadcaster Jennie Gow announced she had suffered a stroke. The BBC Arabic radio service closed down.