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All Change For Smooth Radio
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Lord Evan Elpuss



Joined: 10 Dec 2006
Posts: 3417
Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land

PostPosted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 7:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Angela W wrote:
Perhaps Shennan will snap up Lynn Parsons to replace one of his so called celebs. He is supposed to be attracting more women broadcasters apparently and at least Lynn knows her stuff.

Perhaps Re-engage is the right word regarding Lynn Parsons as she was previously with Radio 2, having had a very early Sunday morning show (following Bob Harris' weekend show) and regular stand-ins for Richard Allinson when he had the weeknight late show (before Janice Long) Alex Lester and, of course, Sarah Kennedy (and successors) on the Dawn Patrol early show. Another female presenter he might like to consider bringing back to Radio 2 is Sybil Ruscoe. Sadly I didn't hear too much of her as she mostly occupied the same slot as Lynn Parsons but minus the stand-ins for Richard Allinson etc, but what I did catch sounded good. Her Radio 2 tenure was all too short a lease. I'd love the opportunity to hear more from her.
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Colin



Joined: 26 Sep 2013
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 9:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Trouble is that Shennan is obsessed with appealing to the refugees from Radio One now, hence Sara Cox's appointment. No doubt Fearne Cotton will be doing Jeremy Vine's show soon!
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ruddlescat



Joined: 16 Sep 2010
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'd settle for Simon Bates or Lynn Parsons on R2 at breakfast in place of the dreaded ginger whinger

Do I think it will happen - not a chance in hell Evil or Very Mad
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mark occomore



Joined: 07 Dec 2006
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 6:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Simon leaves in March. Lynn leaves this Friday. I guess Carlos is leaving as Chris Skinner is taking over, but probably will do a show once the stations are split to local stuff Paul Phear doesn't start until May. Gary King I guess will be covering until then, but moves from Sundays to Saturday as David Prever has left ( He does shows for BBC Radio Oxford ). I guess Lynn might be back on Radio 2 as she has links with the BBC. The station will be able to heard on AM in places Gold won't be heard too. It's sad they have left as it's been fun over the last 3+ years. Dave Brown will be the only one left standing. I suppose Global want too start from scratch and had too full filled everyone contract when they took over.
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Colin



Joined: 26 Sep 2013
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 9:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I wouldn't say it's been "fun" Mark - I'd say the station's output has been interminably predictable, bland and boring. That's the sort of radio the Global group wants, and the sort that keeps advertising agencies and their clients happy.

Lynn Parsons deserves a better outlet for her skills, but unfortunately with UK independent radio licences now controlled by only two main groups whose aim is to render all output the same (perhaps because focus groups tell them that's what's wanted) she's hardly likely to get much of a look in. I guess she'll have to go back to podcasting from the converted summer house in her back garden.
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mark occomore



Joined: 07 Dec 2006
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Location: UK

PostPosted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 6:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Colin wrote:
I wouldn't say it's been "fun" Mark - I'd say the station's output has been interminably predictable, bland and boring. That's the sort of radio the Global group wants, and the sort that keeps advertising agencies and their clients happy.

Lynn Parsons deserves a better outlet for her skills, but unfortunately with UK independent radio licences now controlled by only two main groups whose aim is to render all output the same (perhaps because focus groups tell them that's what's wanted) she's hardly likely to get much of a look in. I guess she'll have to go back to podcasting from the converted summer house in her back garden.


It was fun before Global got there hands on it. Bauer and Global are both trying to build a Broadcasting House just like BBC have done. They have to struggle by trying out TV people and advertisers will keep an eye on them. Unfortunately for Global they had to sell off the other Smooth stations and now contend with marketing London, given some National output. So they have achieved anything really, just a loss of a couple of well known presenters who had lots of followers.
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mark occomore



Joined: 07 Dec 2006
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Location: UK

PostPosted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 7:49 pm    Post subject: Regional Output Confirmed Reply with quote

From Radio Today.

A number of new presenters have been hired by Global Radio to take on the breakfast and drivetime slots for Smooth Radio.

Eight new presenters have been recruited to host breakfast and drive in the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West and North East from Monday.

Smooth Radio in Glasgow will continue with its current breakfast host John McCauley, minus Sharon Oakley who co-hosted the show, and Smooth London has new recruit Andrew Castle replacing Simon Bates.

In the North West, current Real Radio network presenter Darren Parks will make the move to the studio next door at Laser House Salford Quays to Smooth Radio Breakfast – in the same studio Smooth Radio used to broadcast from until late last year when operations were moved to London. In the afternoon, former Smooth Radio evening show host Carlos returns for the drivetime slot. “After seven years with Smooth it’s so exciting to be part of our new line up here in the North West.” Carlos said.

In the North East, Steve Coleman takes on breakfast. He was most recently on Magic AM evenings and has previously worked at Century Radio North East and on Metro FM breakfast in the 80s. Former Metro/TFM presenter Clive Warren gets drivetime. Clive was with Metro since 2009, before which he was at Century FM North West, Heart, Virgin and BBC Radio 1.

Speaking about his move to Smooth Breakfast, Steve said; “Smooth has established itself as a great music station, playing a relaxing music mix, and I can’t wait to be part of it. Not only will I be waking up listeners, but all the many friends I have made over the years.”

In the East Midlands, BBC Radio Nottingham’s Gareth Evans gets breakfast and Capital FM’s Emma Caldwell takes on drivetime. Emma says: ““I’m thrilled to be back on air in the East Midlands on a station that I love.”

In the West Midlands, Nigel Freshman from Free Radio is joining Global to host Breakfast. “I’m really looking forward to joining Smooth. It’s a fantastic station with a great vibe and I get to hang out with a whole bunch of friends everyday over coffee and great music. I have the best job in the world”, he says.

At drivetime, Charlie Jordan is returning to Smooth having previously presented weekends on the station. Charlie has previously worked on BBC Radio 1, Radio 2 and BRMB. She says: “I can’t wait to be back with my Smooth family in the West Midlands. After a busy and often hectic day for our listeners, I’ll be helping them relax and de-stress on their way home and into the evening.”

Each regional Smooth station will take the output of London outside breakfast and drivetime hours – which now includes Kate Garraway on mid-morning, Paul Phear on afternoons (Starting May - Gary King Until then) and Chris Skinner in the evening. Weekend presenters include Myleene Klass and Tina Hobley.

All changes take place from Monday 24th, with breakfast running 6-10am and drivetime 4-7pm.
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ruddlescat



Joined: 16 Sep 2010
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 10:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was delighted to switch on this morning to hear what I assume was the last ever 'Golden Hour' to be 1967 with some well known but nevertheless classic tracks from one of the best years in popular music

I wonder whether it will get revived on any other station - as I mentioned before I'd love to see Simon doing it on Radio 2 between 9am and 10am but I expect there's fat chance of that with Mr Shennan in charge Rolling Eyes

One thing's for sure - Smooth has lost me as a regular listener with effect from tomorrow Sad
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mark occomore



Joined: 07 Dec 2006
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 1:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Exactly great loss for British broadcasting. I'm sure Simon Bates will bounce back and won't be a stranger too long like Lynn Parsons won't be either.

Carlos left Smooth and back on Smooth.
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Colin



Joined: 26 Sep 2013
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 1:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Let's hope they each find a better radio station to work with for their own sakes. Smooth is the pits!
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mark occomore



Joined: 07 Dec 2006
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PostPosted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 5:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Smooth Radio Transistion to local took place on Monday with new websites across the network.

www.smoothradio.com
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Helen May



Joined: 10 Dec 2006
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PostPosted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

What a mess. I thought it was going off DAB altogether?

I still get Andrew Castle, well about 1 word every half hour and I thought it would be the other one from Salford. Or is that only on FM?

I only have it on in the morning until after 9.30 and then not early.

H
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I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005
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mark occomore



Joined: 07 Dec 2006
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PostPosted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 6:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Smooth have local Breakfast and Drivetime. Guessing from what your saying Helen, you still get London on DAB? I don't know about that.
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 7:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes I gather that Mark but it's all a bit confusing.

I get Andrew Castle on DAB and that could be right as it says he does Wales and Cheshire which is technically where I am. BUT I'm only just in NE Cheshire, about 2 miles, and 13 miles from Manchester city centre so I thought we would have got the guy from Salford ie Smooth NW.

Maybe I'll try and tune in to FM tomorrow and see who I get.

I suppose if you listen online you can select whoever you want?

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005
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mark occomore



Joined: 07 Dec 2006
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PostPosted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 8:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That means Helen you might receive Darren Parks on Breakfast and Carlos on Drivetime?
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That's what I thought, not that I listen to their Drivetime. It's only the early mornings when I tend to listen.

H
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Colin



Joined: 26 Sep 2013
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PostPosted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 6:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

mark occomore wrote:
Smooth have local Breakfast and Drivetime.


Only just. It's the same music playlisted nationally, same promotion package (locally versioned), a few localised ads, just different voices. But even the voices are from the same DJ factory assembly line!

Not my idea of engaging radio at all.
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 7:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was just coming on to post that on FM (not great reception) is Darren somebody so I must be on Smooth NW, but as Colin says the music is the same with about a 2 minute delay!

As I said reception on FM not that good on my brilliant in all other aspects Roberts stream 83i in my kitchen, so I may look out for another frequency. Will try on the clock radio upstairs tomorrow.

Is it correct that they are giving up totally on DAB?

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005
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essexlady



Joined: 10 Dec 2006
Posts: 348
Location: Essex

PostPosted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 7:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The man who helps with my garden was complaining today that Smooth have swallowed up Gold on FM. He say that Gold is now only available on digital or online. As he points out this is not very convenient while he's outside gardening. I am not commenting on his choice of music and radio stations!
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ruddlescat



Joined: 16 Sep 2010
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Location: Near Chester

PostPosted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 9:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've always been able to listen to Smooth on FM Helen - on my radio in the kitchen - it can be hard to get as it does require quite fine tuning but what I do is tune the radio to Classic FM and then slowly go slightly down the frequencies because Smooth is virtually 'next door'

Your're quite a bit nearer Salford than I am so I would expect that you'd get a better FM signal but there again I suppose I'm almost directly west of Salford and you're in the opposite direction Confused
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 10:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Which frequency do you listen on Ruddles? I used 100.4FM today.

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005
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ruddlescat



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PostPosted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 11:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I find reception best at 100.7 Helen - just down from Classic FM at 101.1 Smile
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 11:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'll try that, I have a feeling that I got the frequency from Radio Times. I could have mis read it though!

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005
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Colin



Joined: 26 Sep 2013
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PostPosted: Thu Mar 27, 2014 10:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Does this help?

http://www.frequencyfinder.org.uk
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Helen May



Joined: 10 Dec 2006
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PostPosted: Thu Mar 27, 2014 10:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ruddles it's definitely 100.4FM, it was a bit crackly this morning so switched over to DAB . There is nothing on 100.7 and Classic is 101.9FM.

Music in sync today on DAB and FM!

Thanks Colin but I'd already checked RT and I hadn't misread it.

H
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I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005
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Colin



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PostPosted: Thu Mar 27, 2014 11:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Helen May wrote:
Music in sync today on DAB and FM!


That's interesting. I wonder if they're putting a delay on the FM output to ensure sync with DAB?
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Thu Mar 27, 2014 6:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'll check again tomorrow morning, there was much less delay than yesterday as I flipped from DAB to FM or the other way round, I forget!!

H
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