Bauer’s local radio breakfast shows end in England and Wales
Eleven heritage local radio breakfast shows ended today across the Hits Radio network following a change in legislation.
Owner Bauer has been able to remove all local programmes on local radio stations following the introduction of the Media Act 2024 and follows similar moves made by other broadcasters including Global.
At 10am today, hosts across the network said goodbye for the final time.
Some presenters have been broadcasting their breakfast shows, such as Big John in Sheffield who’s been in that slot for 25 years. Steve and Karen have been together on various stations in the North East for a similar amount of time.
Steve and Karen will continue to host a show on Hits Radio 90s, whilst Joel Ross, co-host of Leanne and Joel at Breakfast on Hits Lancashire and Liverpool, will move to Hits Radio 00s.
Tearful goodbyes and jokes about what’s next dominated the final hours “We can exclusively reveal… we’re off to… Wetherspoons,” joked Mylo and Rosie in West Yorkshire.
Big John said it wasn’t the end of the show… it was just on pause.
One show will replace them all, hosted by Fleur East, Will Best & James Barr from Monday – a programme is already been available nationally.
Bauer confirms that local news, travel, and weather will remain separate for each area, along with ad breaks.
The full list of shows which ended today:
- Steve and Karen (North East) – going to Hits 90s
- John Harrison and Liesl Soards (and producer James Crookes) (South Yorkshire)
- Alex and Nicola (East Yorkshire)
- Elliot and Matilda (Staffordshire)
- Leanne and Joel (Lancashire and Liverpool) – Joel going to Hits 00s
- JD and Roisin (West Midlands)
- Jo and Sparky (East Midlands)
- Joseph Begley (Lincs)
- Leigh and Claire (South Wales) – going to Swansea Bay Radio
- Neil and Saffy (Cornwall)
- Mylo and Rosie (West Yorkshire) – going t’pub
Good luck to all those presenters, producers, journalists and support staff who worked on these shows.
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