Bauer City 2 programming revealed

From a press release to news@media.info
Posted 19 December 2014, 2.17pm est

Following Bauer’s September announcement outlining plans to better serve both listeners and commercial partners in 2015 and beyond, the Bauer City Network is today revealing the presenter line-up and music offering for its new local ‘2’ extension.

Bauer’s radio strategy focuses on four key radio brands; Magic, KISS, Absolute Radio and our Place local portfolio - now re-named the Bauer City Network.

Monday 5th January 2015 will see the group strengthen its powerful, local brands, for example Radio City will launch Radio City 2, designed to stretch the appeal to an older audience. The network will broadcast across both England and Scotland – with country specific Breakfast and ‘Home Run’ shows and selected shows at the weekend.

The network also sees the re-introduction in England of local traffic and travel, news and weather. The and is set to have a soundtrack from the 70s and 80s, with the ‘Greatest Hits’ from artists including Queen, Elton John, Tina Turner, The Police, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, The Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen and Abba. The 60s, 90s and 00s will also feature, as well as the best of today’s music with huge artists such as John Legend, Take That and Adele.

Group Content Director, Bauer Place north of England and Scotland Owen Ryan said “The Bauer City 2 Network will bring the ‘Greatest Hits’ to our local markets. This is coupled with country specific shows, traffic and travel, news, weather and a roster of outstanding broadcasters – extending the reach of the Bauer City Network to an older demographic”.

The line-up features new presenters at Breakfast; Alan Edwards in Scotland and Nick Jackson in England, who began his broadcasting career on the infamous Radio Caroline and John Leslie – well known as a TV presenter on shows like Blue Peter, This Morning and Wheel of Fortune, alongside experienced music radio presenter Darren Kelly on daytimes.

The weekend schedule features new presenters Adam Catterall known by millions as the voice of the National Lottery, who will take the helm for our Game On Football programme. James Grove who will present a brand new 80s show, and Gary Muircroft hosting a brand new Country Show as well as Arlene Stuart on overnights. They will be joined by broadcasting legends Mike Read and Tony Blackburn who need no introduction.

The full schedule is as follows:

Weekdays

• Breakfast 06.00 - 10.00 (Scotland) Alan Edwards (England) Nick Jackson
• Mid Mornings (England and Scotland) 10.00 - 13.00 – Darren Kelly
• Your Greatest Hits (England and Scotland) 13.00 - 16.00 – John Leslie
• Home Run 16:00 - 19.00 (Scotland) Ally Bally (England) Nick Wright
• Evenings (Scotland and England) 19.00 - 22.00 – Ray Rose
• Love Songs (Scotland and England) 22.00 - 02.00 Gina McKie
• Overnights (England and Scotland) 02.00 - 06.00 Paula Whitelock

Saturdays

• Breakfast 07.00 - 10.00 (Scotland) John Collins (England) Mike Read
• Mid mornings 10-00 14.00 (England and Scotland) Darren Kelly
• Game on 14.00 - 18.00 (Scotland) Game on Football commentary (England) Game On music and goals with Adam Catterall
• The Saturday Night Party Evenings 18:00 – 22.00 – (Scotland and England) Micky Gavin
• The Soul Show 22:00 – 02:00 (Scotland and England) Keith Martin
• Overnight 02.00 - 06.00 (Scotland and England) Arlene Stuart

Sundays

• Breakfast 06.00 - 08.00 (Scotland and England) Micky Gavin
• Mornings 08.00-11.00 (Scotland) Mike Riddoch (England) Mike Read
• England’s/Scotland’s Talk In 11.00 - 13.00 (Scotland) Ally Bally (England) Tom Davies
• 80’s Show - 13.00 - 16.00 (Scotland and England) James Grove
• Afternoon’s 16.00 - 19.00 (England and Scotland) – Tony Blackburn
• The Country Show 19.00 - 22.00 (Scotland and England) – Gary Muircroft
• Long Songs (Scotland and England) 22.00 - 02.00 Gina McKie
• Overnights (England and Scotland) 02.00 - 06.00 Paula Whitelock

Following the launch of Bauer City 2 Network, on January 19th 2015 we will launch Bauer City Network 3 –designed to appeal to younger audiences and to provide a digital entry point into the Bauer City network.