SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

Eight new presenters will take on BBC Radio 1’s Friday Early Breakfast slot over the coming months. 

Dean McCullough, Rakeem Omar, Danni Diston, Sam MacGregor, Darcy Kelly, Alex West, Numi Gildert and Robyn Richford are the next wave of presenters set to host the show, first introduced in in January 2021 as a means to showcase the very best new and emerging presenting talent as part of a monthly rotation. 

All eight of the new presenters were all given their first opportunity to host on Radio 1 over the 2020 festive period as part of the station’s guest presenter initiative

First up will be 28-year-old Dean McCullough, who will take on Friday Early Breakfast in April. Originally from Belfast and now based in Manchester, Dean started out volunteering at Wandsworth Radio in 2016 before landing a show on Gaydio, where he currently hosts the breakfast show. Dean hosted Radio 1 Anthems in December 2020 as part of the station’s guest presenter initiative. 

Dean says: “The earlies crew are the best! I love listening to Arielle in the morning on my way to work and I love that we get to enjoy Best New Pop on a Friday morning too. So you stick the kettle on, I’ll sort the tunes and I’ll see you bright and early, it’s going to be iconic!”  

28-year-old Rakeem Omar from Birmingham will take over the slot in May. Rakeem started out in radio in 2015 on Birmingham based community station Newstyle Radio, and later secured a slot on BBC Radio West Midlands where he currently presents on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Like Dean, Rakeem hosted Radio 1 Anthems in December 2020 as part of the guest presenter initiative. 

Rakeem says:  “I’m so gassed and grateful that not only have I been asked to come back to Radio 1, but to cover a month of Friday Early Breakfast shows! So come wipe the crusts out of your eyes with me and tune in for good energy for your morning, and even greater music.” 

Presenting duo Danni Diston, 23, from Cornwall, and Sam MacGregor, 22, from Maidenhead will host the show in June. Danni and Sam, both now based in Cardiff, started presenting together on a community station, and hosted Radio 1’s Life Hacks and The Official Chart: First Look on Radio 1 together in December 2020. Danni currently works as a teaching assistant at a school for children with special educational needs, while Sam is a social media manager for a tech start-up. 

Danni and Sam say: “We’re buzzing to be invited back to Radio after our Christmas show! We had such a great time covering Life Hacks & The Official Chart: First Look and we can’t wait to jump behind the mics together again! It’s an absolute privilege to present on the station that we grew up listening to. We're so excited to wake up with the early morning crew and this time... we’ll be setting at least 50 alarms each!” 

20-year-old Darcy Kelly from Jersey will take the reins in July. Darcy started presenting on local radio station Channel 103 in Jersey since aged 18, where she currently hosts the evening show. She joined Radio 1 in December 2020 as part of the guest presenter initiative to host two Radio 1 Anthems shows. 

Darcy says: “I can't wait to be back on Radio 1! Being on the station at Christmas was the best time of my life and I can't believe I'm coming back to re-live the dream again. I promise I'm not crying...I'm looking forward to bringing that Friday energy on Early Breakfast and ensuring listeners have that Friday feeling as soon as they wake up.” 

Alex West, 22, from Reading, and Numi Gildert, 26, from Macclesfield will co-host Friday Early Breakfast in August, after trying their hand at hosting The Official Chart on Radio 1 on New Year’s Day 2021. Alex and Numi both started out at University Radio York and are now based in London. 

Alex and Numi say: “We are so excited to be coming back on Radio 1 in August! Every moment of presenting the Official Chart on New Year’s Day was magic so we are itching to get back into Broadcasting House and wake up with the early morning crew! We’re going to start setting our alarms now - see you in six months!” 

Taking on the slot in September will be 28-year-old Robyn Richford. Originally from Glasgow and now based in London, Robyn started out in local and community radio, including Riverside Radio in south-west London, and now hosts the weekend breakfast show on Fun Kids as well as working as a TV presenter for ITV. She guest presented Radio 1 Anthems in December 2020. 

Robyn says: “I'm absolutely buzzing to be back in the Radio 1 chair and can't wait to be reunited with the early morning crew. Bringing you all the Friday vibes, see you there!” 

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “The Friday morning shows are a brilliant way for us to learn more about the next generation of presenters. It’s a great opportunity to see what direction they take when given a platform of this scale, and I’m very excited to hear how they all do.”

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Tickets For Good announces launch of Belgian business at Wallifornia, opens £3m funding round

  The Wallifornia Conference Startups alumni returns to reveal latest expansion news. TfG recipients include some 500k registered healthcare workers, teachers, and charity workers across UK, EU and U.S. It's distributed 1million+ free and discounted tickets from 1,000+ live event partners, including Dua...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Lewis Capaldi surprises fans in London’s Covent Garden to launch 'Room to Reflect' meditation booth with TikTok

  SCOTTISH SUPERSTAR PARTNERS WITH TIKTOK TO ENCOURAGE THE NATION TO TAKE A MOMENT TO RESET FROM  EVERYDAY LIFE   The ‘Room to Reflect’ experience was narrated by Lewis Capaldi, offering a sanctuary from the London daily grind to meditate and escape the...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Beatport Live Launches 'The Block'

A Touring Container Stage Spotlighting Emerging DJs at Junction 2, Creamfields, and The Prospect Building  Over the last five years, more than 400 nightclubs have closed in Britain and Beatport recognises the urgent need to offer more than just a digital...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

BDi Music signs exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Paige Bea

Bea is a sought after musician, songwriter, DJ and emerging producer.   BDi Music has signed artist and songwriter Paige Bea to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal.  Paige Bea is a London-born musician, songwriter, DJ and emerging producer. Originally trained as an opera...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Bandcamp Daily's Summer 2025 Hotlist Spotlights Its Most Anticipated New Releases

Open Mike Eagle, Wet Leg, Kokoroko, Alex G, Susumu Yokota and more are all featured in the Summer 2025 Hotlist    Bandcamp Daily, the editorial arm of the world’s largest online music marketplace and community, has released its 2025 Summer Hotlist, a curated collection...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Greater China announces strategic global alliance with "Godfather of Mandarin R&B" David Tao and his company Great Entertainment

Universal Music Group to Release David Tao’s New Studio Album STUPID POP SONGS, with Physical Pre-Orders Opening Soon   Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a strategic global...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

WMA announces expansion of UK & European Publicity, Social and Marketing Divisions

Andy Saiker appointed as Head of PR, Social & Marketing (UK & Europe) Global digital marketing and creative agency, WMA are delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Saiker as Head of PR, Social and Marketing (UK & Europe), effective immediately....more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

Tems Launches The Leading Vibe Initiative, Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Music

APPLICATION DEADLINE THIS JULY 13TH   Two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, Tems announces today the launch of the Leading Vibe Initiative, a groundbreaking platform designed to support, connect and amplify young women in music across Africa, with a vision to...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

WeAre8 Announces 8fest: The World's First Social Media Music Festival, curated by industry insiders

The next generation of music talent is about to transform your social feed experience. WeAre8, the social media bringing social and economic freedom to artists worldwide, today unveils 8fest - a global, three-day virtual festival running next week from11-13 July 2025,...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

The Money Trench – The Music Industry Podcast celebrates its first anniversary with two new headline sponsors

The podcast curated by Mark Sutherland and executive producer Mike Walsh will launch its 50th episode with the support of SoundOn and Tixel    The Money Trench – The Music Industry Podcast with Mark Sutherland (‘TMT’), is celebrating its first anniversary with...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

Cyanite and ON AIR strengthen partnership to deliver AI-driven insights for playlist curation in MusicMaster Scheduling

To redefine music programming for broadcasters and audio platforms, ON AIR has integrated Cyanite's industry-leading AI music tagging into the familiar MusicMaster Scheduling environment. This collaboration unlocks entirely new, data-driven pathways for playlist curation, helping radio stations and content creators...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

Warner Music buys Skorpioni Music's catalogue

Independent label's strong legacy in Finnish music will endure   Warner Music Finland has bought the catalog of renowned independent record company Skorpioni, which had announced earlier this year that it would be ceasing operations.   This is a significant transition in the local...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

Bauer Media Audio Appoints Paul Eldon as Director of Measurement

Bauer Media Audio has appointed Paul Eldon as Director of Measurement, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and trust in audio measurement across all its markets.   Paul brings over 15 years of experience in media measurement, audience analytics and advertising technology. He...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

Music industry unites to raise over £715,000 for Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy at O2 Silver Clef awards

David Gilmour, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Mika, The Last Dinner Party, The Corrs, Chase & Status and more honoured at glittering evening ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House The UK music industry joined together tonight to honour some of its most iconic and...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

The Beatles' Apple Corps Ltd. Announces Tom Greene as New CEO

Today, Apple Corps Ltd. announces the appointment of Tom Greene as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 2025.  Since 1968, Apple Corps Ltd. has overseen The Beatles’ creative and business interests. During that time The Beatles – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

Tees Reborn: Bravado's Radical Upcycling Project Aims to Thread a Greener Future for Merch Business

More than 400,000 leftover tour t-shirts will be respun into new items and sold on tours this fall   Bravado, the world's leading artist merchandise and lifestyle company, announced today the launch of an ambitious program to upcycle obsolete or unsold t-shirts...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

BandLab Expands Licensing Platform to Connect Artists and Rights Holders to AI Companies, Opening the Door to Legal AI Music Models

BandLab, the world's largest social music creation platform, today announced a major expansion of BandLab Licensing (licensing.bandlab.com), introducing a structure with clear guidelines that allows artists, labels, and publishers to signal interest in licensing their music to train AI models....more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

Warner Music Group and Bain Capital announce launch of joint venture to invest up to $1.2 billion in iconic music catalogs

  Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG), the global music entertainment company, and Bain Capital, a leading global private investment firm, are launching a joint venture to allow for the purchase of up to $1.2 billion of legendary music catalogs across both recorded music...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

Chrysalis Records announces Tina McBye as Senior Vice President, Commercial Music Operations

Chrysalis Records, which is part of the Reservoir group of companies, has announced the promotion of Tina McBye to the position of Senior Vice President, Commercial Music Operations. Based in the company’s London offices Tina will report directly to Alison Wenham,...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

BRIT School Chair of Trustees Josh Berger CBE Hosts Fundraiser Event at Ronnie Scott's for the UK’s leading free Arts School

Current and former students staged a showcase - representing all areas of the creative industries from dance and music to spoken word and musical theatre. Former student and Ivor Novello award winning songwriter, Dan Gillespie Sells performed, and newly graduated rising...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

RSA announces David Joseph CBE as new Chief Executive Officer

Former Chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK to lead Royal Society of Arts into bold new future The Royal Society of Arts (RSA) is delighted to announce the appointment of David Joseph CBE as its new CEO. David will formally...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

Exclusive after show tickets released for sold-out Ladies Who Rock event

  In addition, an online auction offers chance to win works from top contemporary artists, as well as film memorabilia, and VIP experiences    Now in its 5th year, Ladies Who Rock fundraiser which takes place on 10 July at Hotel Café Royal...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

TikTok and Tomorrowland announce a global partnership to bring the best of electronic music to global audiences

TikTok today announces a new partnership deal with Tomorrowland (7m followers), the world-famous electronic dance music festival, to deliver unprecedented digital festival experiences for global music fans.   The new wide-ranging, year-long partnership will see TikTok serve as Tomorrowland's Official Content Partner, offering 24/7 festival...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

The UK's Official biggest songs and albums of 2025 so far revealed

Alex Warren overtakes Lola Young to land the biggest single of the year so far with Ordinary (OCC)Sam Fender scoops the biggest new album release of 2025 Sabrina Carpenter's Short N' Sweet deluxe edition and UK tour keeps her in front in...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Open letter from WIN CEO to European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera

Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera European CommissionRue de la Loi / Wetstraat 2001049 BrusselsBelgium 30 June 2025 Dear Ms. Ribera, I am writing regarding the investigation by the Directorate-General for Competition into the proposed acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings LLC (Downtown) by Universal...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Taylor Swift and Charli XCX Help Attract Record 23.5 Million Music Tourists Spending £10 Billion at UK Music Events - New Report Reveals

UK Music Calls on Communities to Get Behind Music in new Hometown Glory Report    Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender and Dua Lipa helped lure a record 23.5 million music tourists to concerts and festivals in the UK in 2024, a...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

BMG Brings Seeed catalog under one roof

  BMG has acquired the artist and label rights of the German band Seeed. The agreement covers their first five albums: New Dubby Conquerors (2001), Music Monks (2003), Next! (2005), Live (2006), and Seeed (2012).    With the release of Bam...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Amazon Launches the Ultimate Oasis Fan Destination

Plus Chance To Win Tickets To Live ‘25 tour   Amazon announces exclusive CD and Vinyl products available to pre-order on July 8 - with up to 15% off selected CD, Vinyl, and Merch for Prime members in celebration of Prime Day (July...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Apple Music celebrates 10 years with the launch of a new global hub for artists designed to foster creativity and connection

Tune in to Apple Music Radio for a broadcast celebration with hosts Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, and special guests as they reminisce about their favourite moments from the past 10 years while looking toward the future     As Apple Music marks its...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Casio Sessions applications close soon!

  With only one month to go applications to enter Casio Sessions 2025 are opened until the 31st July, 2025.  Musicians will compete to win a PX-S7000HM digital piano, one of Casio’s premium models worth £2,249, plus an exclusive studio mastering session...more

03 Jul 2025

  • Record labels are running on empty (see Opinion)

  • AI music is going viral, but it’s not what fans want (see Comment)

02 Jul 2025

  • The Velvet Sundown may be the first breakout AI band from Suno (see Digital)

  • Amid cuts, WMG to "continue to supercharge our capabilities in long-term artist, songwriter, and catalog development" (see Business)

01 Jul 2025

  • WIN CEO writes to European Commission Vice-President over Universal's acquisition of Downtown (see Comment)

  • If Spotify truly champions discovery, it should champion fair compensation from the first stream (see Comment)

30 Jun 2025

  • Selected Glastonbury coverage (see News, Features, Showbiz, Reviews)

27 Jun 2025

  • Streaming is both retail and radio – it shouldn’t be (see Comment)

  • Impala’s Helen Smith on UMG's planned Downtown acquisition (see Comment)

26 Jun 2025

  • Retiring Arista CEO David Massey shares his top 10 career highlights (see Features)

  • Budweiser’s royalty loophole ad: How AI and social have changed the value of creators (see Comment)

25 Jun 2025

  • When did making music get so lonely? (see Comment)

24 Jun 2025

  • How will Taylor Swift’s masters ownership saga be remembered? (see Audio&Visual)

23 Jun 2025

  • The copyright war between the AI industry and creatives (see Comment)

  • Interview: Lyor Cohen, the head of YouTube Music (see Features)

20 Jun 2025

  • The ‘pure’ songwriter is disappearing – and it’s everyone’s problem (see Comment)