Radio host Simon Mayo “is to launch a national classical music radio station, becoming the latest BBC presenter to depart for a commercial rival as the corporation struggles to keep hold of its top talent,” writes Jim Waterson in Monday’s (1/21) Guardian (U.K.) “The broadcaster quit Radio 2 at the end of last year after more than three decades with the BBC, following a troubled year sharing his afternoon slot with Jo Whiley in a format that flopped with listeners…. He has now been announced as the mid-morning host and face of Scala Radio, a station designed to have a more casual and youthful approach than its established rivals, with a focus on film scores and work by modern composers alongside the likes of Mozart and Holst. The station is owned by Bauer Media, which also runs Absolute Radio and Kiss, and is due to launch on 4 March on DAB radio and online.… Mayo said: ‘There are hundreds of radio stations playing rock and pop, and only two classical music stations—until now. Some of it will be familiar, some new and exciting, but all timeless, beautiful and all absolutely relevant to today.’ ”
Posted January 25, 2019
