The Drugs Don't Work

With the Olympics upon us, there's all sorts of fun you can have on your radio station with Olympic themed content. From the classics like "Name That Anthem" and "Office Olympics" through to some more innovative bits of content.

One which stood out for me over the last week was a station that got its main host to take a performance enhancing drug (albeit a legal one) contained in a supplement powder... and then measured his performance before, and after. Really nice idea. Do the drugs work?

So, which cutting edge, out there, alternative format would pull a stunt like this? Surely some radical American or Australian station pushing the boundaries of acceptability on breakfast radio?

Nope. BBC Radio 5 Live. That's who.

And with all the compliance that the BBC have to go through, full marks to them for getting the idea on air.

Here's how it panned out.

Goodbye Chris...

So, Chris Moyles is leaving the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show, having been it's most successful and longest serving host.

Over time, his contribution to UK radio so far will be put into perspective, but undoubtedly he will go down as one of the greats.

His replacement, Nick Grimshaw has a tough act to follow.

I liked the way Chris delivered his news on air. Scripted - of course... (wouldn't you!) but honest, and heartfelt... the way class broadcasters can be when required.

I for one, hope he'll remain on radio, and not be lured totally by the deceptively bright lights of TV.

British radio would be a poorer place without him.

The Hit Factory Live Bounces onto Radio...

At Bounce we create music, sound and content.

We’ve got some fantastic projects that are currently in production and some really exciting partnerships to tell you about very soon. But I’m pleased to tell you about the latest project right now.

Bounce will producing a 2-hour highlights programme from the forthcoming ‘Hit Factory Live’ concert, exclusively for the UK’s Smooth Radio and Real Radio network.

The Hit Factory Live is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacular taking place in London’s Hyde Park on 11th July 2012. For the first time ever, the classic artists from the PWL Hit Factory will perform together on one bill, including amongst many other Rick Astley, Bananarama, Dead or Alive, Pepsi & Shirlie, Sinitta, Sonia, and a very special duet from a certain Kylie and Jason!

Stock Aitken Waterman scored an unrivalled run of global hits in the 80s and 90s and are now acknowledged as one of the most successful songwriting and producing partnerships of all time. 2012 also marks the 25th anniversary of PWL Records, the legendary label originally set up as home for many Hit Factory artists.

As Pete Waterman gave me my first ever job in radio 25 years ago at Radio City in Liverpool, it seems only fitting that Bounce produces the Hit Factory Live radio programme.

The Hit Factory Live will be broadcast on Real Radio on Sunday 15^th July at 7pm, and on Smooth Radio at the end of August.

Enjoy!


UPDATE:
On Tuesday 10 July 2012 Live Nation and The Royal Parks announced that they had been forced to cancel The Hit Factory Live concert. In a statement, they said...

"Following the severe and unprecedented weather conditions across the country the site was declared unfit this morning to host the concert. The decision was made following full consultation with all of the relevant authorities and the safety advisory group. The safety of our customers, performers and production crew is of utmost importance and the decision was made unanimously. The potential risk to staff and music fans was too great for the event to go ahead."


So - no radio programme I'm afraid for the time being. But watch this space...