The Wireless, a new online radio station, has launched this week providing informative features and music aimed at those in later life.
From breakfast to drive-time, The Wireless features a range of rich and diverse radio content, including light-hearted celebrity interviews, competitions and more serious topical discussions, documentaries and consumer issues.
Created by USP Content on behalf of Age UK, the charity dedicated to improving later life, and led by CEO, Rob Jones, the new station reflects the tastes and lifestyles of those aged over 50, sharing helpful information and advice for an older audience, as well as offering light entertainment to listeners.
Programmes feature a variety of exciting and informative content including:
• Music from across the decades – soulful melodies from the 50s and 60s, right up to current day hits.
• Topical consumer discussions that tackle important issues including ‘Money Saving Tips’ and an ‘Around the Table’ discussion forums.
• Celebrity interviews including legendary 1966 World Cup winner George Cohen and actor Larry Lamb
• Gardening tips with Christine Walkden, for the green fingered listeners
• Volunteers, supporters and users talking about Age UK services available in the local community
• Insights into some of the fundraising work that Age UK does, such as campaigning for social care reform.
In addition, there are a number of specialist shows available. Listeners can tune in to travel talk on the ‘Silver Travel Show’ and business matters for the older consumer in ‘Business Matters’, or kick back and enjoy interviews with various authors in ‘Behind the Book’ and music shows dedicated to specific genres, from classical to jazz.
Speaking about the launch of The Wireless, Tom Wright CBE, Group Chief Executive of Age UK, said: “Research shows that people over 55 years of age listen to radio more than any other age group, so we wanted to create a platform that caters for this audience. We are thrilled to launch an entertaining and informative new radio station that provides the UK’s older demographic with more choice about what they want to listen to.
The Wireless will provide an entertaining outlet that helps us to share some of our extensive information and advice on improving later life, as well as encouraging our supporters to get involved in our campaigning and fundraising. We also want to hand the microphone over to people in later life, providing a platform for listeners to express their own views and help shape what content we produce and air so it’s as much their station as the charity’s.”
The station’s flagship schedule will be hosted by radio veterans David Hamilton, ex BBC Radio and Graham Dene, previously at Smooth FM, who present the mid-morning and afternoon shows respectively.
David Hamilton, radio presenter on The Wireless and former Radio 1 DJ, said: “I’m really excited to be involved with The Wireless. It’s a brilliant new radio station that offers a unique selection of great music, interesting features and expert advice. There’s a great selection of music from across the decades, some of which I remember better than others, so it really has something for everyone!”
Jaime Alguersuari joins BBC Radio 5 live’s F1 team
USP Content are delighted to announce that Jaime Alguersuari will join Radio 5 live’s Formula 1 commentary team as an expert summariser, to complete the team of pit lane reporter Jennie Gow and lead commentator James Allen, who as F1 correspondent will also report on F1 across the station throughtout the season.
Jaime Alguersuari said: “It’s great to be part of the BBC’s F1 commentary team on Radio 5 live. It will be interesting to look at the action from a different angle and bring that excitement and insight to listeners. Given that I’m still only 21, this agreement permits me to return to F1. It promises to be another exciting season and I can’t wait for it to start.”
The season gets under way on the 18th March in Melbourne and USP Content will producing live coverage of all 20 Grands Prix for BBC Radio 5 live.