When Mike Graham announced he’d be front‑lining the Breakfast show on Talk Radio from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., listeners knew something big was afoot.
The shift, effective Monday 29 April 2024, sees Graham swapping slots with former Breakfast host Jeremy Kyle, who will now helm the Drivetime slot from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. The change also marks the exit of long‑time Drivetime presenter Vanessa Feltz, whose departure was confirmed the same day.
Why the shuffle matters
Talk Radio’s parent, News Broadcasting, issued the announcement on 24 April 2024 at 19:55 UTC. Dennie Morris, Director of Audio at News Broadcasting, explained the move as part of a broader "digital‑first" strategy. "The home of common sense is back and is going completely digital," he said, adding that the station will keep reaching audiences via YouTube, connected TVs, the Talk app, and traditional AM/DAB radio.
Here’s the thing: Talk Radio has been reshaping its identity all year. Earlier, on 5 March 2024, TalkTV announced it would ditch its linear TV channels for an online‑only model. Then, on 9 February 2024, Piers Morgan walked out, heading straight to YouTube. The latest schedule tweak continues that trend, aligning the brand’s audio output with its visual‑media push.
Full weekday lineup after the change
Monday through Thursday now looks like this:
- 6:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.: Mike Graham (Breakfast)
- 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Julia Hartley‑Brewer (Mid‑morning)
- 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Ian Collins (Afternoon)
- 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.: Jeremy Kyle (Drivetime)
- 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.: Kevin O'Sullivan (Evening)
Fridays are a little different. Alex Phillips takes the mid‑morning slot, while Peter Cardwell steps into Drivetime from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and the rest of the schedule mirrors the weekday pattern.
What’s missing from the spring schedule?
Several shows that used to pepper the schedule are now silent. JJ Anisiobi's "CrossTalk", co‑host Nicola Thorp from the Breakfast team, and "The Talk" with Sharon Osbourne have all been axed. The cuts align with the brand’s push to consolidate its flagship voices and free up bandwidth for digital content.
Industry reaction
Media analysts say the reshuffle is a bold, if risky, bet. "Talk Radio is betting on personality‑driven slots to pull listeners across platforms," notes Media Insight senior analyst Laura Chen. "Mike Graham’s move to Breakfast could attract a younger, morning‑commute crowd, while Jeremy Kyle’s controversial style will keep the drivetime audience tuned in. The real test will be how well these shows translate to YouTube and the Talk app."
Listeners have been vocal on social media. One longtime fan tweeted, "Missing Vanessa’s drivetime banter, but curious about Mike’s new vibe. Hope they keep the talk‑spicy edge." Another wrote, "If they can pull the same energy to the Talk app, I’ll be streaming more than I ever did on AM."
Implications for Talk Radio’s digital future
Talk Radio’s evolution mirrors a broader industry shift: traditional broadcasters are scrambling to stay relevant as audiences fragment across streaming services and social platforms. By synchronising its audio schedule with video‑friendly personalities, News Broadcasting hopes to capture cross‑platform ad revenue and keep its brand top‑of‑mind.
Advertising execs are already taking note. A senior sales director at a UK media agency, who asked to remain anonymous, said, "The multi‑platform rollout means brands can now run a single campaign that hits radio, YouTube, and the Talk app. It’s a more efficient spend, especially for political or cause‑driven messaging."
Yet challenges remain. The station must ensure that the quality of live radio isn’t diluted by the push for video content. As Morris put it, "Our flagship weekday lineup will maintain Talk's growing reach across the brand: on YouTube, on connected TVs, on radio, online and on the Talk app." Whether that promise holds up will become clearer as ratings come in next month.
What’s next for Talk Radio?
News Broadcasting is expected to release quarterly listener metrics later this summer. If the new Breakfast show draws a strong morning audience, we could see further investments in digital studio upgrades and perhaps a dedicated "Talk Live" streaming hub.
For now, the station’s focus is on smooth execution. "We’re rolling out the changes over the weekend, testing feeds, and making sure the Talk app reflects the new schedule instantly," Morris added. Listeners who miss the old lineup can still replay podcasts on demand, a move that underscores the brand’s commitment to on‑demand content.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the new Breakfast show affect regular Talk Radio listeners?
Mike Graham brings a more news‑focused, fast‑paced style to the early slot, which many listeners say could energise the commute. Existing fans of his evening show will need to adjust their listening habits, but the station promises on‑demand replays for those who miss the live broadcast.
Why did Vanessa Feltz leave Talk Radio?
The station did not disclose a specific reason. Industry sources suggest her contract was not renewed as Talk Radio reshapes its schedule to align with the digital‑first strategy outlined by News Broadcasting.
Will the schedule changes impact Talk Radio’s presence on AM and DAB?
No. The broadcaster confirmed it will continue to transmit on traditional AM and DAB frequencies while simultaneously pushing the same content to YouTube, the Talk app, and connected TVs.
How does the shift relate to Piers Morgan’s departure earlier this year?
Morgan’s exit highlighted the brand’s willingness to let high‑profile talent move to platforms where they can monetize directly. The current schedule reshuffle continues that trend, favouring personalities who can thrive across both audio and video formats.
What should advertisers expect from the new line‑up?
Advertisers will gain multi‑platform exposure: spots can now run on the radio broadcast, appear as pre‑roll on YouTube streams, and be featured within the Talk app. This integrated approach aims to boost reach while simplifying campaign management.
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