Times Radio to launch on June 29 with Mariella Frostrup and Phil Williams among hosts
TIMES Radio will launch on June 29 with Mariella Frostrup and Phil Williams among hosts, it has been announced today.
The new national digital news radio station will see the big names discuss everything from family issues to arts and culture to celebrity interviews.
The impressive line-up of hosts was today revealed ahead of the digital news radio station's launch on Monday June 29 at 6am.
Other big names will include Carole Walker, Giles Coren and Hugo Rifkind while Amber Rudd, her daughter Flora Gill and Lord Digby Jones will present specially-commissioned shows.
One of Britain's most established broadcasters, Mariella Frostrup is the latest Times Radio hire and will be presenting afternoons, Monday to Thursday.
The newly announced presenter said: “This is such an exciting time to be delivering a live radio programme when trusted and accessible news and big ideas for a changing future are essential.
"The pedigree of The Times journalism is world renowned, and I’m excited that Times Radio have given me the chance to create an ambitious show covering topical news, lifestyle and culture - with some levity along the way - that I hope will become a fixture in listener's lives. I’m also honoured to number among the stellar line-up they’ve assembled."
Her show will look at topical social and family issues, arts and culture, as well as discussions and interviews with celebrity guests.
Times Radio line-up
- Mariella Frostrup to host afternoons Monday to Thursday
Phil Williams to helm evenings Monday to Thursday
Carole Walker to present late night Monday to Thursday
Times columnists Giles Coren and Hugo Rifkind have own shows
Ayesha Hazarika, Gloria De Piero, Kait Borsay, Alexis Conran and Calum Macdonald all lined up for regular shows
Former Conservative Home Secretary Amber Rudd with daughter Flora Gill, businessman Lord Digby Jones, and Times writers Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson to host specially-commissioned shows and podcasts
Meanwhile, established broadcaster Phil Williams, best known for presenting his own shows on BBC Radio 5 Live for over 20 years, will host the evening slot, Monday to Thursday.
He will take listeners through the big stories of the day, look ahead to the next day's headlines with expert guests and keep his audience across the latest sports and entertainment news.
He said: "My show will analyse the day’s news without leaving listeners feeling overwhelmed by it.
"We’ll also be covering sport, entertainment and culture each night, giving contributors the space to speak without constant interruption, and offering the evening listener a friendly place to relax with the radio."
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Names already announced for the station include Aasmah Mir and Stig Abell (at breakfast from Monday to Thursday), Luke Jones and Jenny Kleeman (at breakfast Friday to Sunday), Matt Chorley (mid-mornings from Monday to Thursday), John Pienaar (at drive from Monday to Thursday), Cathy Newman (drive on Friday) and Michael Portillo (Friday evening).
Times Radio will broadcast on DAB, online and via app and smart speakers.
The station will be ad break free, with commercial opportunities for sponsors across the schedule.
