Lauren Laverne quits Xfm - Radio

Jubs · 05-04-2007, 12:00

As reported by MediaGuardian:

Quote:

Lauren Laverne is to leave the Xfm breakfast show after just a year and a half in the job.

The only woman to host her own breakfast show in the cut-throat London market, she is on holiday and will not be returning to the station, MediaGuardian.co.uk can reveal.

The former lead singer of indie band Kenickie, Laverne joined the GCap station five years ago before succeeding Christian O'Connell in the all-important slot in October 2005.

"Lauren is leaving Xfm to concentrate on her TV work," said Xfm London programme director Adam Uytman.

"It has been fantastic to see her move up the schedule and host a great breakfast show for us. We wish her luck with her future projects."

Laverne, who presented the Xfm breakfast show from Monday to Thursday, had 270,000 listeners in the final quarter of last year, down 1.8% on the same period in 2005.

She was the ninth most popular commercial breakfast show in the London market, behind GCap sister stations Capital Gold and Choice. Market leader Heart, with Jamie Theakston and Harriet Scott, had 948,000 listeners.

Laverne presented the Xfm Saturday show in 2002 and went on to replace Zoe Ball in the drivetime slot before taking over at breakfast.

Laverne's TV credits include BBC2's The Culture Show and Channel 4 music show, Transmission. She has also presented ITV's CD:UK.

Earlier this year she criticised sexist attitudes in the radio industry and called on station bosses to employ more women DJs.

"I go to a meeting and they comment on my clothes, saying 'Ooh, you look nice.' I kind of think, would you say that to Johnny Vaughan? In a way it's worse in radio than it is in television.

"Every interview I have done, they say: 'Do you drive your own desk? Do your breasts not get in the way? That's amazing. Isn't she good?'

"You kind of want to garotte people but you can't. It's illegal. I worked for a guy for three years and he only ever called me darling."

The Xfm network had a total audience of 1.13 million across its analogue and digital stations in the final quarter of last year, according to the latest Rajar figures.

Xfm's fledgling Manchester station almost doubled its audience on the previous quarter, up from 85,000 to 133,000. However, the London Xfm service was one of the biggest losers in the capital, down 13% to 479,000.

http://media.guardian.co.uk/radio/st...src=rss&feed=4

So that's both the Drivetime and the Breakfast host quitting within a month of each other!

iain_smith · 05-04-2007, 13:26

its a sad day for XFM,and for radio in general-when a female dj uis forced to quit because of sexist attitudes in the industry.My money is on Richard Bacon to take over!

Ray Cathode · 05-04-2007, 13:53

I don't normally like female DJs but I have to admire Lauren Laverne; she has got a character that most of the girlies lack. She'll be much better off on TV anyway. XFM's loss I fear.

DavidRobert · 05-04-2007, 13:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by iain_smith

its a sad day for XFM,and for radio in general-when a female dj uis forced to quit because of sexist attitudes in the industry.My money is on Richard Bacon to take over!

Sadly I don't see Richard going back to XFM. He wants to do speech radio.

zing · 05-04-2007, 14:25

Blimey ... does this mean xfm is up sh*t creek?

deepfroat · 05-04-2007, 14:36

Would it be too outlandish to suggest she'll turn up on Radio 1 before too long, maybe in place of Jo Whiley?

Martin Phillp · 05-04-2007, 16:08

If only Shaun Keaveny had held out a bit longer.

piemonkey · 05-04-2007, 16:37

Regardless of what Lauren Laverne says about industry sexism (she may have a point), its not really relevant to whether she was suited at Breakfast or not.

I think she was much better later in the day - Breakfast didn't really suit her style. She's really talented - as John Peel said "a natural" - but Breakfast was too busy and energetic a slot for her style of presenting.

I really really hope they get Lucio back - he'd be perfect for Breakfast, and he's really engaging and funny and cares about proper XFM music. He's wasted on Crapital.

Failing that, Alex Zane would also be perfect - his Friday morning show is just brilliant.

This isn't "the end of XFM" - Bacon and Laverne are both talented but were not right for their slots. This is an opportunity. (So long as we're not stuck with Camfield and Tonkinson that is...)

Jab · 05-04-2007, 16:54

Well, XFM has gone right down the pan in my opinion. I no longer listen to the station, mainly due to the tired music that is on it.

But loosing drive and breakfast that quickly, its going to be interesting.

I hope they gather some sense, actually look at the music they are playing, and hire DJ's that are either very witty, or just enjoy broadcasting music. Going back to listen to it, it just stinks of over commercialisation, its sounding more and more like your bog standard One Network station during they day. Only John Kennedy and specialist programming still stick out as decent radio for me.

Have some sense XFM, employ me to sort it all out

Jab

atkins · 05-04-2007, 16:59

That's the two best Breakfast shows gone in the space of a week. First Jupitus and now Laverne.

AnalogueScott · 05-04-2007, 17:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by atkins

That's the two best Breakfast shows gone in the space of a week. First Jupitus and now Laverne.

I hope Sarah Kennedy is the third to sling her hook!

As regards to Lauren, she's a fantastic broadcaster. I wish her all the best.

ElMarko · 05-04-2007, 17:06

Peel said she was a natural? High praise, when did he say that?

stevehotspur · 05-04-2007, 18:21

Camfields cool, remember Scraping The Barrel, Chas n Dave, bring on The Dan

piemonkey · 05-04-2007, 19:21

Laverne and Peel co-hosted some of the Glastonbury coverage the year or two before he died, and apparently he said to her at one point 'you're a natural at all this aren't you'.

I don't think she was right for Breakfast, but I do agree with Peel that she has a natural, easy talent for presenting. Better on tv though I think.

ian001 · 05-04-2007, 19:33

That's a shame. Going on holiday and then finding there's no job for you to come back to - not nice.

xfmxfm · 05-04-2007, 22:19

I think the new schedule will be Tonks at breakfast, Claire Sturgess at 1pm and Graeme Smith (who I heard for the 1st time on XFM today and was really good) doing drive

jcafcw · 05-04-2007, 22:25

Of course they could put Claire Sturgess on breakfast and Jon Kennedy on the afternoon show and allow them to programme their own music.

Zorb_Furble · 06-04-2007, 01:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jubs

As reported by MediaGuardian:

http://media.guardian.co.uk/radio/st...src=rss&feed=4

So that's both the Drivetime and the Breakfast host quitting within a month of each other!

Oh my God, how are we going to cope in day to day life now that Lauren's finishing breakfast on Xfm?

I don't know how I'm going to deal with life any more.

Perhaps I'll just stay at home and wrap myself up with a comfort blanket..... I,... I, *sniff* *sob*.... I just can't go on any more.

kev · 06-04-2007, 07:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Phillp

If only Shaun Keaveny had held out a bit longer.

The one good thing is I no longer have to choose between Lauren and Shaun - the choice is made for me

Hmm, I find a good station - Xfm - and then they lose the three presenters I liked - Lucio, Shaun and Lauren, no wonder I listen less (I didn't like Richard Bacon at all so haven't listened to afternoon drive since just after he started)

JamSir · 06-04-2007, 07:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by ian001

That's a shame. Going on holiday and then finding there's no job for you to come back to - not nice.

Alas, this proves the golden radio rule - "NEVER GO ON HOLIDAY".

Numerous jocks have gone for a week away and found someone else in their job on their return.

iain_smith · 06-04-2007, 08:10

Claire Sturgess is doing breakfast today-interesting...

How about Sara Cox taking over the breakfast slot and see if she casn beat Moyles in London? She's just been hired to do the chart show on channel 4 so her careers on the rise again!

Mucky Fingers · 06-04-2007, 08:19

I didn't think she was much cop on Breakfast anyway. Bacon was a much bigger loss, but something must be up at XFM, their two biggest presenters gone within a week of each other.

Neck_Romancer · 06-04-2007, 09:18

They should rename XFM Radio Kaiser Chiefs or Radio Killers.

Thank God for 6music.

06-04-2007, 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neck_Romancer

They should rename XFM Radio Kaiser Chiefs or Radio Killers.

Or "Virgin 2"

Don Spearitt · 06-04-2007, 12:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by iain_smith

its a sad day for XFM,and for radio in general-when a female dj uis forced to quit because of sexist attitudes in the industry.

That's not why she's leaving!! That interview was done months ago and it's only included in the media guardian piece because it was originally done by the media guardian website.

I think she's a good jock and it's a shame, but the name of the game is bringing in the numbers and if you don't do that then you're out of a job!

Never heard this Tonkinson bloke who's tipped to get the gig. Is he any good?

05-04-2007, 16:37	#8
piemonkey Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 23	Come back Lucio Regardless of what Lauren Laverne says about industry sexism (she may have a point), its not really relevant to whether she was suited at Breakfast or not. I think she was much better later in the day - Breakfast didn't really suit her style. She's really talented - as John Peel said "a natural" - but Breakfast was too busy and energetic a slot for her style of presenting. I really really hope they get Lucio back - he'd be perfect for Breakfast, and he's really engaging and funny and cares about proper XFM music. He's wasted on Crapital. Failing that, Alex Zane would also be perfect - his Friday morning show is just brilliant. This isn't "the end of XFM" - Bacon and Laverne are both talented but were not right for their slots. This is an opportunity. (So long as we're not stuck with Camfield and Tonkinson that is...)

06-04-2007, 08:10	#21
iain_smith Banned User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,101	Claire Sturgess is doing breakfast today-interesting... How about Sara Cox taking over the breakfast slot and see if she casn beat Moyles in London? She's just been hired to do the chart show on channel 4 so her careers on the rise again! Last edited by iain_smith : 06-04-2007 at 08:12.

05-04-2007, 13:26	#2
iain_smith Banned User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,101	its a sad day for XFM,and for radio in general-when a female dj uis forced to quit because of sexist attitudes in the industry.My money is on Richard Bacon to take over!

05-04-2007, 13:53	#3
Ray Cathode Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Guildford / Crystal Palace Services: Freeview; FreeSat HD; FTA DSAT; DAB; FM; DAT45 + MRD; Log Periodic; TD88 Posts: 7,681	I don't normally like female DJs but I have to admire Lauren Laverne; she has got a character that most of the girlies lack. She'll be much better off on TV anyway. XFM's loss I fear.

05-04-2007, 14:25	#5
zing Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 197	Blimey ... does this mean xfm is up sh*t creek?

05-04-2007, 14:36	#6
deepfroat Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: UK Posts: 1,359	Would it be too outlandish to suggest she'll turn up on Radio 1 before too long, maybe in place of Jo Whiley?

05-04-2007, 16:08	#7
Martin Phillp Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London Services: Freeview (Sharp TU-R160H) and DAB Posts: 11,420	If only Shaun Keaveny had held out a bit longer.

05-04-2007, 16:54	#9
Jab Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Fleet Services: Broadband, Wii, PC, PS2, Sky, Freeview Posts: 331	Well, XFM has gone right down the pan in my opinion. I no longer listen to the station, mainly due to the tired music that is on it. But loosing drive and breakfast that quickly, its going to be interesting. I hope they gather some sense, actually look at the music they are playing, and hire DJ's that are either very witty, or just enjoy broadcasting music. Going back to listen to it, it just stinks of over commercialisation, its sounding more and more like your bog standard One Network station during they day. Only John Kennedy and specialist programming still stick out as decent radio for me. Have some sense XFM, employ me to sort it all out Jab

05-04-2007, 16:59	#10
atkins Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 996	That's the two best Breakfast shows gone in the space of a week. First Jupitus and now Laverne.

05-04-2007, 17:06	#12
ElMarko Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Blackpool Services: Virgin TV/Net/Phone, OSX/Linux/XP (For games) Posts: 3,815	Peel said she was a natural? High praise, when did he say that?

05-04-2007, 18:21	#13
stevehotspur Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 781	Camfields cool, remember Scraping The Barrel, Chas n Dave, bring on The Dan

05-04-2007, 19:21	#14
piemonkey Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 23	Laverne and Peel co-hosted some of the Glastonbury coverage the year or two before he died, and apparently he said to her at one point 'you're a natural at all this aren't you'. I don't think she was right for Breakfast, but I do agree with Peel that she has a natural, easy talent for presenting. Better on tv though I think.

05-04-2007, 19:33	#15
ian001 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: UK Services: NTL Digital, NTL Broadband, Freeview, DAB Posts: 707	That's a shame. Going on holiday and then finding there's no job for you to come back to - not nice.

05-04-2007, 22:19	#16
xfmxfm Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Services: Freeview, AOL Broadband Posts: 446	I think the new schedule will be Tonks at breakfast, Claire Sturgess at 1pm and Graeme Smith (who I heard for the 1st time on XFM today and was really good) doing drive

05-04-2007, 22:25	#17
jcafcw Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 712	Of course they could put Claire Sturgess on breakfast and Jon Kennedy on the afternoon show and allow them to programme their own music.

06-04-2007, 08:19	#22
Mucky Fingers Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 309	I didn't think she was much cop on Breakfast anyway. Bacon was a much bigger loss, but something must be up at XFM, their two biggest presenters gone within a week of each other.

06-04-2007, 09:18	#23
Neck_Romancer Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Lost in a forest. Services: Eb Major, C Major, G Major. Posts: 9,624 Blog Entries: 3	They should rename XFM Radio Kaiser Chiefs or Radio Killers. Thank God for 6music.