BRMB - The Changes Begin. - Radio

The Critic · 07-08-2009, 14:46

I've spent the last week listening closely to BRMB and it seems the changes are already beginning.

The music sounds fantastic, far more suitable to a competitive marketplace like Birmingham and a fine example of CHR programming.

I hear through contacts at the station that changes are already being made behind the scenes. The Managing Director was given his marching orders, and PD Adam Bridge has also left the station.

I also hear that the relatively fresh Adam and Ruddy show is to be binned very shortly for something more suitable for that daypart.

It begs the question: what would YOU like from BRMB now it's in the hands of ORION?

07-08-2009, 15:10

Robin Banks!!!

'Red hot' Emma Scott!!!

Barmy Brummies, if Danter is available one day a week? Not sure if it will sound as fresh now as it did but I would listen to it!

Newton Crosby · 07-08-2009, 15:24

There's a possibility the Barmy Brummies could return as a concept, rather than the same three guys as last time.

Mapperley Ridge · 07-08-2009, 15:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Critic

I hear through contacts at the station that changes are already being made behind the scenes. The Managing Director was given his marching orders, and PD Adam Bridge has also left the station.

Not really that surprising given that David Lloyd is group director. He'll bring in his own people, I'm sure.

I think the main thing is for BRMB - and all the stations - to go back to their heritage roots, but without sounding old or cheesy. It can be done with a good creative mind (like Lloyd's) and some strong leadership (like Phil Riley). I say leave them to it for three months and then come back to this thread.

07-08-2009, 15:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mapperley Ridge

Not really that surprising given that David Lloyd is group director. He'll bring in his own people, I'm sure.

I think the main thing is for BRMB - and all the stations - to go back to their heritage roots, but without sounding old or cheesy. It can be done with a good creative mind (like Lloyd's) and some strong leadership (like Phil Riley). I say leave them to it for three months and then come back to this thread.

David Lloyd seems to be a fan of 'personality' radio at certain times of the day, but I would expect more of a music based Drive show if past experience anything to go by. As I have said before, if Nick Jackson ever leaves Absolute then i'm sure he would find a welcoming home at BRMB! Definitely one of Dave's faves.

loudrocksurfer · 07-08-2009, 16:49

emma scott would be very good

and get phil upton back again

allan lake??

Mapperley Ridge · 07-08-2009, 16:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by loudrocksurfer

and get phil upton back again

I don't think bringing him back would be a great idea on the FM stations. Perhaps for Gold if they do local breakfast shows.

Rob Howell · 07-08-2009, 17:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by loudrocksurfer

emma scott would be very good

and get phil upton back again

allan lake??

I've never got the attraction with Emma Scott, she's Ok, not great, and a bit tough to manage apparantly. Phil Upton won't leave the BBC, and is too old for BRMB, and as for Allen Lake, I doubt Orion need a headache like that so soon.

BRMB have been trying out jocks from other parts of their group recently, so maybe they'll look to move internally. I wouldn't be surprised if there is an entirely new line up at brmb in the next 2 months, especially after another shocking rajar.

loudrocksurfer · 07-08-2009, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mapperley Ridge

I don't think bringing him back would be a great idea on the FM stations. Perhaps for Gold if they do local breakfast shows.

ok maybe not cus he has left the station twice now!

alex zane?? or nick margerrison??

robrymonduk · 07-08-2009, 18:40

Good ridance to Adam and Ruddy, I came home and listened to it and it was dire. Sometimes it sounds pre-recorded which doesn't help, its not very 'on the fly' humour.

Dave FM · 07-08-2009, 19:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by robrymonduk

Good ridance to Adam and Ruddy, I came home and listened to it and it was dire. Sometimes it sounds pre-recorded which doesn't help, its not very 'on the fly' humour.

Robin Banks is a good shout for somewhere on the schedule - he mentioned being back on a big station soon...

Andy Carlton · 07-08-2009, 22:36

It may be under new management but it will still sound exactly the same as it has always done since the 90's - which is simply a repetitive hit-music station.

They still continue to mention '96.4' every few minutes so it is the 'same 'same'

Is anyone really interested in the frequency?

Same name/ same music/ same presenters/ same output. Whats new?

the wellser · 08-08-2009, 09:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Carlton

It may be under new management but it will still sound exactly the same as it has always done since the 90's - which is simply a repetitive hit-music station.

They still continue to mention '96.4' every few minutes so it is the 'same 'same'

Is anyone really interested in the frequency?

Same name/ same music/ same presenters/ same output. Whats new?

It's seems to me you just hate the BRMB brand and remember your thread from what must have been about a year ago, claiming BRMB play too much ABBA and I'm sure many others will decide to take your views on the subject with a pinch of salt. (link here)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Carlton

It may be under new management but it will still sound exactly the same as it has always done since the 90's - which is simply a repetitive hit-music station.

It's had several different formats since the 1990's in terms of what the station plays including an 80's, 90's and Today mode for a while and now current chart music. We don't know what the management will choose to do musically in terms of these stations.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Carlton

They still continue to mention '96.4' every few minutes so it is the 'same 'same'

Is anyone really interested in the frequency?

It's not a case of whether people are interested in the frequency, it's simply a case of making sure people know it off the top of their head when they are trying to find the station in the car.

The frequency is part of the on-air branding, so I and most listeners wont think of it as being told every link, but essentially just part of the name the station is identifying itself as. This is common practice on most FM stations (stations like Heart don't bother anymore because most of the time they are in networking and it would take forever to give all the frequencies out).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Carlton

Same music

The playlist is likely to be tweaked slightly but I don't expect it will ever be your cup of tea, which is fair enough. Doesn't mean others wont appreciate it though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Carlton

Same name

The name is arguably the stations biggest asset, it's a well known respective heritage brand, it's something which means ladies in their 60's will still tune in, despite probably not being too keen on the music. The name is also quite cool and snappy in my opinion and works for younger listeners as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Carlton

same presenters

The presenter line-up will certainly be changing, if you knew anything about David Lloyd he's a giant in the world of radio programming and he'll have been bought in to shake things up in this department.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Carlton

same output. Whats new?

Well that's a statement which nicely sums up all of the above!

It's clear that elements of the output will change, others wont, successful elements of the station like the football coverage appear to be remaining and being expanded upon.

Quite frankly no one quite knows what direction Orion will take these stations in and to an extent your comments just appear ignorant and confirm you have an irrational hatred of the BRMB brand.

GaseousClay · 08-08-2009, 09:35

Bring back Phil Holden

radio nut · 08-08-2009, 11:11

i agree phil holden would be great+nick hennigan,phil gayle.

Radio Vet · 08-08-2009, 21:00

Don't rule out a return for Les Ross - albeit possibly on AM rather than FM. As for Phil Upton not wanting to leave BBC WM - don't you believe it. If he thought BRMB wanted him, he'd be off like a shot.

teascones · 09-08-2009, 00:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by robrymonduk

Good ridance to Adam and Ruddy, I came home and listened to it and it was dire. Sometimes it sounds pre-recorded which doesn't help, its not very 'on the fly' humour.

I like Adam and Ruddy!

Personality in a personalityless sea that is radio at drive time.

Andy Carlton · 09-08-2009, 00:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by radio nut

i agree phil holden would be great+nick hennigan,phil gayle.

Not forgetting.... John Slater/ Stephen Rhodes/ Nick Meanwell/ Charlie Jordan/ George Gavin/ Graham Torrington/ Brendan Kearney....and the list goes on...

Phil Holden was great...especially his afternoon pop-quiz!

BRMB...when it once WAS 'BRMB'

Rob Howell · 09-08-2009, 07:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio Vet

Don't rule out a return for Les Ross - albeit possibly on AM rather than FM. As for Phil Upton not wanting to leave BBC WM - don't you believe it. If he thought BRMB wanted him, he'd be off like a shot.

Les Ross and Phil Upton won't be going back to BRMB, as much as I'd like to see it, it won't happen. They're both much older than the target demo.

I wonder what will happen though, will it become a proper Hit Music Station, or will it adopt the slightly older music policy to slot inbetween Galaxy and Heart.

So if Adam Bridge has gone, who is his replacement and who will they really bring in?

loudrocksurfer · 09-08-2009, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Howell

Les Ross and Phil Upton won't be going back to BRMB, as much as I'd like to see it, it won't happen. They're both much older than the target demo.

I wonder what will happen though, will it become a proper Hit Music Station, or will it adopt the slightly older music policy to slot inbetween Galaxy and Heart.

So if Adam Bridge has gone, who is his replacement and who will they really bring in?

Emma Scott!!

GaseousClay · 09-08-2009, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Carlton

Phil Holden was great...especially his afternoon pop-quiz!

BRMB...when it once WAS 'BRMB'

It was bloody brilliant especially when a listener would phone in and not know the correct answer to their own question.

some audio clips from BRMB here

dpb · 09-08-2009, 11:04

I think BRMB needs to look forward not backward and as a result I don't think bringing back any of the old names, no matter how excellent they were and in most cases still are, will do that.

I'm sure there are things the station have done in the past they can put a modern spin on but bringing back old names isn't one of them.

the wellser · 09-08-2009, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by loudrocksurfer

Emma Scott!!

I can see her on drive.

charliesangel · 09-08-2009, 14:11

Sadly Kevin Pashby has gone as well. He served the station well as news editor and was there for 15 years.

Ray Jar80 · 09-08-2009, 15:24

So heres the changes so far fom a very relaible source:

BRMB:

Former MD at Wyvern is to become Sales manager

Current PC at Wyvern Paul Kaye is to become PD at BRMB

Kevin Pashby has been pushed out as news editor and will be replaced by Louise Easton (Beacon) as group head of news.

No more changes so far but lots to come.

MERICA:

BOTH PC and MD have left

Theres talk of bringing John Dalziel back to Mercia (currently breakfast jock at Wyvern)

BEACON:

No changes yet!

07-08-2009, 14:46	#1
The Critic Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 58	BRMB - The Changes Begin. I've spent the last week listening closely to BRMB and it seems the changes are already beginning. The music sounds fantastic, far more suitable to a competitive marketplace like Birmingham and a fine example of CHR programming. I hear through contacts at the station that changes are already being made behind the scenes. The Managing Director was given his marching orders, and PD Adam Bridge has also left the station. I also hear that the relatively fresh Adam and Ruddy show is to be binned very shortly for something more suitable for that daypart. It begs the question: what would YOU like from BRMB now it's in the hands of ORION?

07-08-2009, 15:10	#2
dylanj501 Posts: n/a	Robin Banks!!! 'Red hot' Emma Scott!!! Barmy Brummies, if Danter is available one day a week? Not sure if it will sound as fresh now as it did but I would listen to it!

07-08-2009, 15:24	#3
Newton Crosby Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 297	There's a possibility the Barmy Brummies could return as a concept, rather than the same three guys as last time.

07-08-2009, 16:49	#6
loudrocksurfer Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bromsgrove, UK Services: PS3, DAB, Mac, Freeview, Blu ray, Internet Radio, PlayTV Posts: 83	emma scott would be very good and get phil upton back again allan lake??

07-08-2009, 18:40	#10
robrymonduk Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Stoke, Staffordshire Services: o2 8MB Broadband Posts: 659	Good ridance to Adam and Ruddy, I came home and listened to it and it was dire. Sometimes it sounds pre-recorded which doesn't help, its not very 'on the fly' humour.

07-08-2009, 22:36	#12
Andy Carlton Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Sutton Coldfield Services: Freeview/ DAB/ Sunshine Radio Posts: 3,555	It may be under new management but it will still sound exactly the same as it has always done since the 90's - which is simply a repetitive hit-music station. They still continue to mention '96.4' every few minutes so it is the 'same 'same' Is anyone really interested in the frequency? Same name/ same music/ same presenters/ same output. Whats new?

08-08-2009, 09:35	#14
GaseousClay Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Worcester Services: ♫Avanti flow♫ Posts: 2,093	Bring back Phil Holden

08-08-2009, 11:11	#15
radio nut Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: west midlands Services: freeview Posts: 762	i agree phil holden would be great+nick hennigan,phil gayle.

08-08-2009, 21:00	#16
Radio Vet Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: England Posts: 387	Don't rule out a return for Les Ross - albeit possibly on AM rather than FM. As for Phil Upton not wanting to leave BBC WM - don't you believe it. If he thought BRMB wanted him, he'd be off like a shot.

09-08-2009, 11:04	#22
dpb Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,576	I think BRMB needs to look forward not backward and as a result I don't think bringing back any of the old names, no matter how excellent they were and in most cases still are, will do that. I'm sure there are things the station have done in the past they can put a modern spin on but bringing back old names isn't one of them.

09-08-2009, 14:11	#24
charliesangel Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 579	Sadly Kevin Pashby has gone as well. He served the station well as news editor and was there for 15 years.

09-08-2009, 15:24	#25
Ray Jar80 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 27	So heres the changes so far fom a very relaible source: BRMB: Former MD at Wyvern is to become Sales manager Current PC at Wyvern Paul Kaye is to become PD at BRMB Kevin Pashby has been pushed out as news editor and will be replaced by Louise Easton (Beacon) as group head of news. No more changes so far but lots to come. MERICA: BOTH PC and MD have left Theres talk of bringing John Dalziel back to Mercia (currently breakfast jock at Wyvern) BEACON: No changes yet!