Soweto Kinch to present new BBC Radio 3 show ‘Round Midnight, as J-to-Z and Freeness axed from Radio 3 schedule from April
Mike Flynn
Monday, February 26, 2024
It’s mixed fortunes for jazz radio listeners as Radio 3’s new weekday show promises more new music but with weekend and specialist jazz listening diminished
BBC Radio 3 has today unveiled its new schedule with a raft of new programmes announced – but with two key jazz programmes, J-to-Z and Freeness (presented by Cory Mwamba) – no longer continuing from the start of April. A new nightly jazz show has been confirmed to run Monday-to-Friday, with ’Round Midnight, presented by highly regarded UK saxophonist and broadcaster Soweto Kinch. This adds a weekday jazz focus to the station’s schedule, and will include the best in jazz, with a particular focus on British artists – going out at 11.30pm-12.30am.
Jazz Record Requests, presented by Alyn Shipton, remains as a Sunday slot (4-5pm) dedicated to jazz. Further jazz coverage will include the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition and guests on the new slot for Friday Night Is Music Night… (Fridays 7.30-9.45pm) with more eclectic, leftfield sounds featured on Late Junction (Fridays, 10-11.30pm).
The station’s most popular shows, including Breakfast, Essential Classics and Private Passions are extended, and Clemency Burton-Hill returns to BBC Radio 3, and the station welcomes new presenters including Nicola Benedetti, Jools Holland and Clive Myrie. Meanwhile regulars Tom Service and Sara Mohr-Pietsch host new programmes exploring a wide range of historic and contemporary repertoire.
Commenting on the changes Sam Jackson, Controller of BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms said: “Distinctiveness and ambition are at the heart of the new Radio 3 schedule, as we look to delight our existing audience whilst also offering a raft of programmes that give new listeners a reason to join us. Today, we cement our commitment to live music, and take the opportunity to tell powerful stories through the magical medium of radio. From Clemency Burton-Hill’s major series on the West Eastern Divan Orchestra, to Soweto Kinch’s nightly jazz programme, Radio 3 is offering a diverse range of programmes unlike anything available elsewhere. This new schedule, coupled with our forthcoming BBC Proms season which is shaping up to be one of our most ambitious yet, makes this an exciting time for music at the BBC.”
To see the full list of updated or new programmes in the schedule visit www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/
