Q radio signs 'that bloke off Loose Ends'

Tucked away in the corners of the Q radio launch schedule are a couple of interesting items, not least the promise of a regular slot for David Quantick. Even although they manage to make the prospect seem less than inviting by describing it as "a mix of music and the presenter's wry take on life." Which makes him sound like Terry Wogan.

The Q Radio programme director, Rik Blaxill, said the station will be "about delivering some welcome surprises with a broad palette of music, comedy and lifestyle programming and with new names finding a home next to established talent".

Lifestyle programming? Since the new-version Q Radio is meant to be more closely aligned with the magazine, does this mean we can expect recipes and interior design tips alongside the Coldplay interviews in the future?

New Q?

Bauer, currently working through the bits of things it bought with EMAP, is touting round a new look for Q Radio, headed up by Ric Blaxill, late of 6Music and Top of the Pops:

Sources close to the situation are suggesting the relaunch could happen as early as May.

A spokesperson for Bauer said that no firm decision has been made as the “teams are still assessing the demand for a bigger Q Radio”.

Since we're not sure there's much of an actual demand - unless we've missed some sort of public debate - we imagine they're hoping to create a demand. It's part of Blaxill's brief:

to look at a range of new male music propositions including a new version of Q Radio with stronger ties to monthly music magazine Q.

So, a station that plays a lot of U2, then.

Kershaw producer canned

The fallout from the "abuse of trust" panic at the BBC has claimed its first scalp: Liz Kerhsaw producer Leona McCambridge has been sacked, following the revelation that many of Kershaw's competition phone-ins were pre-recorded with friends masquerading as listeners.

According to the Mail's report, Lesley Douglas, controller of Radios 2 and 6, went round to McCambridge's house to sack her with three personnel staff in tow; the Mail further speculates that Ric Blaxill could also be in trouble, after he did similar things while sitting in as producer on Russell Brand's show. (Yes, former Top of the Pops' Blaxill).

The confusing thing here is that the Kershaw breach of "trust" came to light while thye BBC was conducting an amnesty over competition fudging following the Blue Peter and Saturday Kitchen mistakes; it's an odd amnesty which ends in punishment.