Radio Foyle Gets Fine-Tuning

Broadcasting in Northern Ireland is to be given a tune-up with news that, from Monday 6th December, BBC Radio Foyle will feature new peak-time programmes at breakfast and lunchtime.

The pre-festive season changes will be dedicated to reflecting news, community and cultural life in the North West area at times when audiences are most available to listen.

Changes to the schedule are to include a new peak time breakfast programme from 7-9am, Breakfast, presented by Enda McClafferty and Sarah Brett.

It is specifically tailored to Radio Foyle listeners and will combine the latest news, sport, comment and analysis from the area with up-to-date national and international news and a more interactive approach that will allow listeners to voice their views through texts and e-mails.

The BBC's new lunchtime programme from 1-3pm will be called Lunchtime With Mark Patterson and will be at the heart of the north west community and cover the broad range of real-life stories, grassroots issues and events there. The programme will also include the popular News At One, with a full news and sport round up.

Meanwhile, a newly extended afternoon music programme from 3-5pm, presented by Sean Coyle will be a new, two-hour slot, as Sean Coyle provides his inimitable brand of banter and play requests and dedications from Radio Foyle listeners.

Gerry Anderson's unique and popular programme will continue every weekday morning from 10.30am-12pm.

The Nolan Show will also be made available on Radio Foyle between 9-10.30am and, along with Talkback and Arts Extra, will engage with audiences in the north west and bring north west issues to a Northern Ireland-wide audience.

Michael Tumelty, Editor of Radio Foyle, said: "From early morning through to evening, this is a strong, striking and hugely exciting schedule of new and established programmes and talent that puts our audiences in the north west at its heart.

"We have focused our efforts on delivering key programmes at times when our audiences have told us they want to listen. This can only allow us to continue to serve and connect with listeners across the north west to a greater degree, which is, after all, the reason we're here."

Peter Johnston, Director, BBC Northern Ireland, said: "Radio Foyle plays a vital role in the north west and I believe this evolution of the schedule will strengthen our connection with audiences even more. The strong relationship with BBC Radio Ulster, meanwhile, means the issues from the north west can be represented to wider audiences across Northern Ireland."

(BMcC/GK)