Kate Adie on radio and the whisper in the ear

What’s a life in radio? It makes for an interesting comparison with other mediums, because when you look at a lot of the fundamental ideas and cultures around radio, I’d argue it hasn’t changed anywhere near as much as, say, TV or print.

Built to stand the test of time or steadfastly outdated, it depends on your view. One of the things that makes someone as respected and experienced as journalist and one-time DJ Kate Adie truly special is her ability to get to the bottom of what’s important about what she does.

Ten reasons why Adam and Joe coming back on the radio is amazeballs

The news last week that Adam Buxton and Joe Cornish will be bringing their genius mindbrains back for another spell at the Big British Castle was greeted with rapture from hordes of fans. So I’m told. I was excited. The 12 week stint will fly by, and such is the cult following that these two have developed over the years, first on Channel 4, then Xfm and latterly, 6 Music, you know it will be a special run.

Review: This American Life makes headlines

One of the world’s greatest secrets, unearthed by intrepid broadcasters. If that alone doesn’t make you want to listen to NPR’s This American Life, there’s something wrong with you.

Review: Flying Lotus (and his chums)

Steven Ellison – Mr, Flying Lotus –  is sharing a joke with some guys in his kitchen. They laugh, they lounge, they nod in approval as the last track fades out in a glorious splatter of bleeps. And they’re on the BBC.

What is BBC doing with its online radio platform?

Don’t look at me, I don’t have an answer. Something is definitely happening, though as the BBC takes a long hard look at how its listeners are interacting with its iPlayer. A new radio platform offers plenty of opportunity – but will it be a fundamentally better way to interact with radio, or a load of tweets? I’m baffled.

Review: In search of the holy whale

A bunch of guys mess around on the sea for a few days looking for aquatic mammals. I reckon that’s probably not how it sounded on paper, but that’s what this R4 show was. Which doesn’t mean I didn’t want to be there.

Airplay – who needs it?

Like a saxon king ranting at the sea, stations and big labels have been resisting the inevitable pressure to ditch pre-release airplay. Until now…