Times Radio launched on 29 June 2020 - one year ago.
We wanted to hear how it’s been for the team, launching and establishing a brand new speech station, especially within the constraints of the global pandemic.
Watch the replay of Times Radio’s fascinating story below. The event is available for free to all Members of The Radio Academy.
With lots to cover, Matt Deegan from Folder Media and Fun Kids led the hour-long conversation with Times Radio Programme Director, Tim Levell, Weekends Presenter, Ayesha Hazarika and Mid-Mornings Producer, Poppy Bullard.
Tim talks about where the station fits into the radio landscape, how it sounds, what the set-up is like behind the scenes, what’s working well and what they’ll focus on next. He also puts out an offer for freelancers so if you’re looking for work - definitely watch the video.
Poppy discusses leaving TV to take on her first major radio role to work with Presenter Matt Chorley (also new to radio) - and how not having a current affairs radio background really helped her think differently.
Ayesha talks about the adrenaline rush of breaking some of the biggest national news stories on her weekend show and how the team manage when the ‘existing’ running order goes out the window.
Speakers for this event

Tim Levell | Programme Director at Times Radio
Formerly an Editor at BBC Radio 5Live and Blue Peter, and a Producer at Sky. Tim’s worked as a journalist for almost 30 years.
He joined Times Radio in March 2020 to launch and run the brand-new station.

Ayesha Hazarika | Times Radio Presenter, Weekends 4-7pm
Ayesha presents a newsy show with lots of politics. She’s a Columnist at the Evening Standard and i Paper.
Ayesha started her career as a stand-up comedian and also worked as a Special Advisor for the Labour Party.

Poppy Bullard | Producer at Times Radio, Matt Chorley’s show 10-1pm
Poppy produces Matt’s popular weekday programme featuring ‘politics without the boring bits.’
This is her first job in radio, having previously worked in television producing BBC One’s Question Time.

Matt Deegan, our host | Folder Media, Fun Kids and British Podcast Awards
Matt’s the Creative Director at Folder Media, he blogs at Matt Deegan Writes, is part of the management team of MuxCo and runs the children's radio station Fun Kids.
He also co-created the British Podcast Awards and Podcast Live.