Former BBC Radio 2 DJ Simon Mayo is to lead the launch of new classical music station Scala Radio.
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Mayo, who hosted Radio 2's Drivetime show before leaving in December 2018, will present a 10am to 1pm show six days a week when the station launches on 4th March.
Other signings include Angellica Bell (who will lead weekend programming), Mark Kermode (whose show will specialise in film scores) and BBC London’s Chris Rogers (who will host a Sunday brunch show with guests).
Plus, Goldie and composer William Orbit are set to launch their own series delving into classical music.
According to Bauer, who own the new station, Mayo’s show will be a mix of celebrity interviews, listener interaction and a new re-imagined ‘Classical Confessions’ – a spin on his Radio 2 feature that invited listeners to share their shameful secrets.
"There are hundreds of radio stations playing rock and pop, and only two classical music stations [Radio 3 and Classic FM] up until now," Mayo said.
"We're different because we're going all out to entertain, laugh with the listeners, and have a good time. Some of it will be familiar, some new and exciting but all timeless, beautiful and all absolutely relevant to today".
Mayo will still continue to co-host his BBC Radio 5 Live's Friday film show with Mark Kermode.
The DJ presented Radio 2's Drivetime slot for eight years, co-presenting with Jo Whiley during the show’s last seven months.
Fans were less than impressed with Radio 2's pairing of Simon Mayo and Jo Whiley
Steve Parkinson, Bauer Group Managing Director of National Radio said: “The mix of music, personality and conversation will make [Scala] both intriguing and completely unique. We’ve completely re-imagined a format and designed it to appeal to a modern audience.”
Bauer also say the station will feature topical shows covering “the influence of classical music in gaming, mindfulness and special guest weekly round ups”.
Scala will replace Heat Radio DAB station, with Heat becoming an online-only station with no presenters.
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Scala Radio will launch 4th March 2019. You can listen on national DAB Digital Radio, online, via smart speakers and via mobile app
Thomas is Digital editor at BBC Science Focus. Writing about everything from cosmology to anthropology, he specialises in the latest psychology, health and neuroscience discoveries. Thomas has a Masters degree (distinction) in Magazine Journalism from the University of Sheffield and has written for Men’s Health, Vice and Radio Times. He has been shortlisted as the New Digital Talent of the Year at the national magazine Professional Publishers Association (PPA) awards. Also working in academia, Thomas has lectured on the topic of journalism to undergraduate and postgraduate students at The University of Sheffield.
