As Radio Ulster celebrates its 50th birthday the station has announced a number of changes to its schedule.
Starting from May 5 Connor Phillips will move from mid morning to mid afternoon, with Vinny Hurrell and Cate Conway filling the airwaves between the Stephen Nolan Show and Talkback.
The duo have proved popular since launching their evening show in spring 2023 and will now bring their lively mix of music and chat to a morning audience.
“Whether you’re at work, at home, or just taking a few minutes for yourself, we want this to be a space where you feel entertained, uplifted and part of something special,” said Hurrell.
On air from 15:00 for two hours Connor Phillips said he hoped his show would be an antidote to being sat in traffic.
“I know what it’s like sitting in the car and the traffic gives nothing but headaches. I hope my new show will be the antidote to this and eases some of that tension,” said Connor.
Richard Morgan will present a dedicated news hour from 5pm-6pm, with a streamlined Evening Extra focusing on the latest news updates and breaking stories.
In other changes, Anne-Marie Wallace will present a music programme from 6pm-7.30pm, Monday-Thursday. The weekly arts and entertainment programme The Ticket, presented by Kathy Clugston, will move from Friday afternoons to Friday early evenings from 6pm-7pm.
John Kerr will be the new presenter of The Late Show on BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle from 10pm-midnight Mondays-Thursdays, with Mickey Bradley presenting the programme on Fridays.
I’ve always been passionate about late-night radio and the songs that are synonymous with it. I can’t wait to share music from a multitude of genres that comforts, connects and distracts even from the everyday challenges of life,” said John.
Other recent changes announced include Eve Blair taking over from Anne-Marie McAleese as presenter of Your Place And Mine on Saturday mornings, and the addition of Anna Curran and Taylor Johnston to the station’s weekend schedule.
Emma Dunseith, BBC Northern Ireland’s Senior Head Of Content Production, says: “As we mark our 50th anniversary year we want to evolve with our audience’s needs and tastes with some fresh voices and formats joining the familiar faces and programmes they know and trust.