Chart Show moves day
The Official Chart on BBC Radio 1 – which is currently on Sunday’s 4-7pm hosted by Clara Amfo – is moving to Fridays from July, with Greg James taking over as presenter.
The countdown of the 40 best-selling and most streamed singles in the UK will take place from 4-6pm during Greg James’ show to coincide with the recent news that the record industry is moving to a synchronised global release day of Friday. The final hour (6-7pm) of Greg’s Friday show will continue to be dedicated to Dance Anthems.
Clara will be joining the daytime roster of DJs on Radio 1, becoming the new host of Radio 1’s Live Lounge, presenting the weekday 10am – 1pm show on the network from Monday 25 May.
Ben Cooper, Controller, BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra says: “The days of recording your favourite songs from the chart onto cassette are long gone and Radio 1 now operates in an instant digital world. So when the global release date changes to a Friday we will also move The Official Chart, continuing our commitment to stay relevant to young music fans of today and tomorrow.”
Greg James says: “It’s great that Radio 1 can make big statements like this. Radio has been under scrutiny over the last few years to keep up with the internet but with the popularity of our content online as well as out of the speakers we are proving that we’re more relevant than ever. We can react quicker than TV and most online outlets so the reality is the oldest medium has become the most vital and strangely the most reactive. The Chart must feel like it’s providing news, not just confirmation of something the listeners already knew. It’s a privilege to host it and even better that I don’t have to work Sundays.”
Martin Talbot, Official Charts Company chief executive, says: “This is an exciting new era for the Official Singles Chart – following the integration of streams, with the move to a new, more high profile slot. BBC Radio 1 has been the home of the UK’s Official Singles Chart for more than 40 years and we are delighted that they are as excited about future plans for the chart as we are.”
Radio 1 are yet to announce what will be replacing the chart shows on Sunday’s.
