BBC Asian Network to Complete Birmingham Move by April 2025

BBC Asian Network will begin its final phase of relocating to Birmingham this April, with all shows broadcasting from the city by April 28, 2025.

This move is part of the BBC’s Across the UK plans to better represent and serve all audiences.

Asian Network Breakfast with Nikita Kanda, The New Music Show, Pritt, Nadia Ali and Bobby Friction will join other shows already broadcasting from the Mailbox, Birmingham.

Currently, 73% of BBC Asian Network’s programming is produced in Birmingham, with plans to consolidate the entire network there by April 2025.

The New Music Show with DJ Limelight and Kan D Man will be the first to move, airing in Birmingham from April 9.

Pritt and Nadia Ali will follow on April 13.

Asian Network Breakfast with Nikita Kanda will be the final show to make the switch, broadcasting live from Birmingham on April 28.

Nikita said: “I’m so excited to be broadcasting Asian Network Breakfast from Birmingham! I absolutely love the city!

“I’ve spent a lot of my time there over the years so it already feels like home to me.

“I can’t wait to join my Asian Network family in the Mailbox. Birmingham, get ready for some Kanda Kaos!”

In addition to the move, Asian Network will launch a new schedule starting April 7.

Bobby Friction will leave his current weekday slot to host a brand-new specialist music show every Sunday from 9 pm to 11 pm.

His new show will replace Vallisa’s Sunday show, which ends in March.

Three new weekday programmes will replace Bobby’s current show. Vallisa, Nadia Ali and Kan D Man will host new shows every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 pm to 8 pm, featuring anthems and nostalgic hits.

The Everyday Hustle will rotate new presenters from 7 April, with Harpreet Kaur hosting her final show on March 31.

Amber Sandhu will leave Asian Network, with One More Chai co-host Gura Randhawa taking over the Saturday afternoon slot from 3 pm to 6 pm.

Gura Randhawa said: “I can’t even put into words how buzzing I am to be hosting my first live show with Asian Network!

“One of my main goals for 2025 was to get more involved with the network, and we’re just getting started. I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity and get ready for some serious Geordie energy coming at you on the airwaves!”

Ahmed Hussain, Head of Asian Network, said: “I’m really delighted to be uniting the whole of Asian Network in Birmingham and to be delivering on our promise to increase investment and support talent across the UK.

“Birmingham is such a diverse and creative city and an important location for our listeners.

“We are proud to be bringing more representation to The Midlands, championing British Asian music and culture and continuing to work and support local companies.

“Most of all, I’m excited to bring the Asian Network family together!”

“Finally, I’d like to say a massive thank you to Amber for the energy and fun she has brought to the airwaves over the past two years.

“I wish her all the best with her new ventures.”

As part of the BBC’s strategy, Asian Network will continue to work with independent Birmingham-based suppliers, including Audio Always, Glenvale Media, True Thought Production, Resonate Agency and VoxWave.

The BBC’s Across the UK strategy aims to shift content and decision-making across the country.

The broadcaster adds over £305 million to the economic value of the West Midlands annually and continues to invest in the region.