“I’m really excited to move to the Birmingham Studios"
BBC Asian Network has announced the next phase of its move to Birmingham.
As part of the BBC’s Across the UK plans, The Official Asian Music Chart with Nayha, Panjabi Hit Squad, DJ Limelight, Saturday with Vallisa and DJ Kizzi are scheduled to move to the city from September 6, 2024.
These five shows will join several DJs already broadcasting from the Mailbox.
This includes two new shows which launched in April 2024:
- One More Chai is on Wednesdays from 10 pm – 11 pm, hosted by SMASHBengali and Guranisha Randhawa.
- The first Official British Asian Chart Show is hosted by Jasmine Takhar on Thursdays from 9 pm – 10 pm.
BBC Asian Network currently broadcasts 60% of its programme from Birmingham.
There are plans for the remaining London shows to move to the city by April 2025.
DJ Kizzi said: “I’m really excited to move to the Birmingham Studios, there is such a great vibe and energy of the BBC in Birmingham, plus it is situated in the heart of the city and I love working there.
“BBC Asian Network originating from Birmingham also feels really special – almost like we are bringing it home!”
Panjabi Hit Squad (Friday, 6 pm – 9 pm), DJ Limelight (9 pm – 12 am) and DJ Kizzi (Saturday, 6 pm – 9 pm) will launch from Birmingham on September 6 and September 7.
The Official Asian Music Chart with Nayha (Friday, 3 pm – 6 pm) and Saturday with Vallisa (11 am – 3 pm) will launch from Birmingham on October 4 and October 5.
The moves are part of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy, moving shows, talent, teams, and content away from London to allow the BBC to better reflect, represent and serve all audiences.
The BBC adds over £305 million to the West Midlands’ economic value each year and is continuing to invest heavily in the region.
As part of these moves and in line with the BBC’s strategic priority to build a bigger pop music supplier community in the West Midlands, Asian Network will continue to work with and support local suppliers.
Asian Network will continue to work with Birmingham-based Glenvale Media and is happy to welcome two new local suppliers to the network, True Thought Production and VoxWave, both based in Birmingham.
Ahmed Hussain, Head of Asian Network, added:
“I am delighted to start the next stage of Asian Network’s move to Birmingham, bringing us a step closer to uniting the station in our new home by April 2025.
“We are proud to champion British Asian music and culture and I’m excited to continue to work with and support local production companies in The Midlands, who are helping to drive fresh ideas to our exciting and growing platforms.”
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