Emap Signs Holmes To Front Magic 105.4 Show

Emap has signed former GMTV host Eamonn Holmes to front his own three-hour show on Magic 105.4 between 4pm and 7pm on Sunday evenings.

The move will see Holmes bring his “easy Irish charm” to listeners across the UK, with his favourite tracks from a vast catalogue of new and old music available through FM in London and nationally via Freeview, satellite and cable.

Homes will take to the air from 18 September. Looking forward to the venture, he said: “Everybody knows that I am a big Elvis fan, but when I appeared as Johnny Cash recently on Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes, people could see that I have a great love of music in general. Joining Magic is a fantastic opportunity to share my favourite music with the nation.”

Emap’s decision to sign Holmes to the Magic schedule forms part of its strategy to introduce high quality weekend shows to the station, as well as increasing Magic’s talkability, whilst still putting music first.

Andria Vidler, managing director of Magic 105.4, said: “Eamonn Holmes is one of the best broadcasters in the country and we are delighted that he recognises Magic 105.4 as the home of great music. Eamonn and Magic should be the perfect recipe for a fantastic Sunday afternoon.”

Vidler explained that Holmes appointment was the first of several new initiatives to improve Magic’s output, stating: “By introducing a few high quality shows into the schedule we will be adding some talkability. Emap is committed to investing in Magic. Some new programming and a major new marketing campaign to roll out in the autumn will help us take the next steps to make Magic the number one commercial radio station in London.”

The latest wave of RAJAR audience data shows Magic’s FM signal adding 9.2% to its weekly reach year on year, which now totals 1.68 million.

Emap: 01733 568 900 www.emap.co.uk