Fox Joins Magic As New Breakfast Host
Emap’s Magic 105.4 has announced the return of DJ Neil ‘Dr’ Fox to the nation’s airwaves, as he takes the helm of the station’s breakfast show later this month.
The appointment follows Foxy’s departure from Capital FM earlier this year, where he had hosted the Drive Time show. However, his switch to Magic will see him go head to head with Capital’s high-profile breakfast host, Johnny Vaughan, in a battle for supremacy in the London market.
Emap has already stated that the appointment forms part of its long-term strategy to become the capital’s number one commercial radio station, a position currently held by GCap Media’s Capital FM.
Dr Fox will join Magic on 12 September, presenting The More Music Breakfast every Monday to Friday from 6am to 9am and The move is the latest signing by new Magic MD Andria Vidler as part of Emap’s investment personality-based programming and sees the veteran DJ take over from Graham Dene, who will move to present the station’s drive time show.
Commenting on the appointment, Vidler said: “Neil is one of the best radio broadcasters in the business. It is great to have him come on board at the most exciting point in Magic’s history. There is a great deal of skill goes into crafting each hour of Magic to ensure that we have the right mix of more music and less talk and Magic is all about having experienced radio broadcasters who love music.”
Neil Fox added: “I love being on the radio and I am really excited to be back on the air in London. Magic is the station I have been listening to most in the last couple of years and it will be great to work for a radio station that wants its breakfast host to play lots of music.”
The new appointment follows a period of promotion and change for Magic, with a £1 million advertising push designed to coincide with several new programming initiatives by the station (see Magic Targets London’s Top Spot With £1 Million Push). Amongst other new launches is Indulgence, beginning on 18 September, in which non-music celebrities choosing their favourite tunes. Former GMTV presenter, Eamonn Holmes, also begins his Sunday afternoon show on the 18th (see Emap Signs Holmes To Front Magic 105.4 Show), while My Magic Music, a new Saturday afternoon show featuring singers and songwriters favourite tracks begins on the 17th (see Craig David To Launch New Magic Show).
The latest RAJAR audience figures show Magic adding 9.2% to its weekly reach year on year in the three months to June. Magic’s total audience now stands at 1.686 million. The station’s share has also risen, adding 0.5% points in the same period to total 5.1%, making it the second most listened to commercial radio station in London, behind Capital.
Emap: 01733 568 900 www.emap.co.uk