Schedule Shake-Up For 5 Live

BBC Radio 5 Live is to make key changes to its schedule next month, with a new line-up for 5 Live Drive, a new name in the late evening weekday slot and a new feel to Sunday mornings.

Anita Anand replaces Jane Garvey and will join Peter Allen from Monday 8 October 2007 to present 5 Live Drive (weekdays, 4-7pm).

Garvey, the first voice heard on the network, is moving on after 13 years because of family commitments.

Anand said: “I am delighted and really rather honoured to be taking over on 5 Live Drive. Jane has always been a presenter I have admired and respected.

“To get the chance to work with a journalist of Peter’s calibre is a joyous prospect. Drive is such an important news programme and I relish this new challenge.”

Richard Bacon, who has presented on 5 Live for the last three years, will present a high-profile late night programme (Monday – Thursday, 10pm -1am) of news entertainment and sport starting next Monday.

Bacon said of his new role: “I think it’s always best if possible to work for a radio station that you listen to. There’s no station I listen to more than 5 Live and I think this show will be great fun.”

Gabby Logan will present a new two-hour news programme on Sunday mornings from 10am to noon, replacing Worricker On Sunday, starting in the New Year.

Bob Shennan, Radio 5 Live controller, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Anita, Richard and Gabby to new places in our schedule. They are all familiar voices to our listeners and great talents.”

At the last RAJARs, for Q2 2007, 5 Live saw its weekly reach fall by almost 2.4% year on year, to leave its total at just under 5.9 million (see Radio 2 Records Rise In Weekly Reach).

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