Emap Gears Up For Breakfast Battle With Capital

Emap is gearing up for the launch of Capital 95.8 FM’s new breakfast show by signing Kiss 100 breakfast host Bam Bam for a further three years.

Spurning interest from other stations, Bam Bam will stay with Kiss 100 to host the flagship breakfast show until at least January 2007.

Commenting on the new contract, Andy Roberts, group programming director at Emap, said: “Bam Bam Breakfast has been one of the driving forces behind making Kiss 100 number one amongst 15 to 24 year olds in London.”

He continued: “Bam Bam Breakfast is one of the most talked about shows in London. The growth in digital radio across the UK means that more and more people are now finding the show across the country.”

Bam Bam, who has hosted breakfast on Kiss 100 since January 1999, added:” The interest from other stations was flattering, but there really was no question about signing a new deal with Kiss. The chemistry with the station is unique – we really understand each other. I couldn’t be myself anywhere else.”

Emap claims that Bam Bam has the most popular commercial breakfast show among Londoners, attracting almost 24.8% of listeners in the city aged 15 to 24.

The news comes after Capital Radio confirmed that Chris Tarrant is to leave his job as presenter of the group’s flagship weekday breakfast show after seventeen years.

Tarrant’s departure came as little surprise to some in the industry as his current contract expires in December. He will be replaced by former Big Breakfast presenter, Johnny Vaughan in the new year (see Capital Confirms Tarrant Is To Leave Breakfast Show).

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

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