In the ever-buzzing world of news media, neutrality is often as elusive as a mobile signal in the countryside. Yet, LBC News has managed to carve out a space where listeners can get 24-hour, straight-down-the-middle reporting. At the most recent Broadcast Revolution Virtual Live Event, we got an all-access pass to the workings of this powerhouse station. Hosted by our Deputy Head of News Ashleigh Carroll, the event featured two key journalists from LBC News: mid-morning presenter Martin Stanford and his producer Chris Golds, who also has his own show on a Saturday on LBC News.
The Birth of LBC News: A Quiet Revolution
The session wasted no time diving into the origins of LBC News. Launched in 2019, this 24-hour news station quickly gathered an audience of over a million weekly listeners. Sometimes confused with, but much unlike its sister station LBC, which thrives on impassioned debates and opinionated hosts, LBC News takes the Switzerland approach—unbiased, fact-focused, and free of agenda-driven narratives. In a world where every woman, man and their dog has an opinion, LBC News aims to offer a refreshing alternative.
The Chaos of Breaking News: A Team Effort
LBC News doesn’t operate in a vacuum; it collaborates with Global’s other radio stations, ensuring listeners receive immediate and accurate updates. This means that when the news cycle goes from zero to sixty LBC News is already on the case, with reporters verifying facts before hitting the airwaves.
While it is a 24 news operation like Sky News, as a radio station it isn’t encumbered by visual storytelling, meaning it can keep listeners updated in real time and much faster than other outlets, gaining audience trust to be the first to break any story.
From presidential inaugurations to global summits, the team must remain flexible, adjusting their coverage to reflect fast-moving developments. They also strive for regional diversity in reporting, ensuring stories aren’t just London-centric but relevant across the UK and beyond.
Guests: Welcoming Voices from All Sides
LBC News carefully selects its guests for insight and clarity, prioritising bookings based on merit and whether they have something interesting or important to say, rather than selecting based on their political affiliations. Their approach ensures a balance between expert analysis and relatable case studies—because, let’s face it, real-life stories hit harder than a string of economic statistics.
AI and the Future of Radio: Humans Still Win (For Now)
The event also explored the role of AI in broadcasting, from transcription services to automated news summaries. But while AI is handy, the panel made it clear: the human touch is irreplaceable. After all, listeners don’t tune in just for cold, hard information—they want the warmth found in expertly crafted storytelling, and a bit of personality.
Takeaways for PR Pros
For PR professionals looking to land their stories on LBC News, the panel had some sage advice: be relevant, be timely, and don’t pitch anything too fluffy.
They’re particularly interested in tech and medical breakthroughs—so if you’ve got the next big thing in AI or healthcare, or both combined – they’re all ears.
Due to its reputation as a factual-only, 24-hour fast-breaking news outlet, securing a spot on this platform is a major PR win that enhances your spokesperson’s credibility and positions them as a trusted authority before millions. And, as Martin was keen to emphasise, an interview on LBC News can be used by Global’s Newsroom for news bulletins on stations like Heart, Capital, and Classic FM, significantly amplifying your reach across multiple major radio brands.
17/09/2024 / Broadcast Revolution
11/04/2024 / Broadcast Revolution
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