Gen X Radio Is Reviving Local Radio

Local radio is far from dead. We chat to James Hazell and Tim Gough about the stupendous success of Gen X Radio and how to do local radio right.

by Lucy Rowe in Podcast

Last updated 05.10.2023

In this episode of RADIO & co we hear from Gen X Radio's, James Hazell and Tim Gough, about their careers in broadcasting, what's been lost with local radio and how Gen X Radio Suffolk is bringing it back.

James Hazell and Tim Gough are talented broadcasters with a wealth of experience in local radio. Between them they’ve managed stations, overseen stations rebranding, and presented across the dial. Individually, they’ve worked at the likes of BBC Radio Suffolk, Radio Trent and Saga Radio.

James Hazell left the BBC in 2021 after presenting there for 15 years. Within 6 months, he did something extraordinary. He set up Gen X Radio Suffolk, a local commercial station for his home county. James got some other broadcasters - like Tim - on board and the station has gone from strength to strength.

We're kind of sticking it to the man - in terms of the big conglomerates, the corporations - who are riding roughshod over the [radio] industry.

Despite being less than 6 months old, Gen X Radio regularly gets 10,000 listeners. In this episode of RADIO & co, Lucy talks to James and Tim about their journey, how big media brands are not meeting the demand for local radio, and everything it takes to be successful.