Zoe Ball’s new Greatest Hits Radio show launches today (September 7).
Bauer Media has secured a 12-month partnership with BT for the new show, which marks Ball’s move to commercial radio. The broadcaster left BBC Radio 2’s Saturday afternoon show, following a long association with the network, including six years as the breakfast presenter.
Ball joins Greatest Hits Radio’s daytime line-up alongside Ken Bruce and Simon Mayo. The main GHR station had 5.8 million weekly listeners in the most recent set of RAJAR results.
The partnership, which was secured by WPP Media, will bring BT’s ‘Behind Brilliant Things’ brand platform to life across radio, digital and social, creating a year-long presence around Ball’s new show.
The partnership will launch in the opening moments of the new programme ahead of the show’s very first song. BT will also feature across social content around launch week, including Ball’s first live link and interviews with celebrity guests.
Creative will be refreshed throughout the year, enabling BT to spotlight different consumer and business messages and respond to key campaigns, product launches, seasonal and cultural moments.
At the centre of the partnership will be a brand new weekly feature, Your Greatest Hits List, running Monday to Thursday at 3pm. Each week, one listener will get the chance to take control of the playlist, sharing four songs that mean the most to them. Each featured listener will receive a co-branded Greatest Hits Radio x BT Gold Disc and a smart speaker.
Zoe Ball’s arrival at Greatest Hits Radio is a huge moment, and we’re delighted that BT has chosen to be part of it
Simon Kilby
Zoe Ball said: “I’m super excited and, to be honest, extremely giddy about starting this new chapter with Greatest Hits Radio, what a thrill! And to have BT coming along for the ride makes it even more special. I love the idea of celebrating all the brilliant people, stories and memories behind the music we love, so ‘Behind Brilliant Things’ feels like such a lovely fit. I can’t wait to get going, play some cracking tunes and hear from listeners about the songs and moments that mean the most to them. Let the adventure begin!”
Simon Kilby, managing director, Bauer Media Advertising, added: “Zoe Ball’s arrival at Greatest Hits Radio is a huge moment, and we’re delighted that BT has chosen to be part of it. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring together two trusted household names and create something that goes beyond traditional sponsorship. ‘Your Greatest Hits List’ gives listeners a starring role and provides a natural way for BT’s Behind Brilliant Things platform to connect with the people, stories and music that matter most to them.”
Helen Whetton, brand and marketing communications director, BT, said: “Zoe Ball is one of the most trusted and loved voices in British broadcasting, so partnering with her brand-new show gives us a fantastic opportunity to bring BT’s Behind Brilliant Things platform to life in a way that feels warm, human and genuinely connected to people. From the stories behind the songs people love, to the technology that keeps them connected and protected, this partnership is about celebrating the brilliant things that happen every day – and the network that helps make them possible.”
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