The BBC confirmed today that Mark Forrest will present the corporation’s brand new all-Local Radio Evening programme (tx from Monday 7 January 2013, weekdays 7-10 pm).
Mark is an experienced talk and music presenter in networked and local programmes for both commercial and BBC radio stations. His broadcasting CV includes fronting first ‘Drive’ (2002-2010) then ‘Breakfast’ (2010-2012) on Classic FM. In addition, he has worked on Virgin Radio, Heart London, BBC 5 live and, most recently, as host of BBC Radio York’s Breakfast Show, as well as freelance stints on national commercial station Smooth Radio and London’s Magic 105.4.
Andrew Robson, Head of BBC Local Radio Development, said: “Mark is a fantastically talented presenter with a great track record in both music and talk presentation. His warm style and sharp sense of humour should make weekday evenings on BBC Local Radio a great listen.”
The show will be known simply as ‘Mark Forrest’ and will be broadcast from the studio at BBC Radio Leeds. Wire Free Productions will produce the programme.
Speaking from his home in Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales, Mark said: “This is a tremendous opportunity. Not only is this a brand new show which will be syndicated across all 39 BBC Local Radio stations in England and the Channel Islands, but it has simply never been done before. I’m hosting a programme which will take the very best stories from around the country and present them to a national audience. That is a challenge but a very exciting one – I can’t wait to get started.”
Husain Husaini from Wire Free Productions will be executive producer on the programme. He welcomed Mark’s appointment: "We are really looking forward to working with Mark, he is a very capable and versatile broadcaster who knows the local radio audience well which makes him perfect for this new show."
All BBC Local Radio stations will broadcast the ‘Mark Forrest’ programme, except in instances such as major breaking news stories or sport commentaries.
A full media pack for the Mark Forrest - BBC All-Local Radio Evening Programme is available here
SM/JW5
Mark is a fantastically talented presenter with a great track record in both music and talk presentation. His warm style and sharp sense of humour should make weekday evenings on BBC Local Radio a great listen.”
