Zoe Ball and father Johnny are supporting a new GWR radio station for children, claiming radio is more stimulating for youngsters than TV. "Radio should be so important for children. When we were young our dad encouraged us to listen to radio rather than be glued to the box," Zoe told the Media Guardian. "He believed it stimulated our imaginations and I agree. Radio is less in your face and more in your head than TV."
GWR is hoping the Radio Authority will reward its station Abracadabra, which already broadcasts digitally, the London wide AM licence currently used by Mohammed Al Fayed's Liberty Radio when it comes up for renewal next month. Heartbeat star Nick Berry, former culture secretary Chris Smith and leader of the opposition Ian Duncan Smith have all backed the licence application.