Bauer Media Audio UK’s Simon Mayo has been awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting, while Skin received an OBE for services to music in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Simon has worked in the radio industry for nearly 40 years, after starting his career in 1982, and helped launch Bauer classical entertainment station, Scala Radio in 2019. The broadcast legend recently returned to his Drivetime home on Greatest Hits Radio, playing the music that defined his career from the 70s, 80s and 90s, weekdays from 4pm. The all-new show has delighted listeners across the country, and sees Simon reunited with longtime collaborators Matt Williams, Suzi Purdie and Nigel Barden.  Simon also continues to host a weekend show, Essential Albums, on sister station, Scala.

Simon comments, “I have to admit I am gobsmacked. Totally speechless. Which is a poor show for a broadcaster really. I feel very fortunate and privileged to have some of the best and most loyal listeners out there. And all I can promise Greatest Hits Radio and Scala listeners is that we’ll keep the shows coming, that they’ll be as good as ever but now with an extra gong!”

Absolute Radio’s Skin was also honoured, receiving an OBE – The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

First established by King George V in 1917, OBEs reward contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service.

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Show Information:

Simon Mayo’s Drivetime – Greatest Hits Radio, weekdays from 4pm

Simon Mayo’s Album Show – Greatest Hits Radio, Sundays from 1pm

Simon Mayo’s Essential Albums – Scala, Saturdays from 3pm

The Skin Show – Absolute Radio every Sunday night from at 10pm to 12am

Skin Tings Podcast available at: https://planetradio.co.uk/podcasts/skin-tings/

For further press information, please contact:

Cat Martin – Bauer Media Communications Director (Audio)

M: 07932 746 363

Eloise Wilson – Bauer Media Senior Communications Executive

M: 07510 925 154

About Greatest Hits Radio:

At Greatest Hits Radio it’s all about the music and the unique feeling that hearing a great song gives you, with listeners able to discover an upbeat, authentic, fun and entertaining format where the ‘Good Times Sound Like This’. Targeting an audience of 40+, the station plays the biggest songs of the 70s, 80s and 90s including music from iconic artists such as Blondie, Queen, George Michael, Madonna, Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, Elton John and Whitney Houston.

About Scala Radio:

Scala Radio is a brand-new entertainment radio station that breaks the mould of classical music in the UK. Presenters include Simon Mayo, Angellica Bell, Chris Rogers and musical innovator Goldie. The station plays familiar masters from Mozart and Holst to surprising new works from living composers Karl Jenkins, Rebecca Dale, Thom Yorke (Radiohead), film scores and musicals plus music performed by bright young artists like Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Scala Radio is for those that love classical music and lead a modern life.

About Bauer Media UK:

Bauer Media UK reaches over 25 million UK consumers through a portfolio of world-class, multi-platform media and entertainment brands including heat, KISS, Grazia, Empire, Magic, Absolute Radio and the Hits Radio Network. These brands offer commercial partners access to highly engaged audiences, with creative solutions underpinned by insight and instinct. Bauer Media UK is part of the Bauer Media Group, one of the world’s largest privately-owned media businesses with media assets all over the globe.