End of an era for Northsound 1 as breakfast show concludes

Lauren Mitchell reflects on eight memorable years with Jeff Diack.

Northsound 1’s breakfast show comes to a close

In a heartfelt farewell, Lauren Mitchell, the beloved presenter of Northsound 1’s breakfast show, expressed her gratitude as the program aired for the final time. The show, known as Jeff and Lauren in the Morning, has been a staple of the station since its inception in 2017, captivating audiences with its engaging content and local charm.

Changes in local radio landscape

Last month, radio executives announced the cancellation of the popular breakfast show, opting instead for the Edinburgh-based Boogie in the Morning, which is already a fixture on Forth 1. This decision marks a significant shift for Northsound 1, which has been a key player in the local radio scene since its launch as Northsound Radio in 1981.

With this change, the station will no longer feature specific shows tailored to the north-east, as programming will now be networked with its sister stations under the Bauer Radio umbrella.

A legacy of connection and community

Over the past eight years, Lauren and her co-host Jeff Diack have delivered more than 2,000 episodes of their breakfast show, including during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Reflecting on her time at Northsound, Lauren stated, “It truly has been a fantastic eight years waking up people in the north-east. It’s been an absolute honour to be a part of the local community, meet so many wonderful people, and work with so many great charities.” Her emotional farewell resonated with listeners who have tuned in over the years, showcasing the deep connection forged between the presenters and their audience.

Impact on local broadcasting

The cancellation of Northsound’s breakfast show is not an isolated incident; it coincides with the announcement that MFR, another Bauer-owned station, will also be discontinuing its local breakfast program. This trend raises concerns about the future of local broadcasting, as fewer programs originate from local studios. Victoria Easton-Riley, content director for the Hits Radio portfolio in Scotland, acknowledged the contributions of the departing presenters, emphasizing the importance of their roles in the community.

Looking ahead

As Northsound 1 transitions to a new format, the only remaining breakfast show broadcasting live from Aberdeen will be Breakfast with Claire and Pete on Original 106. Robin Galloway, group head of programs at DC Thomson, lamented the loss of local programming, stating, “Northsound Radio was where many local broadcasters – myself included – cut their teeth on the local airwaves.” The shift towards networked programming raises questions about the future of local talent and the opportunities available for aspiring radio presenters in the region.