BBC Radio 3 refresh weekend schedule

Radio 3 has announced a new After Dark zone for the network.

“BBC Radio 3 listeners are, we know, up for adventure, discovering new things and getting new angles and depths of knowledge on the familiar. So as part of our mission to continue to grow, develop and reinvent ourselves we are introducing some changes to our scheduled programmes – offering new takes on familiar subjects and giving listeners new ways to discover our rich cultural content.” – Alan Davey, Controller of BBC Radio 3

Changes announced include the end of World on 3 as the programme is relaunched as Music Planet, exploring classic tracks, big names and new releases from roots-based music from across the globe.

Jazz Line-Up gets a revamp and name change to J to Z, will celebrate the best in jazz – past, present and future. Alongside Julian Joseph and Kevin Le Gendre, award-winning broadcaster and singer Jumoké Fashola will join the presenting team. A new Saturday afternoon programme, Inside Music, replaces Saturday Classics and will see a range of high-profile musicians join the programme to guide listeners through a selection of music.

Celebrated Baritone and composer Roderick Williams will appear as an ongoing guest presenter on Choir and Organ from April while Radio 3’s weekly drama offering, Drama on 3, is to move to an earlier Sunday evening slot, beginning at 7.30pm.

The refreshed schedule is part of Radio 3’s ongoing aim to guide listeners to the riches on offer and will include a new sound across week-nights for culturally minded audiences – directing them through Radio 3’s existing speech programming, in the newly titled After Dark.