Northern Ireland

Sean Coyle to front new BBC radio show

Sean Coyle at BBC Radio Foyle in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Sean Coyle at BBC Radio Foyle in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Sean Coyle at BBC Radio Foyle in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

BROADCASTER Sean Coyle is to present a new afternoon show on Radio Foyle as part of a shake-up by the BBC.

The 72-year-old will return to front a new daily programme, just weeks after his popular morning radio show was dropped.

Mr Coyle formed a long-running partnership with legendary broadcaster Gerry Anderson and took over his 10.30am slot after Mr Anderson's death in 2014.

The cancellation caused anger amongst the broadcaster's fans and prompted a string of complaints.

Coyle's new show will begin on October 7 and will be broadcast daily from 3-5pm until spring 2020.

It is one of several changes to the Radio Foyle and Radio Ulster schedules.

Stephen McCauley will host a new evening show while on Fridays, Mickey Bradley will present a new programme.

Eddie Doyle, BBC Northern Ireland's senior head of content production, said it was an exciting time for radio.

"We continue with our commitment to review and refresh our output, broadening appeal with our listeners in mind and introducing and developing new and upcoming talent on the airwaves," he said.