A DEPARTED former BBC radio presenter based in north Shropshire says the corporation ‘does not value’ local stations.

Ryan Kennedy is joining the on-air team at Shropshire Live, based in Market Drayton, this April to present a new weekday show.

The local radio presenter will join to host the mid-morning show between 10am-1pm from Tuesday, April 11.

Ryan left BBC Radio Shropshire ahead of proposed changes to BBC local radio stations in England which will see local programming reduced as stations share programming from 2pm on weekdays and at weekends excluding news and sport.

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The planned changes are set to take place later this year.

But after the recent confirmation that local BBC radio shows and stations that were merged during Covid-19 will remain that way, Ryan says he needed to seek new horizons.

He said: “From the proposals it looks like the BBC doesn’t see value in local radio, fortunately, Shropshire Live does. 

“I’m passionate about radio and I’m passionate about Shropshire so it’s great to have somewhere new to share my enthusiasm.

“This is something new for the county so I hope you will join me each morning in my new home.”

The moves, which were confirmed by the BBC last month, means that presenters would have to re-apply for their own jobs or face redundancy.

Ryan will be keeping Shropshire up to date with the latest local news and entertainment, with local and celebrity guests featuring on the show and a mix of music from the 80s to today.

It’s also a radio first for the county as the show will be broadcast daily from Market Drayton in North Shropshire.

This week, Ryan presented his last show on BBC Radio Shropshire after 12 years at the station with many listeners getting in touch to wish him well.

Chris Pritchard, editor and breakfast presenter at Shropshire Live, said: “We can’t wait for Ryan to join us on air, we know our listeners are going to love the show Ryan has planned. 

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“The show will be broadcast from Market Drayton which is important for us at Shropshire Live as we represent communities across the county.”

Shropshire Live on air launched in October last year as an addition to the website which was established in 2009.

You can listen to Shropshire Live online, via the free mobile app or ask Alexa to enable Shropshire Live, then after that play Shropshire Live.

For Google-enabled devices just say talk to Shropshire Live.