Hits Radio has arrived!
Here's everything you need to know
There’s so much to be excited about, as Jo and Sparky will be waking you up with the biggest hits, throwbacks and huge laughs each weekday morning from 6am. Gemma Atkinson will be back with Mike Toolan each weekday afternoon to get you home in the funniest way possible, and we could change your life with Million Pound Make Me A Winner! Plus every evening Sam Thompson will be hanging out with the biggest stars to end your day in the perfect way.
Check out everything you need to know below.
What have you changed your name to?
Gem Radio was already part of the Hits Radio Network, and this name change means we’ll be more clearly linked as part of a family network of shows.
Will I still be able to listen to Breakfast with Jo & Sparky?
Yes! Jo & Sparky will still be waking up East Midlands with the biggest hits and biggest throwbacks, weekday mornings from 6am-10am.
Will the music change?
No. We will still have our same great playlist of the biggest hits and biggest throwbacks brought to you by our presenter line-up including Breakfast with Jo & Sparky, Fleur East, Sam Thompson, Sarah-Jane Crawford, Gemma Atkinson and Mike Toolan. See our full playlist here.
Will you still be local?
Yes! As Hits Radio East Midlands, we’ll still bring you all your local news and information, traffic and travel and Breakfast with Jo & Sparky. We’ll still be supporting fundraising for disadvantaged young people within our community through Cash for Kids and will continue to provide advertising opportunities for local commercial partners.
How can I find local news on Hits Radio East Midlands?
You can hear all the latest news from the East Midlands on the hour, either online, on your radio or the Gem Radio App. You can also keep up to date with all of the latest news online.
How do I listen to Hits Radio East Midlands?
There are many ways you can listen to us, from online, to our app, on DAB, here's our complete guide to how to listen.
How can I listen on my Smart Speaker?
Amazon Alexa: "Alexa, play Hits Radio East Midlands"
Google Home: "Ok Google, play Hits Radio East Midlands"
Apple HomePod: "Hey Siri, play Hits Radio East Midlands."
Do I need to download a new App?
If you already have our app, head to your app store and update it. If not, you can download below:
Will I need to change the accounts I follow on social media?
You don't have to re-follow or re-like our pages. You can connect with us below if you aren’t already!
Like Hits Radio East Midlands on Facebook
Follow Hits Radio East Midlands on Twitter
Follow Breakfast's Jo and Sparky on Twitter
Follow Hits Radio East Midlands on Instagram
Can I listen to Hits Radio East Midlands in the car?
You can listen to Hits Radio East Midlands on DAB with a low-cost DAB converter or adapter. You can also download our app on your phone and connect to us via Bluetooth or USB connector, type 'Hits Radio East Midlands' into your App store on your phone and you can download the App for free.
Why are you 100% digital?
Hits Radio East Midlands is now 100% digital, which means you’re able to enjoy the station’s Biggest Hits and Biggest Throwbacks by making a simple change to the way you listen. You’ll find us on Digital Radio (DAB), online or by asking your smart speaker to ‘Play Hits Radio East Midlands’. You can also continue to listen to us wherever you are on our app.
Why do I need to log in to listen?
We're always looking to improve the way you listen, so you need to log in to listen on the website, app and Alexa-enabled devices. When logged in, we can offer you the best service possible including full access to our on-demand content, ability to subscribe to our shows, and ‘Continue Listening’ by picking up where you left off, even if you are on a different device.
Will I still receive regular emails from you?
You’ll need to opt into our new emails to make sure you receive information ongoing. We’ll share details for how you can do this in due course.
How will I be able to contact the station?
Our address remains the same, you’ll just need to address any post to Hits Radio East Midlands. You can also email enquiries@gemradio.co.uk. The phone number also remains the same and we’ll share new email details in due course.
I’m a local business and want to understand more about the changes, who do I speak to?
If you already have a contact at the business, please feel free to reach out to them as normal or you can email enquiries@gemradio.co.uk
How can I enter competitions?
You can find out about our competitions on air by listening through the day or exploring our dedicated win section.
I have a prize/offer voucher with the station – will this still be valid?
Nothing changes with regards to our prizes; the validity period will remain the same.
Get to know our radio presenters
Wake up in East Midlands with Jo & Sparky for the biggest hits and biggest throwbacks, weekday mornings from 6am-10am. Listen back to the Gem breakfast show here.
Jo and Sparky also play Kids Tell Fibs every weekday morning at 7.50am, if you've got a budding star in your house, head to our website to fill in a form and we could be giving you a call to get them on Gem.
Find out more about our presenters here.
Angellica Bell, James Barr & Matt Haslam
Wake the fun up on Saturday mornings with Angellica Bell, James Barr & Matt Haslam. Angellica is sitting in for Fleur while she taking a break with her baby! This jam-packed show brings you the biggest laughs, the biggest competitions and your favourite stars all while playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks Saturdays from 9am.
Gemma Atkinson & Mike Toolan
Gemma Atkinson & Mike Toolan get you home weekdays from 4pm. Expect plenty of laughs with the biggest hits and throwbacks!
Sam Thompson
Every weeknight Hits Radio is THE place to be, as Sam Thompson brings you The Hits Radio Evening Show from 7pm. He's joined by the world's biggest stars and has the best playlist to soundtrack your evening.
Plus, on Sunday afternoons Sam Thompson counts down the UK's 40 biggest hits on the Hits UK Chart.
Tom Green
Tom Green kicks off your workday from 10am with an entire hour of huge throwbacks.
Then continue your day with a tasty selection of hits, throwbacks and a lot to make you smile!
Hattie Pearson
We don't do the post lunch slump! From 1pm, there's big tunes all afternoon and MASSIVE money to be won, Hattie will see you through your afternoon in style.
Owen Warner
Owen Warner kickstarts your weekend on Friday Night Hits and Saturday Night Hits from 7pm. He's got the ultimate playlist to get you ready for the weekend, with the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks as well as some incredible celebrity guests. Don't miss it!
Mary Mandefield
Mary Mandefield gives your Sunday morning the kickstart it needs with hits, throwbacks and plenty of giggles as you wake up. Listen Sunday morning from 6-9am.
Wes & Sheree
Spend your Sunday morning with Wes Butters and Sheree Murphy. Loads of great tunes and a good laugh to kick off your Sunday. Listen from 9am.
Sarah-Jane Crawford
Whether you're heading back from the shops, the game or getting ready for an evening at home, our very own SJC has the perfect mix of Hits and Throwbacks to take your Saturday afternoon into Saturday night mode! Join Sarah-Jane Crawford Saturday afternoons from 4-7pm. You can also catch Sarah-Jane weeknights from 10pm on Hits Radio.
Stephanie Hirst
Your Saturday night party is ON with Stephanie Hirst's belters! From 11pm every Saturday Stephanie plays nothing but the best dance-floor throwbacks from the 90s & 00s. Plus, every Sunday evening from 7pm, Steph plays nothing but the biggest throwbacks in the mix.
How to listen to Hits Radio East Midlands:
Turn it up with Hits Radio East Midlands! Home of the Hits Radio Breakfast Show with Jo & Sparky, Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on DAB, online, or ask your smart speaker to ‘Play Hits Radio East Midlands’.