Zac Goldsmith Invests in New Sports Radio Station Featuring BBC and ITV Talent
A new sports radio station called Track Radio is set to launch next month, backed by a substantial multi-million pound investment from Conservative peer Zac Goldsmith and his brother Ben. The station has already secured high-profile presenters from major broadcasters, marking a significant entry into the sports media landscape.
Star-Studded Presenter Lineup Announced
Track Radio has confirmed that ITV Sport regular Mark Pougatch and BBC Six Nations specialist Sonja McLaughlan will be key figures in its programming. Pougatch will host the Drive Time show, while McLaughlan will take the Daytime slot, bringing their extensive experience to the new venture.
They will be joined by a diverse team of sports broadcasters, including Vassos Alexander, Daily Mail sports reporter Charlotte Daly, and presenter Sanny Rudravajhala. Further announcements are expected as the station prepares for its debut.
Advisory Team and Operational Leadership
The station boasts John Inverdale as an advisor, adding his veteran broadcasting expertise to the project. Iain Macintosh will lead the initiative, which is owned by Track Record Corporation. Macintosh expressed enthusiasm for creating a welcoming and credible space for sports fans.
"We want to celebrate the passion and energy that makes us all sports fans in a way that is welcoming, engaging, and credible," Macintosh said. "We can’t wait to launch Track Radio next month and build a space where listeners are at the heart of the conversation, able to call in, take part, and enjoy great sporting debate—all soundtracked to some fantastic music."
Programming and Broadcasting Details
Track Radio will broadcast from 7am to 7pm on weekdays, offering a mix of sports discussion and music. The station aims to provide an escape from polarized debates and the relentless news cycle, as stated in an official release: "Track Radio provides a home for sports fans and music lovers alike, an escape from the polarised debates and relentless news cycle that dominate the media landscape."
A key commitment of the station is to cover men’s and women’s sports equally, without segregating women’s coverage into isolated shows. This approach seeks to foster inclusivity and broad appeal.
Vision for a Fresh Media Experience
John Inverdale highlighted the station's innovative blend of sports and music, noting: "I’m absolutely delighted to be part of this fresh, vibrant new station. I meet so many people for whom sport and music are the central tenets of their lives, and we are really excited to bring both of these aspects together."
With a seven-figure investment and a top-class presenter team, Track Radio aims to grow and expand, offering more content for fans and listeners in the coming months. The launch next month is poised to introduce a new era in sports broadcasting, combining expert analysis with musical entertainment.
