Tom Ravenscroft, a beloved figure on BBC Radio 6 Music, is set to depart the station at the end of May 2025 after an impressive 13-year tenure. His exit will mark the conclusion of his popular shows, New Music Fix Daily and The Ravers Hour. Ravenscroft, the son of legendary BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel, expressed mixed emotions about his departure, stating, "Argh man, this is a sad moment. It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to depart 6 Music but pastures new beckon." His final shifts will take place on May 29 and 30, respectively, as he moves on to explore new opportunities.
During his time at the station, Ravenscroft became known for showcasing emerging artists and fostering a vibrant music community. He thanked his listeners and colleagues, saying, "It’s been a blast, I’ve met so many wonderful people as a result of this job and will be forever grateful. Lots of love to the listeners and everyone who has ever sent me music. I will miss it all. Forever yours. Tom.”
Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, praised Ravenscroft for his significant contributions, calling him "iridescent and irreplaceable" and noting that he would be missed by all at the station. His departure comes as part of a broader reorganization of programming at Radio 6, which will see the return of iconic DJ Mary Anne Hobbs.
Mary Anne Hobbs is set to return to the airwaves with a brand-new show on Sundays from 6 to 8 PM, starting June 8, 2025. Described by the BBC as "a borderless world of music, featuring open conversation with some of the world’s most fascinating artists," her show promises to be a unique experience for listeners. Hobbs, who previously stepped back from hosting in January, expressed her excitement about returning, saying, "It's a joy to return home to 6 Music, and pull-up next to my teenage hero Iggy Pop."
The new show will feature segments like "Directors Cut," inviting musicians to create extended versions of their tracks, and "End of Days," where artists select pieces of music for future generations. Hobbs emphasized her vision for the show, stating, "The new show will be a home for music across all spectrums, outliers to headliners. Open conversations with the artists we love. New experiments in storytelling and sound. Come with us.”
In addition to Hobbs' return, Tom Robinson will continue to be a part of the Radio 6 lineup. He will host Now Playing @6Music on Sundays and present a series of specials for the station’s annual Loud & Proud season, which spotlights LGBTQ+ voices. Robinson's specials will air from June 2 to June 5, 2025, and he will also fill in for other presenters throughout the month.
Listeners can also look forward to special broadcasts covering the Primavera Sound festival, where Robinson and his new co-host Deb Grant will provide interviews and live performances. Starting June 2, 2025, Grant will be joined by Nathan Shepherd as her new co-host for New Music Fix Daily. Shepherd, who will continue to present Indie Forever on Fridays, is excited to bring his enthusiasm for new music to the show.
In addition to the changes in hosting, Radio 6 Music has announced exclusive editions of Artist in Residence: AAA, featuring artists like Bon Iver and CMAT later in the year. This programming shift reflects the station's commitment to offering diverse and engaging content to its listeners.
As Ravenscroft prepares to leave, he leaves behind a legacy of musical exploration and a community of fans who have appreciated his work. His contributions to the station have helped shape its identity, and while his departure is bittersweet, it opens the door for new talent and fresh programming that promises to keep the spirit of BBC Radio 6 Music alive.
In summary, the upcoming changes at BBC Radio 6 Music signal a new era for the station as it bids farewell to Tom Ravenscroft and welcomes back Mary Anne Hobbs. With a lineup that continues to highlight emerging artists and celebrate diverse voices, listeners can expect an exciting future filled with innovative programming.
