BBC Asian Network has announced it will make changes to its schedule during the Coronavirus crisis to ensure it can continue to keep listeners informed and entertained during the uncertainty.
Changes will include all weekend daytime shows being extended to four hours and all programmes after 7pm being pre-recorded. This is to ensure BBC Asian Network can continue to provide the best service to listeners while also keeping all staff and presenters safe and healthy.
Other changes due to the coronavirus will include, the popular BBC Asian Network Breakfast with Harpz Kaur starting at 7am instead of the usual 6-10am slot. Following Harpz, Asian Network’s Big Debate will runs from 10am-1pm and Bobby Friction, who usually presents from 7-10pm Monday to Thursday, will have his weeknight slot extended by an hour to 7-11pm.
The new simplified schedule will mean staff required in the London and Birmingham studios will be significantly reduced, as some presenters rotate over the coming weeks. This is to prioritise live programmes whilst aiding social distancing.
The new schedule came into effect yesterday and will remain under review for the foreseeable future.
Khaliq Meer, Acting Head of Programmes, says: “During this period of so much uncertainty, we have simplified our schedule to support everyone involved in the Network to be at their best whilst safeguarding their health and wellbeing as much as possible.
“I am incredibly proud of how our teams and presenters have come together to ensure we keep our listeners up to speed with the latest developments; engaged in daily conversation whilst providing a really important escape by way of the best UK and global Asian music and entertainment.”
Asian Network Revised Schedule
Monday-Thursday
| 7-10am | Asian Network Breakfast with Harpz Kaur |
| 10am-1pm | Asian Network’s Big Debate |
| 1-4pm | Noreen Khan |
| 4-7pm | Yasser |
| 7-11pm | Bobby Friction |
Friday
| 7-10am | Asian Network Breakfast with Harpz Kaur |
| 10am-1pm | Asian Network’s Big Debate |
| 1-4pm | Noreen Khan |
| 4-7pm | Yasser |
| 7-10pm | Panjabi Hit Squad |
| 10pm-1am | Kan D Man and DJ Limelight |
Saturday
| 7-11am | Weekend Breakfast with Waqas Saeed |
| 11am-3pm | Week one: Preeya Kalidas Week two: Eshaan, Sunil & Nim |
| 3-7pm | AJD |
| 7-10pm | Panjabi Hit Squad |
| 10pm-1am | Nucleya |
Sunday
| 7-11am | Weekend Breakfast with Jasmine Takhar |
| 11am-3pm | Gagan Grewal |
| 3-7pm | Dipps Bhamrah |
| 7-9pm | Nadia Ali |
| 9-11pm | Ashanti Omkar |
| 11pm-1am | Asian Network Residency |