Up early for the morning commute? Just finishing a nightshift? Can't sleep? Whatever the reason you're awake before everyone else, Express FM is introducing a starter to your breakfast with two friendly voices to ease you into the new day.
Starting the first week of April, every morning from 5, we'll be providing the perfect early morning soundtrack including great music, warm conversation and information about goings on in and around the great waterfront city.
Every weekday morning until 6:30, it's Morning Watch with Lana Hall. The show's name is a nod to our renowned sailing, shipping and naval communities here in Portsmouth, specifically the watch system onboard vessels. Lana has been a familiar voice on Express FM over the last year, currently presenting Express Hits on a Tuesday night and regularly co-hosting with Ian James on Express Breakfast.
On Saturday and Sunday mornings, Victoria Aburn will bring you The Weekend Wake-Up until 8 with a look ahead to events happening locally and fun features to pick your brains with including Random Question Sunday and your Unpopular Opinions. Victoria joined Express FM in October last year and has presented Wind Down on a Sunday evening as well as, more recently, Express Hits on a Wednesday night.
While Lana and Victoria are both stepping down from their current shows as part of these changes, they will continue to pop up elsewhere on the schedule including regular appearances with Ian James on Express Breakfast.
Lana Hall said: "I think its brilliant we’re extending our presenting schedule at Express FM to keep listeners company during the early mornings. As the daughter of a healthcare worker, I’m particularly passionate that those who do shift work still have access to community and connection at unsociable hours.
"Whether you’re a hard worker of Portsmouth, or something is keeping you awake and you need a friendly distraction, it’s my hope for Morning Watch to become a warm voice for those occasions."
Victoria Aburn said: "My first six months at Express FM have been such a joy, and I’m so excited to continue my journey as a presenter, by taking on a different style of presenting, and kickstarting your weekends with you!
"Co-hosting Express Breakfast with Ian made me realise that I love being on the radio in the mornings, to bring you positivity, energy and motivation to kickstart your day!"
Express FM Content Manager Harrison RB said: "Express FM prides itself on giving local people from all ages and backgrounds the skills necessary to serve their community by becoming great broadcasters. Using our platform to develop the next generation of talent is also a very important part of what we do.
"Lana and Victoria were both brand new to radio at the time of joining our team and have both demonstrated that they are ready to take the next step in their bright futures with us and I’m delighted we could offer them this opportunity."
We are always looking for enthusiastic, creative people to join our team of brilliant volunteers at Express FM.
If you're an enthusiastic local person with a passion for life in Pompey - and perhaps also sport or music - we would love to hear from you!
No prior broadcasting experience is needed and all the necessary training will be given. Find out more here.
