Smooth transition

Guardian Media Group are trying to create a bit of buzz around the launch of Smooth Radio as a national network from next Monday.  But star signing Simon Bates will still be soldiering on at Classic FM for a while.  He's not due to take-up his role as breakfast jock at Smooth until January 4th.  And it's not to allow him time to find accommodation near GMG radio HQ in Salford Quays.   Unlike at the BBC, Breakfast at Smooth is staying in London with Simes.

A GMG spokesman said he was one of only "a couple" of presenters who would be London-based.  That may also be true of Simon's stand-in for Monday, Lynn Parsons, very much a Home Counties girl.  But who else on the roster ?  Hard to believe Mark Goodier will be moving far from his Wise Buddah base in Great Titchfield St, W1.  So that's Smooth Radio, national, from Salford Quays after lunch...