BBC Radio Solent: Rick Jackson to start presenting breakfast show - and is bringing The Naked Hit with him

Jackson will take over the flagship breakfast show on BBC Radio Solent from Monday, March 9, as part of a presenting shake-up at the station. Incumbent Alun Newman is moving to an afternoon presenting slot.

The veteran broadcaster joined Radio Solent in 2025 to present the afternoon show. Before that, he spent 30 years working in commercial radio across the south coast, most famously at Wave 105.

Best known for his upbeat, energetic style, Jackson will now be bringing that energy to early risers, commuters and parents on the school run. The programme will focus on stories from across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight - as well as his feature his music quiz, The Naked Hit.

Jackson said: “This is really exciting - I’m so happy that I will be back on a breakfast show again, championing the area that I love.

“I can't wait to entertain our listeners and connect them with the stories, the people and the places of the south.”

Jackson, who grew up on the Isle of Wight and now lives in Gosport, started his broadcasting career on the island at the age of 17.

Newman will launch his new afternoon show on Monday, March 23, airing from 2-6pm. Katie Martin will continue to host the daytime show from 10am-2pm, including The Rewind at 1pm.

The station will also keep its Dorset breakfast opt-out from 7am to 9am on Dorset frequencies, presented by Steve Harris.

Ian Ramsdale, executive editor at BBC Radio Solent, said: “I’m delighted that Rick is joining the Breakfast show. He brings joy and passion to the airwaves and is the perfect person to brighten up the mornings of residents of Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

“I’d also like to thank Alun Newman for all he has done in the last six years, and I look forward to hearing him in the afternoons.”