Bauer Media Audio UK’s Simon Mayo has been awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting, while Skin received an OBE for services to music in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Simon has worked in the radio industry for nearly 40 years, after starting his career in 1982, and helped launch Bauer classical entertainment station, Scala Radio in 2019. The broadcast legend recently returned to his Drivetime home on Greatest Hits Radio, playing the music that defined his career from the 70s, 80s and 90s, weekdays from 4pm. The all-new show has delighted listeners across the country, and sees Simon reunited with longtime collaborators Matt Williams, Suzi Purdie and Nigel Barden.  Simon also continues to host a weekend show, Essential Albums, on sister station, Scala. 

Simon comments, “I have to admit I am gobsmacked. Totally speechless. Which is a poor show for a broadcaster really. I feel very fortunate and privileged to have some of the best and most loyal listeners out there. And all I can promise Greatest Hits Radio and Scala listeners is that we’ll keep the shows coming, that they’ll be as good as ever but now with an extra gong!”    

Absolute Radio’s Skin was also honoured, receiving an OBE - The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. 

First established by King George V in 1917, OBEs reward contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service.