talkSPORT and Virgin Radio have won funding from The Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Audio Content fund to produce bespoke new programming.

Coming In From The Cold: The History of Black Footballers in the English Game will be a 7-part documentary series about the history and rise of black footballers, broadcast in Black History Month 2020 on talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2.

The series will span two centuries of injustice, inequality, accomplishment, sporting moments and iconic symbols of our national game.

On Virgin Radio, ‘Can Independent Music Survive Coronavirus?’ will be a series on the story of how UK independent record labels changed music forever, but may be devastated by the current health crisis. With coronavirus closing music venues indefinitely, this 4-part series asks what the live music world could look like in the near future, and if independent music in the UK can survive.

The Audio Content Fund is responsible for distributing funding to support original radio and audio production in the UK. Funding is used to produce distinctive, public service radio programming that is traditionally more difficult to support on a commercial basis.

Sam Bailey, Managing Director of the Audio Content Fund, said: “As the UK starts to think about life post-Covid, it’s great to add more fascinating projects to the Audio Content Fund slate. They each in their own way represent a thriving creative radio sector delivering content to support audiences navigating the new normal.”

Head of talkSPORT Lee Clayton said: “Our focus on producing diverse programming at talkSPORT continues and this grant from the Audio Content Fund is further recognition for the hard work that has gone into producing high quality output for diverse audiences. This will be a fascinating and heartfelt listen for our audience of knowledgeable sports fans.”

Virgin Radio Content Director Mike Cass said: “The UK music scene is under growing pressure from the new world we find ourselves in. This series will help us to shine a light on the huge challenges the industry faces, why it is a vital part of our cultural landscape and what the future holds for record labels. Our specialist documentary programming is an important champion for the music industry and perfectly compliments our schedule of talented presenters and the best music on the radio.”