A new station backed by Zac Goldsmith will feature familiar presenters, a mixed sports and music format, and a promise of inclusive coverage
The media landscape for sport is evolving and a new player called Track Radio aims to combine live sporting conversation with a strong musical backbone. Backed by a seven-figure investment from Conservative peer Zac Goldsmith and with financial participation from his brother Ben Goldsmith, the station is being positioned as an alternative to the relentless 24-hour news cycle and polarised debates that dominate many outlets.
Advisors and on-air talent with long histories at major broadcasters have been recruited to give the project instant credibility.
Under the ownership of Track Record Corporation, the initiative is being driven operationally by Iain Macintosh, who will oversee programming and strategy.
The team describes the station as a place for both sports fans and music lovers—a hybrid model that intends to appeal to listeners who want expert sporting discussion without losing the soundtrack to their day. The early line-up, schedule and ethos have been shared ahead of the public launch to build momentum among potential audiences.
Who is joining the airwaves
The presenting roster brings together well-known names from both BBC and ITV. Confirmed presenters include Mark Pougatch, who will front the Drive Time slot, and Sonja McLaughlan, who is set for the Daytime role. Both have long associations with national broadcasters and are recognised for their work on football and rugby coverage respectively. Also on the roster are sports presenter Vassos Alexander, Daily Mail journalist Charlotte Daly, and presenter Sanny Rudravajhala, with more contributors to be announced as the station expands its schedule.
Advisors and leadership
Alongside the presenting team, seasoned broadcaster John Inverdale is involved as an advisor, lending experience and contacts to the venture. Iain Macintosh will head up the project day-to-day, shaping content and listener engagement. The combined experience of advisors and hosts is intended to ensure the station delivers authoritative coverage while remaining accessible—pairing high-quality analysis with engaging conversation and a varied playlist.
Programming approach and schedule
Track Radio plans to broadcast on weekdays from 7am to 7pm, offering a compact yet intensive daily schedule focused on the key hours when listeners commute, work and relax. The programming will mix live sports discussion with curated music breaks, reflecting the stated ambition to be as much about songs as about scores. The station has made a public commitment to cover both men’s and women’s sport with parity, avoiding relegating women’s coverage to niche or token segments.
On-air format and listener interaction
Producers say the aim is to build a station where listeners are central to the show: callers, social interaction and participatory segments will feature heavily. The term Drive Time is being used for the afternoon peak show hosted by Mark Pougatch, while Daytime describes the mid-morning block handled by Sonja McLaughlan. This explicit naming clarifies the scheduling while anchoring the station in familiar radio conventions. Musical choices will be woven through sports coverage to create a distinctive rhythm and identity.
Backing, mission and what listeners can expect
With financial support from the Goldsmith brothers, the project benefits from private capital that the station says will enable investment in talent and production values from day one. The backers and the team have described the station as an “escape” from polarised debates and the relentless churn of rolling news, aiming instead for spirited yet respectful sporting conversation. The leadership emphasises a listener-first philosophy: shows will invite call-ins, encourage debate, and present analysis that is both credible and inclusive. The combination of experienced presenters, advisory input from industry figures and a clear schedule makes Track Radio a project to watch for sports audiences seeking an alternative to existing national outlets.
What next
As the launch approaches, further presenter announcements and programming details are expected to be shared. The station’s commitment to balanced coverage and a hybrid sports-and-music format sets out a clear positioning in a crowded market. For listeners who value informed debate alongside a strong musical identity, Track Radio promises a new audio option that blends expertise, engagement and entertainment.
