Tables turn for country star Lisa McHugh with new role at Downtown Radio

The singer songwriter, who is orginially from Glasgow but moved to Co Fermanagh in 2010, said the impact of the pandemic made her reassess her priorities and focus on other aspects of the industry which have always appealed to her but had no time to fully explore.

“Like everyone else, lockdown pressed the pause button for those involved in entertainment – which was both challenging and frustrating,” said Lisa.

“Prior to this I was always on the go, with most of my time spent travelling and performing. But, at home in Enniskillen I’ve had time to rethink everything. I’ve been able to write new music, do some recording and concentrate on my other passion – presenting. This led to my own podcast series, which has been a great success.”

Lisa said she is aiming to bring a new dimension to the radio station’s weekend line-up and is keen to point out it won’t be a country show, but that Downtown listeners can expect a “great range of pop hits spanning the last 20 years as well as the best songs from today.”

“I’m over the moon to have this opportunity to host my own show,” said a clearly thrilled Lisa, “and Downtown really is the perfect platform.”

Lisa added she hopes her blend of music and chat will “boost positivity and help ease everyone into the Saturday night ‘mood’ – even if they will be spending them at home for the next few months.”

She added: “My friends and family will confirm that I love to sing, but I also love to chat. I’ve always been a huge fan of radio and view it as a great way to connect with others. I plan to make The Lisa McHugh show as interactive as possible and generate a bit of buzz and energy on Saturday evenings.”

The announcement of her role on Downtown coincides with the release of Lisa’s new single ‘Bad Idea’ which she wrote after a fun night out with friends in Nashville in 2018. She is also focusing on her new album which she plans to launch at the end of the year.

Welcoming Lisa to the Downtown team, Stuart Robinson, content director of Bauer Media NI said: “Lisa is a great addition to our weekend line up – she is upbeat, engaging and has a huge fan base. She is excited to be hosting her own show and based on the response to her podcast, we know she will inject that same warmth, fun and positively which we all need right now. Saturdays are certainly going to change for the better with Lisa in the hot seat!”

*The Lisa McHugh Show will be on Downtown Radio every Saturday afternoon from 4-7pm.

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