Raj Baddhan’s career has brought him behind the microphone, into digital journalism and to the leadership of a growing radio network. Now, he is bringing that experience into the classroom, helping students understand an industry they may soon enter.
The Chief Executive Officer of Lyca Radio Network returned to Regent’s University London for his second guest lecture, following an appearance last year. Speaking to students studying Marketing Campaigns and Digital Communication, he explored the network’s growth and how technology is changing the relationship between broadcasters and their audiences.
For Baddhan, those changes are part of a career built across different sides of the media business. He spent 14 years at Sabras Radio in Leicester and founded the digital news platform BizAsia, developing experience in both broadcasting and journalism. Alongside his leadership role at Lyca, he remains a working presenter, hosting the weekday Drive show from 4pm. In 2025, he was named Radio Presenter of the Year at the Asian Media Awards.
That combination gave the lecture a practical perspective: leading a media business while continuing to make programmes for its listeners.
His show combines music-based challenges and themed games with interviews featuring personalities including Ross Kemp, Aaron Thiara, Rupali Ganguly and Jubin Nautiyal. The range reflects the breadth of interests an Asian radio station can serve, bringing British television, South Asian entertainment and music into the same conversation.
At Regent’s, Baddhan discussed how Lyca has developed during his tenure and the role innovation has played in its expansion. The network’s recent arrival in Bradford, Huddersfield and Leeds, following its Birmingham launch, provides a further example of that growth.
But reaching more places is only part of the challenge. His lecture also examined how broadcasters respond to changing listening habits, with social media, podcasting and streaming becoming increasingly important alongside scheduled radio programmes.
Artificial intelligence featured in the discussion, as did the need for established brands to explore new platforms while understanding what audiences expect from them.
“It was a pleasure to return to Regent’s University London and share my industry experience with students for a second year,” Baddhan said.
“The media landscape continues to change rapidly, with technology, AI and digital platforms creating new opportunities for broadcasters. It is essential that we continue to innovate, understand our audiences and adapt to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive environment.”
He added: “I hope the session provided students with valuable insight into the realities of the industry and the opportunities available to the next generation of marketing and media professionals.”
For students learning how to build campaigns and communicate digitally, Baddhan’s experience connected classroom ideas with the decisions involved in running a media brand: where to grow, how to engage listeners and when to embrace a new approach.
His own career also offers a perspective on the opportunities within Asian media. From regional radio and digital reporting to presenting and executive leadership, it shows how experience gained in one part of the industry can inform the next.
Returning to the lecture hall gave him an opportunity to share that journey, and encourage students to consider where their own might lead.
