BBC to Launch First New Radio Stations in 23 Years

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the UK’s public broadcasting service, is launching three new music radio stations this month. The channels will be extensions of BBC Radio 3, the classical music channel, and BBC Radio 1, the pop music channel.

New stations:

• The titles of the new stations are BBC Radio 1 Dance, BBC Radio 1 Anthems, and BBC Radio 3 Unwind.

• These are the first new stations since the BBC launched 6 Music, 1Xtra, and Asian Network in 2002.

• The new stations started out as streaming-only on BBC Sounds last year. They will remain on BBC Sounds in addition to being broadcast.

• Dance and Anthems are targeted towards listeners aged 15-24.

• Dance will launch on September 15, playing new and archived DJ sets from throughout the BBC’s history.

• Anthems focuses on music from the 2000s and 2010s, including “workout anthems” and “chillout anthems.”

• Unwind launches today (September 12) and is geared towards introducing listeners aged 35-54 to classical music.

• All three stations emphasize broadcasting British artists as well.

What they said:

• Sam Jackson, Radio 3 controller: “Radio 3 Unwind has already been positively received as a stream on BBC Sounds, and I’m really pleased to now bring it to a wider audience on DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting). The station offers a wide-ranging selection of calming classical music—perfect for listeners seeking an escape from the demands of daily life. It’s a fresh way to enjoy classical music, designed to be both welcoming and enriching.”

• Aled Haydn-Jones, head of Radio 1: “I’m delighted to bring Radio 1 listeners not one, but two incredible new genre-led networks on DAB+. R1 Dance and R1 Anthems provide a strong and confident offer for younger listeners – delivering more choice and music to match every mood.