The BBC has officially launched three new digital music stations on DAB+ today.
Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind are now available on DAB+ across the UK, following their debut as streams on BBC Sounds last year.
The plan was to launch five new stations, but BBC Radio 2’s extra service, and an improved 5 Sports Extra station faced objections from Ofcom following campaigns from the commercial radio sector.
Radio 1 Dance offers 24-hour coverage of electronic music from global DJs. The station’s launch week begins on 15 September and features special sets from Carl Cox, Danny Howard, Disclosure and Eric Prydz, alongside highlights such as the Radio 1 Ibiza Prom.
Radio 1 Anthems brings music from the 2000s to the present day, with themed collections including Workout Anthems and Chillout Anthems. A major announcement linked to the station will be revealed on 16 September during Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James.
Radio 3 Unwind delivers calming classical music with a focus on wellbeing. Dr Sian Williams hosts the morning programme Classical Unwind, while Niall Breslin presents Classical Wind Down.
Edith Bowman fronts Cinematic Soundtracks, and The Sleeping Forecast pairs classical sounds with the iconic Shipping Forecast.
Head of Radio 1 Aled Haydn-Jones said: “R1 Dance and R1 Anthems provide a strong and confident offer for younger listeners – delivering more choice and music to match every mood.”
Radio 3 Controller Sam Jackson added: “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+.”
The three stations are the first additions to the BBC’s music portfolio since the launch of 6 Music, 1Xtra and Asian Network in 2002. Ofcom approved the move as part of plans to give audiences more choice and to widen the range of music and voices available on BBC Radio.
The BBC says the launch reflects changes in listening habits, with 75% of the population now tuning in to radio digitally. DAB/DAB+ covers 97% of the UK population and is available in all new cars, while 68% of households own a compatible radio.
The new stations will sit alongside existing networks on DAB+ and continue to be available via BBC Sounds.
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk