BBC launches three new radio stations: “It’s all about the audience”

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For the first time in twenty-three years, BBC is launching three new national radio stations simultaneously – BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Scotland, and BBC Radio Ulster.

Beginning live streams on BBC Sounds in November 2024, shows such as Radio 1 Anthems, Radio 1 Dance (which began streaming on Sounds in 2020), and Radio 3 Unwind have successfully completed regulatory assessments by Ofcom in July of this year. Starting Friday, 12 September, they will broadcast on DAB+.

The initial plan from the BBC involved three additional stations, along with a new version of Radio 2 and an expanded broadcasting schedule for 5 Sports Extra. However, these two additions were rejected by Ofcom due to concerns about their potential harmful effects on competing commercial broadcasters.

Sam Jackson, head of Radio 3, expressed that although he couldn’t guarantee Unwind’s approval, he wasn’t taken aback because he believed they presented an exceptionally compelling case. He felt proud of the submission and thought they effectively argued for its uniqueness and why it would be well-received.

It’s noted that approximately 8,000 diverse music tracks are played annually on Unwind, covering a wide range but emphasizing on recordings from the last decade – whether they’re Baroque or classical pieces – and aiming to present fresh contemporary works, some of which come from unsigned artists or composers.

Aled Haydn Jones, the head of Radio 1, strongly defends the necessity of two new stations by saying, “It’s all about catering to our audience. Ofcom has indicated that the BBC needs to improve its appeal to younger demographics. Providing services tailored for young people is a vital public duty. Since Radio 1 is currently the largest radio station serving youth audiences in the UK, introducing additional stations under the Radio 1 brand offers something quite unique and special.

Both men emphasize the distinct features of their stations compared to commercial radio. Haydn Jones points out that Radio 1 plays more songs in a week than its leading commercial competitor plays in an entire year, acknowledging the commercial pressures that might explain this gap.

Commercial radio stations tend to choose popular songs that appeal most to their listeners, playing them often. On the other hand, Radio 1 focuses on new artists, with over half of their tracks being released within the past six weeks. Similarly, Radio 1 Dance is dedicated to promoting up-and-coming UK dance DJs and producers.

Behind this, it is anticipated that approximately 3,000 distinct dance tracks will be played annually on Radio 1 Dance. Previously, on BBC Sounds, the average was roughly 3,200 tracks per year.

As a passionate movie buff, I’d like to shed light on the unique aspect of Radio 3 Unwind compared to its rivals. In contrast to stations like Classic FM Calm, which, as far as I can tell, lack live presenters, we pride ourselves on offering programs hosted by specialists in their respective fields.

The presenter Sian Williams, who is not only known for her distinguished broadcasting career but also works in the area of trauma mental health at an NHS practice, is highlighted. In addition to being a broadcaster, she appreciates classical music, yet she’s also a professional in the field of mental health and wellness, particularly focusing on first responders. So, she brings both her broadcasting skills and her expertise in mental health to the table.

In his comparison with Classic FM Calm, he emphasizes that he is not intending to criticize other stations but rather to showcase differences: “This isn’t an attempt to undermine their efforts. They excel in what they do, and there are listeners who appreciate that format even on Spotify. I believe anything that encourages more people to engage with classical music is commendable. After all, variety is the spice of life when it comes to this genre.

I believe it’s important for us all to be confident enough to acknowledge that there is space for everyone, and then allow the audience to choose what they prefer to hear.

Haydn Jones highlights the diversity of skilled presenters on Radio 1 Dance, featuring numerous influential figures in dance music, ranging from seasoned artists like Pete Tong to rising stars such as Charlie Hedges and The Blessed Madonna.

Justifying Radio 1 Anthems, dedicated to stirring up nostalgia for the younger generation through a playlist spanning from the Noughties to the present day, against claims that it’s indistinguishable from numerous commercial “decades” stations (like Absolute 90s, Heart 80s, etc.), is indeed challenging. However, Haydn Jones maintains a firm stance in defense of its unique identity.

These individuals are relatively new to their presenting roles, having started right after graduating from university. Our association, the Student Radio Association, features a group of students who curate our shows and share with the Radio 1 team memories of songs they grew up with or remember.

Beyond our curation, we also use our knowledge of individuals under 24 to explore specific periods or music genres in greater depth. This way, we can introduce them to new music they might not have encountered during their growth years. Essentially, our goal is to cater to our audience and offer a service tailored specifically for them.

Additionally, he underscores the significance of securing approval from Ofcom, suggesting that it signifies an endorsement from the broadcast sector emphasizing the importance of catering to younger demographics. Notably, the BBC stands out among all other entities as being particularly well-suited to address this audience’s needs.

Though it might not offer the most immediate profits for our business partners, there are wealthier demographic groups who can afford payments. Furthermore, ensuring that younger audiences don’t abandon DAB or traditional broadcast media in favor of streaming services seems crucial to me.

I’m thrilled about our success with these projects. While they won’t solve all of our challenges regarding meeting the needs of young audiences through broadcast media, especially BBC, it’s a fantastic stride in the right direction.

Sam Jackson expressed a tentative optimism when asked about potential new spin-offs from their stations, suggesting, “Might there be a jazz station or a live music station on Radio 3? I’m very much in favor of developing fresh services that attract even more listeners to Radio 3, provided we continue to maintain the primary network’s strength and vitality.

The proposed additions to Radio 1 would undoubtedly undergo the same extensive approval process as the existing stations, a hurdle that makes Haydn Jones hesitant about expanding further. For now, no one seems eager for such expansions. Given the typical pace of these procedures, if more stations are considered in the future, it’s likely that I will have moved on by then.

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2025-09-12 02:36