Global, the Media & Entertainment group, has announced the launch of 12 brand new radio stations for some of the UK’s biggest commercial radio brands, launching in just three days, on Thursday 12th September, 2024.
Most of Global’s biggest music brands will all get brand new sister stations. It follows the huge success Global has seen from launching popular brand extensions including Heart Dance, Capital Dance, and the millions of listeners tuning into nostalgia and mood stations like Heart 80s and Smooth Relax.
Radio listening in the UK is experiencing significant growth, driven largely by digital platforms like DAB and smart speakers. According to recent RAJAR figures, a record 50 million people in the UK listen to the radio every week. Smart speaker listening now represents 17% of total radio listening, a 18% increase year-on-year.
“Global is home to the most loved radio brands in the UK, and we’re thrilled to be expanding our offering with one of the biggest simultaneous launches of new radio stations in the country’s history.
In an age dominated by algorithms, our dedicated teams meticulously craft playlists, sound design, and features to provide our listeners with tailored genres and eras, offering constant companionship throughout their day.
A huge thanks to all the talented Globallers who have made these new stations possible. All will be revealed soon!” James Rea, Chief Broadcasting and Content Officer at Global
The 12 stations expand Global’s market-leading brands, and will launch this Thursday, 12th September, giving listeners even more choice from Global. The brand new stations will all be available on Global Player, the official app for all of Global’s radio brands and content, as well smart speakers, online and DAB Digital Radio*.
New stations launch on Thursday, 12th September
The launch of the new stations comes at a time when radio listening in the UK is experiencing significant growth. This is being driven largely by digital platforms like DAB and smart speakers. Global cited recent RAJAR figures that show a record 50 million people in the UK listen to the radio every week. Smart speaker listening now represents 17% of total radio listening, a 18% increase year-on-year.
The new stations will be available online, on Global Player, the app for Global’s radio brands, and through DAB digital radio and smart speakers.
New Stations Expanding Popular Brands
The 12 new stations will be sister outlets for various popular Global music brands. This follows the success of previous brand extensions like Heart Dance and Capital Dance and the popularity of nostalgia and mood stations such as Heart 80s and Smooth Relax.
Global’s new radio stations are:
- Capital Anthems
- Classic FM Calm
- Classic FM Movies
- Heart 10s
- Heart Love
- Heart Musicals
- Radio X Chilled
- Radio X 90s
- Radio X 00s
- Smooth 70s
- Smooth 80s
- Smooth Soul
Capital Anthems will play the biggest hits of a generation that Capital made famous, with tunes from artists such as Coldplay, Calvin Harris, Rihanna, Taylor Swift and One Direction.
Classic FM Calm gives listeners a chance to escape and unwind with the best classical music. Classic FM Movies will celebrate the greatest music from the biggest blockbuster films.
The UK’s biggest commercial radio brand, Heart, adds Heart Love, Heart Musicals and Heart 10s to its existing decades stations Heart 70s, Heart 80s, Heart 90s and Heart 00s. Heart 10s follows the huge success of Heart’s decades stations, including Heart 80s which has a massive 1.8 million listeners, while Heart has an incredible 12.8 million listeners. Heart Love promises the biggest love songs from the biggest artists including Adele, George Michael and Lewis Capaldi while Heart Musicals will turn up the feel good on all the biggest showstopping tunes from the greatest musicals.
Radio X adds laid back indie anthems with Radio X Chilled and two decades stations – Radio X 90s and Radio X 00s. With epic tracks from mega bands of the 90s, Oasis, Nirvana, and Blur, and kings of the 00s including Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, and The Killers.
Smooth Radio adds three new stations – Smooth 70s, Smooth 80s and Smooth Soul join sister stations Smooth Chill, Smooth Country and Smooth Relax. Smooth 70s will enjoy music from epic acts, including Bee Gees, Elton John and ABBA while Smooth 80s will celebrate icons like Madonna, Wham! and Michael Jackson. Smooth Soul will be the very best soul music from artists including Barry White, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross.
The Future of Radio
Global’s launch of these new stations is a clear indication of the company’s commitment to the future of radio. The company is clearly investing in the future of the medium, and it is doing so in a way that is both innovative and engaging. This move highlights the importance of radio as a valuable and engaging medium, especially as it continues to grow, particularly on digital platforms.
The launch of these new stations is a sign that radio is still very much alive and well, and it is a medium that is continuing to evolve and innovate. The company is clearly investing in the future of the medium, and it is doing so in a way that is both innovative and engaging. In an age dominated by algorithms, Global is showing a commitment to the art of curation, using its expertise to create tailored experiences for its listeners, offering a diverse range of musical options for every mood and moment. The company is clearly investing in the future of the medium, and it is doing so in a way that is both innovative and engaging. Global’s strategy appears to be working, as radio listening in the UK is experiencing significant growth.
The future of radio is bright, and Global is clearly at the forefront of this exciting evolution.
What to Expect
The launch of these new stations is a game changer for UK radio. It’s a testament to the power of radio to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its listeners. Global is clearly investing in the future of radio, and it is doing so in a way that is both innovative and engaging.
It’s a exciting time to be a radio listener. Get ready for an expansion of music choices and more tailored radio experiences to come.
- All stations will be available on your radio, on Global Player, the official app for all of Global’s radio stations, podcasts and playlists, as well as your smart speaker, web and on smart TVs. On your radio, Smooth 80s and Capital Anthems will be available nationally on DAB Digital Radio on D2. Classic FM Movies will be available in London on DAB Digital Radio on London 1 and all other stations available on DAB Digital Radio on London 3.
