BBC Launches First New Digital Music Stations Since 2002 on DAB+

The BBC has launched three new specialized DAB+ music stations—Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems, and Radio 3 Unwind—marking its first expansion of music stations since 2002. These stations were initially introduced as streams on BBC Sounds before becoming available on DAB+ radio, with Ofcom approval. Radio 1 Dance and Anthems target younger audiences aged 15 to 24 by offering greater variety in music genres and eras, while Radio 3 Unwind aims at listeners aged 35 to 54, featuring calming classical music and wellbeing content. The launch reflects the BBC’s effort to serve previously underrepresented audiences and adapt to the growing digital radio listenership, as 75% of the population now listens to radio digitally. While the BBC celebrates this milestone, commercial radio broadcasters have expressed concerns about the distinctiveness and public service value of these new stations. BBC executives emphasized the stations’ role in providing more choice, supporting British music, and enhancing the radio experience for modern audiences.