Global has announced a historic expansion in UK radio with 12 new stations.
- This launch represents the largest single expansion in UK radio history.
- Listeners will experience a wealth of genres across Global’s newly launched stations.
- The new stations will be available on multiple digital platforms from September 12.
- James Rea of Global describes the launch as a transformative moment for British radio.
Global, a prominent player in the media and entertainment sector, has unveiled a groundbreaking move in the UK radio landscape. On September 12, the group will launch an unprecedented twelve brand new radio stations, marking the largest single launch in the history of UK radio. This ambitious expansion is set to diversify the listening choices available to audiences across the nation, providing a broader spectrum of content from Global’s highly regarded brands.
The newly introduced stations will be accessible on the Global Player app, which aggregates all of Global’s radio content, and will also broadcast via smart speakers, the web, and smart TVs. Radio enthusiasts will be treated to a unique blend of music genres and formats, offering something for every preference and mood. This strategic enhancement aligns with Global’s mission to enrich audio entertainment for a contemporary audience reliant on digital platforms.
Among the new offerings are stations featuring specialised content such as Capital Anthems, Classic FM Calm, and Heart Musicals. Each station is crafted to cater to specific tastes—Heart Love, for instance, promises an array of romantic ballads from celebrated artists like Adele and Lewis Capaldi, while Classic FM Movies serves aficionados of iconic film scores. This expansion underscores Global’s commitment to delivering tailored audio experiences.
James Rea, the chief broadcasting and content officer at Global, heralded this launch as a pivotal moment in transforming British radio. He emphasised the distinctive nature of the new stations, each complementing Global’s existing brands. According to Rea, the variety offered by these stations ensures that there’s ‘something for everyone, for every mood, for every moment’, reflecting Global’s understanding of diverse listener demands.
In light of recent RAJAR statistics, which indicate that radio listening in the UK is achieving record levels, with approximately 50 million weekly listeners, Global’s strategic expansion leverages the growing trend in digital audio consumption. Currently, digital platforms—particularly DAB and smart speakers—account for a significant proportion of radio listening. This launch is poised to capitalise on the increasing popularity of such mediums, with the new stations available nationally on DAB Digital Radio.
Global’s innovative expansion offers unprecedented choice for listeners, marking a new chapter in UK radio.
