It’s another big day for UK radio – and, while most industry ears will be on BBC Radio 6 Music this morning to check out Lauren Laverne’s debut breakfast show and the rest of the new schedule – there’s also an entire new station on the dial.
First announced back in November, Bauer Media’s Greatest Hits Radio debuts nationwide today on DAB and is also available on FM in the West Midlands and Liverpool. Targeting the 40-59 demo, the station will be playing “the biggest songs of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s” and will feature a genuine broadcasting heavyweight in former Radio 1 Evening Session presenter Mark Goodier, who will host the 10am-1pm morning show.
The station launched this morning in the hands of breakfast show host Simon “Rossie” Ross. The first song played was David Bowie’s Let’s Dance, and the station will celebrate the anniversary of Bowie’s birth (January 8, 1947) and death (January 8, 2016) with two documentaries paying tribute to the star, as well as playing tracks from his catalogue across the week.
Other DJs on the station include Andy Crane, Darren Proctor and Rick Houghton while GHR promises the likes of Blondie, Queen, Fleetwood Max, INXS, Elton John and Michael Jackson will feature in the station’s music policy.
“Greatest Hits Radio does exactly what the name describes – it’s the destination for those seeking out the most amazing music from across the decades,” said Goodier. “Kicking off with Bowie Week, I can’t wait to share my passion for some of the greatest artists of our time with listeners. Hope you’ll join us!”
Greatest Hits Radio is the latest move from Bauer to freshen up its portfolio, and is a spin-off from its Hits Radio launch last year. The group also acquired Jazz FM in August.
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