BBC launches 24/7 Radio 1 Dance station on DAB+ for the first time

The BBC has launched a new, 24/7 Radio 1 Dance station on Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) for the first time.

Launching today (September 15), BBC Radio 1 Dance's launch week will feature "new and archive sets" from the "biggest and best DJs".

This will include an "exclusive" first play of Carl Cox's BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix recorded live at new Ibiza venue [UNVRS], while Eric Prydz and Disclosure will share their classic Essential Mixes.

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BBC Radio 1 Dance will join two other new stations on DAB+, BBC Radio 1 Anthems, which will focus on "all-day anthems from the '00s to now", and BBC Radio 3 Unwind, exploring classical music and ambient. 

The broadcaster was met with criticism when it announced plans to launch its dedicated DAB+ stations in February 2024. Industry body Radiocentre called on Ofcom to "reject" the BBC's plans for "spin-off" stations due to other broadcasters such as Absolute, Smooth, Virgin and Heart already offering dedicated programming around specific genres and eras of music.

In a press statement issued on Friday (September 12), the BBC said that the decision to launch new stations came from the need to cater to "75% of the population who now listen to radio digitally."

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While digital-focused, DAB+ covers 97% of the population and 87% of major UK roads. Despite under 35s admitting to spending 27% of their audio time with live radio, the BBC still reaches 13.6 million listeners every week in the UK.

“I’m delighted to bring BBC Radio 1 listeners not one, but two incredible new genre-led networks on DAB+," says Aled Haydn-Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1. "R1 Dance and R1 Anthems provide a strong and confident offer for younger listeners – delivering more choice and music to match every mood". 

"Both stations bring together the very best expert DJs, rising presenting talent, exciting events and the best of British music for our audiences to discover," he continues. "More than two decades since the launch of 1Xtra, this marks another exciting chapter in Radio 1’s history as the number one radio station for younger listeners.”

You can listen to BBC Radio 1 Dance on DAB+ and BBC Sounds, here.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter