BBC LAUNCHES THREE NEW DIGITAL RADIO STATIONS ON DAB+
Story by Arden Vale
21 Sep 2025
The BBC has expanded it’s digital radio by officially launching Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind on DAB+ across the UK in September 2025. These stations, which first appeared on BBC Sounds as part of online streams, now reach a wider audience through digital radio. This move is part of the BBC’s strategy to cater to diverse music tastes, promote UK talent and adapt to shifting listener habits.
The BBC has expanded its digital offering with three new stations - Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind - which went live on DAB+ in September 2024. Previously available only through the BBC Sounds app, their arrival on digital radio means they can now be heard in homes and cars nationwide. Each service offers a distinct flavour: Radio 1 Dance offers nonstop electronic mixes, Radio 1 Anthems plays nostalgic hits and Radio 3 Unwind delivers calming classical - all music-only stations with minimal speech and no news.
While commercial radio has long provided niche offerings such as Capital Dance, Hits Radio or Smooth Chill, this marks the BBC’s first dedicated move into permanent genre-specific spinoffs. The difference lies in their approach: no advertising, a stronger emphasis on UK talent, and curated playlists designed around moods and moments rather than broad schedules.
Technically, the rollout is made possible by DAB+, the more efficient version of digital radio. Most cars sold in the UK since 2020 are DAB+ compatible, meaning drivers can access the stations directly on their dashboards. Older vehicles with FM or basic DAB radios won’t pick up on the new services unless fit with a DAB+ adapter, though they can remain available through the BBC Sounds app.
In short, these stations are designed as round-the-clock music companions - pulsing beats, sing-song anthems, or calming classical with very little talk in between.