Media and entertainment group Global is launching a brand new radio station in the form of Heart 80s on the Digital One (D1) platform.
As its name suggests, the new station will be dedicated to playing ‘classic hits from the ‘80s. It is hoped that the new station will increase the Heart brand’s audience, which currently comprises 9.3 million weekly listeners.
Heart 80s, which launches on Tuesday (March 14) at 6am, joins a Global digital station roster that includes Heart extra, Capital, Capital XTRA, Smooth Extra, Classic FM, LBC and Radio X.
The station’s breakfast show will be presented live by Roberto, weekdays 6am-10am and Saturdays 8am-12pm. Jason Donovan, host of All 80s on the Heart network, will take charge of the Sunday morning slot from 9am-12pm.
Ashley Tabor, Global’s founder and executive president, commented: “Heart 80s is a brand new radio station for the UK – there’s no other 80s station on D1, and no other 80s station in the UK focused on feel good 80s hits. Global is committed to DAB Digital radio and to the D1 platform. Our investment in building audiences on D1 is an important part of our strategy to drive DAB digital radio take up. This is a very exciting time for the Heart brand and for Global.”
Gary Stein, Heart managing editor, added: “We know that 80s music is hugely popular so we’re turning up the feel good with a brand new station dedicated to the decade that has given us so many classic hits. With 9.3 million weekly listeners, Heart is the biggest commercial radio brand in the UK and we’re looking forward to making it even bigger and better with the launch of Heart 80s.”
Heart 80s will be available across the UK on DAB via the D1 platform, on Sky channel 0112 and the Heart app from Global from 6am on Tuesday, March 14.
