Beyonce Knowles can expect to find herself on the Heat playlist

Publishing giant Emap is launching the Heat Radio digital station on the Freeview platform.

The music only station will play back-to-back records, ranging from 80s hits to contemporary tunes.

Heat editor Mark Frith said: "Heat Radio will be as exciting and energising as the magazine itself."

The magazine's combination of paparazzi shots and celebrity gossip has proved hugely successful.

The station's playlist is set to include anything from Justin Timberlake and Wham to Beyonce Knowles and Sister Sledge.

Soundtrack

Emap has launched a number of digital stations tied in with magazine brands, including Kerrang!, Smash Hits, Q and Mojo.

The company also owns the successful dance music station Kiss FM, which reaches 2.5 million listeners each week through analogue and digital platforms.

Heat Radio, which launches on 30 September, is pitched as an "irreverent yet glamorous take on life" providing a 24-hour "soundtrack to life".

Chief executive of Emap consumer media, Paul Keenan, said: "When it comes to entertainment Heat readers are smart, savvy, discerning and quick to seek out hot new stuff - Heat Radio will quickly build an audience."