Radio 5 launches 27 August 1990

On 27 August 1990 the BBC launched its fifth national radio station – Radio 5 - the first since 1967. Created in the days before digital radio, the new station broadcast on the medium wave frequencies 693 and 909, taken from Radio 2. Radio 5 promised to be the first channel for sport as well as offering educational and children’s programmes. Most were taken from the other networks. But Radio 5 was able to make bold pioneering moves, such as during 1992 when it gave over the whole station to comprehensive coverage of the Summer Olympics.

On the first day transmissions began with an "Ode to Radio 5" from comedians Trevor and Simon, followed by the first official broadcast, Take Five, a children’s show presented by Bruno Brookes. It featured an interview with Paul Gascoigne, the most famous footballer in the country at the time. This was followed by a varied schedule, including Andrew Sachs reading tales from Wiggly Park, Family Business with Johnnie Walker, the Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert and Athletics from Split.

In 1994 Radio 5 was reborn as Radio 5 Live, featuring news and sport. Today it offers more comprehensive coverage than ever. It still broadcasts on medium wave, but can also be found on BBC Sounds and other digital platforms, where Radio 5 Live and its companion Radio 5 Live Sports Extra together offer even more.