BBC Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind are now available nationally on DAB+ across the UK providing more choice and value to our listeners. For more information on how to listen please see the FAQs below:
Q. What are the new stations?
- Radio 1 Dance focusing on new and enhanced dance content for younger audiences
- Radio 1 Anthems dedicated to classic and anthemic hits
- Radio 3 Unwind providingcalming classical music to unwind your mind
Q. How do I find the new stations on my DAB+ radio?
Most digital radios update the station list automatically and some may need you to re-scan your radio. You should be able to find Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 1 Dance before/after Radio 1 in the station list. Radio 3 Unwind should appear after Radio 3.
Q. How do I know if I have a DAB+ radio?
The easiest way to find out if your radio is DAB+ is to do a ‘re-scan’ to update all the new services available in your area. If you have retained your packaging please look for the digital tick logo. The digital radio tick mark is a certification mark for digital radios that required the radio to be tested and approved. The mark gives you the assurance that the radio you are buying is an approved product which is future-ready and combines DAB, DAB+ and FM.
Q. Why are the new streams in DAB+ and not DAB?
The first UK DAB+ stations launched in the UK in 2016 and there are now more than 60 national commercial stations available and over six hundred services on local multiplexes, including BBC Radio Cumbria, BBC Radio Jersey and BBC Radio Guernsey. DAB+ is an upgraded version of DAB and is much more spectrum efficient, allowing for more services to be broadcast by using the same amount of capacity. This means we’re able to launch new BBC stations by using the spectrum that has been allocated to us for use. DAB+ is available in all new cars and in the majority of domestic radio devices.
Q. Does the BBC have any plans to move its current radio stations from DAB to DAB+?
No, there are no plans to move current services to DAB+.
Q. Do I have to buy a DAB+ radio to listen to the new streams?
Yes. DAB+ radios are available from electrical retailers, some supermarkets and online. Please check the product description to make sure that the radio is DAB+. Alternatively you can also listen to the new streams via BBC Sounds on a smart speaker by asking your device to ‘Play BBC Radio 3 Unwind’ .
Q. Can I listen to the new streams in my car?
Yes, if your car has a DAB+ radio. You can also listen via BBC Sounds on your smartphone or via *CarPlay and *Android Auto in your car.
(*most new cars have integrated Apple Carplay and/or Android Auto offering smartphone mirroring capabilities)
For further information see press release
