Absolute Radio frequency & live stream

Absolute Radio is a national commercial music station in the United Kingdom, owned by Bauer Media Audio UK. It plays rock and pop-rock aimed at an adult audience and anchors a family of decade-themed spin-off stations.

History

The station traces its origins to Virgin Radio, which launched nationally on 30 April 1993 as one of the UK’s first national commercial stations. After the Times of India group’s TIML Radio bought the station in 2008, the Virgin name could no longer be used, and it relaunched as Absolute Radio on 30 September 2008. Bauer Media acquired Absolute in 2013, integrating it into its national radio portfolio. The brand pioneered decade-based spin-offs, beginning with Absolute 80s in 2009, followed by stations dedicated to the 60s through the 2010s as well as Absolute Classic Rock. Its long-standing national AM transmissions on 1215 kHz were switched off in January 2023 as listening moved to digital.

Format and programming

Absolute Radio’s core playlist blends classic and contemporary rock, indie and pop-rock. Its breakfast show has been a fixture of UK commercial radio, and the station is known for live music sessions and coverage of major festivals. The decade spin-offs allow listeners to pick an era while sharing some networked programming with the main station.

Reach

Absolute Radio broadcasts nationally on DAB digital radio and streams online and through its app, with the wider Absolute Radio Network adding substantial digital audiences across its themed stations.

Significance

Absolute Radio’s rebrand from Virgin was one of the highest-profile relaunches in British commercial radio, and its decades strategy became a template widely copied across the industry. As Bauer’s flagship rock brand, it remains a significant platform for guitar-led music and live sessions in the UK.

Sources

• Official site: https://absoluteradio.co.uk
• Radio Browser: https://www.radio-browser.info

Absolute Radio: frequently asked questions

What frequency is Absolute Radio on?

Absolute Radio no longer has an analogue frequency. It left FM in London in 2021 and switched off its national AM (medium wave) transmitters, including 1215 kHz, in January 2023. It now broadcasts nationally on DAB digital radio and streams online, in the Absolute Radio app and on smart speakers.

What frequency is Absolute Radio Country on?

Absolute Radio Country has no AM or FM frequency. It went national on DAB+ in 2023, so older DAB-only radios may not receive it, and it also streams online and in the Absolute Radio app.

Which country is Absolute Radio from?

Absolute Radio is a radio station from the United Kingdom, headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It broadcasts in English.

Who owns Absolute Radio?

Absolute Radio is owned by Bauer Media Audio UK.

How can I listen to Absolute Radio online?

You can stream Absolute Radio live in your browser with the player on this page or on the official website, absoluteradio.co.uk — free, with no app or sign-up needed.

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