LBC frequency & live stream

LBC is a national talk radio station in the United Kingdom, owned and operated by Global. Built around news, opinion and listener phone-ins, it has become one of the most influential outlets for political debate in British media.

History

LBC (originally the London Broadcasting Company) began broadcasting on 8 October 1973, making it the first legal commercial radio station in the United Kingdom, launching days before Capital Radio. For its first four decades it served London as a news and talk station under various owners and formats. Global acquired the station in the 2000s, and in February 2014 LBC went national on DAB digital radio, repositioning itself from a London service to “Leading Britain’s Conversation”.

Format and programming

The schedule consists of presenter-led talk programmes combining interviews, news analysis and extensive listener phone-ins. LBC is known for high-profile presenters drawn from journalism and politics, including figures such as Nick Ferrari and James O’Brien, and for regular appearances by senior politicians. Its “Call the Cabinet”-style phone-ins with prime ministers and party leaders have generated national news stories, and clips from its shows circulate widely on social media. A sister service, LBC News, provides rolling news bulletins.

Reach

LBC broadcasts on 97.3 FM in London, nationally on DAB digital radio, and online through Global Player. Since going national in 2014 its audience has grown substantially, and it now reaches millions of weekly listeners across the UK.

Significance

As Britain’s first legal commercial station, LBC holds a landmark place in UK broadcasting history. In its modern form it has demonstrated that speech radio can thrive commercially at national scale, and its interviews and phone-ins play a visible role in the country’s daily political conversation.

Sources

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

LBC: frequently asked questions

What frequency is LBC on?

LBC is on 97.3 FM in London. Across the rest of the UK it is on national DAB digital radio, and it also streams online and through the Global Player app.

Can I get LBC on FM outside London?

No. LBC's only FM frequency is 97.3 FM, which covers London. Outside London, listen on DAB — LBC has been on national DAB since February 2014 — or stream it online.

What DAB channel is LBC on?

LBC is carried on the national Digital One multiplex: block 11D (222.064 MHz) across most of the UK and block 12A (223.936 MHz) in Scotland. On a DAB radio just scan for stations and select LBC.

Which country is LBC from?

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

Who owns LBC?

LBC is owned by Global.

How can I listen to LBC online?

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

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