Absolute Radio 80s
51°30′44″N 0°08′13″W / 51.512248°N 0.136937°W
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| Frequency |
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|---|---|
| Branding | Absolute 80s |
| Programming | |
| Format | 1980s rock/pop |
| Network | Absolute Radio Network |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Bauer Radio |
| History | |
First air date | 6 December 2009 |
| Links | |
| Webcast | Rayo |
| Website | www |
Absolute Radio 80s (known on-air as Absolute 80s) is a national digital radio station, owned and operated by Bauer as part of the Absolute Radio Network. Its main output is non-stop 1980s hits.
History
[edit]Absolute Radio 80s launched at 7.00 pm on 4 December 2009, replacing Absolute Xtreme.[1]
The marketing plan for Absolute 80s started with targeted sampling at 80s events such as Madness, Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode at the O2 Arena, Erasure at the NEC Birmingham and Simple Minds at the Wembley Arena. The first track to play on the station was "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)" by the Beastie Boys.[2][3]
On 14 May 2010, Absolute 80s began broadcasting in mono at 64 kbps on Digital One national DAB digital radio.
On 29 February 2016, the station switched to the newly launched Sound Digital multiplex (an "upgrade" to 80 kbps in mono) although it continued to broadcast on Digital One until the end of April 2016.[4]
On 16 October 2023, Absolute 80s switched to DAB+ broadcasting in stereo.[5]
On 12 December 2023, Absolute Radio 80s was removed from Freesat, followed by Sky and Virgin Media on 13 December, along with every other radio station owned by Bauer Media on either of the three TV platforms.[6]
Presenters
[edit]The station's presenters include Leona Graham, Sarah Champion, Richie Firth and Chris Martin.
Absolute 80s also simulcasts Absolute Radio's breakfast (Dave Berry) and drivetime shows, using a split playlist system which allows relevant music to be played on each Absolute station.
Former presenters include ex-Spandau Ballet lead singer Tony Hadley, who presented a Saturday evening 80s Party show until December 2019.
References
[edit]- ^ "Absolute 80s to launch tomorrow". The Airwaves. 3 December 2009. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011.
- ^ "Absolute 80s ready to launch". Radio Today. 3 December 2009. Archived from the original on 13 March 2012.
- ^ "Absolute readies 80s push". Marketing Week. 2 December 2009.
- ^ "Absolute 80s, Planet Rock, Heat and Kisstory to end dual DAB transmission". a516digital.com. 15 April 2016.
- ^ Colothan, Scott (6 October 2023). "Absolute Radio Country and Absolute Classic Rock go national with DAB+".
- ^ "Bauer to remove all radio stations from satellite and cable TV platforms". 28 November 2023.
External links
[edit]
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