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BBC Radio 3 Unwind

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BBC Radio 3 Unwind
Broadcast areaUnited Kingdom via BBC Sounds
(currently unavailable internationally)[1]
FrequencyDAB (in future), BBC Sounds
Programming
Language(s)English
FormatClassical and meditation
NetworkBBC Radio
Ownership
OwnerBBC
BBC Radio 3
History
First air date
4 November 2024; 29 days ago (2024-11-04)
Technical information
Licensing authority
Ofcom
Links
WebsiteRadio 3 Unwind Homepage
BBC Radio
Nationwide
Digital-only

BBC Radio 3 Unwind is a British online-only radio stream, owned and operated by the BBC and run as a spin-off from BBC Radio 3. Launched in 2024, the station plays a wide range of wellbeing and meditation focussed classical music both familiar and new, intertwined with voices and soundscapes.

The stream broadcasts exclusively on BBC Sounds, until a full launch on DAB+ in 2025 due to take place.

History and launch

Reports in 2019 showed that the BBC was considering launching 'spin-off stations' of their stations to gain more listeners.[2] The first of these was Radio 1 Dance, confirmed by Jonathan Wall, controller of BBC Sounds, in February 2020.[3]

This first 'stream' launched in October 2020.[4] A further music stream launched on BBC Sounds in April 2021, Radio 1 Relax.[5] Radio 1 Relax closed on 24 July 2024.[6]

In February 2024, the corporation announced plans to launch three new spin-offs, pending public consultation and regulatory approval: one from Radio 1 for “music from the 2000s and 2010s, catering to the appetite from young audiences for recent nostalgia”; one from Radio 2, with “a distinctive take on pop nostalgia’ from the 50s, 60s and 70s”; and one from Radio 3 for “calming classical music”. In addition, Radio 1 Dance would launch on DAB expanded programming.[7]

In September 2024, the BBC confirmed the launch of Radio 3 Unwind, alongside Radio 1's Anthems spin-off.[8]

Ahead of the stream's launch in November 2024, several production teams from across the UK's audio sector were awarded new shows, ensuring a diverse range of content and creative input.[9]

The commissioned programmes include Tandem Productions for a daily mid-morning show, Granny Eats Wolf for a soundtracks programme airing Monday to Saturday, Peanut & Crumb for overnight programming, BBC Audio Northern Ireland for a weekly new music show, and BBC Audio London for a daily evening show.

Programming

In a February 2024 press release, the BBC announced some of the programming on Radio 3 Unwind. The corporation said the stream "aimed to provide a relaxing classical music experience designed to help listeners unwind and escape daily pressures".

Radio 3 Unwind features a blend of familiar and new classical pieces. It also highlights compositions from living artists, including new UK talent and works from BBC Orchestras and Choirs.

The schedule includes existing on-demand programmes like the Mindful Mix,[10] artist-led shows such as Ultimate Calm,[11] and simulcast content from Radio 3, including Night Tracks.[12] Additionally, it explores mindfulness and wellbeing themes The Music & Meditation Podcast[13] and The Sleeping Forecast.[14] The extension features around 8,000 tracks per annum.[15]

Additionally, some new commissions include a daily mid-morning show, a soundtracks programme airing Monday to Saturday, a weekly new music show and a daily evening show.

See also

References

  1. ^ "What are Sounds exclusive stations? - BBC Sounds".
  2. ^ "Is the BBC planning radio spinoffs to get more listeners?". RadioToday. Retrieved 2019-11-25.
  3. ^ "BBC Sounds - an audio treasure trove". About the BBC Blog. Retrieved 2020-02-26.
  4. ^ "Brand new Radio 1 Dance stream to launch this October". BBC Media Centre. Retrieved 2020-09-18.
  5. ^ "Brand new wellbeing stream Radio 1 Relax launches on BBC Sounds". BBC Media Centre. Retrieved 2021-04-22.
  6. ^ "Sian Eleri and Jess Iszatt present the final ever show on Radio 1 Relax!". BBC. 2024-07-24. Retrieved 2024-07-21.
  7. ^ McIntosh, Steven (7 February 2024). "Radio 2 spin-off among four new stations planned by BBC". BBC News Online. BBC News.
  8. ^ "Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind to launch on BBC Sounds". BBC Media Centre. 9 September 2024.
  9. ^ "Production teams win commissions for Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind". BBC Media Centre. 25 October 2024.
  10. ^ "BBC Sounds - Mindful Mix". BBC. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  11. ^ "BBC Radio 3 - Ultimate Calm". BBC. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  12. ^ "BBC Radio 3 - Night Tracks". BBC. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  13. ^ "BBC Radio 3 - The Music & Meditation Podcast". BBC. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  14. ^ "BBC Sounds - The Sleeping Forecast". BBC. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  15. ^ "Radio 3 Unwind to play 8,000 tracks a year". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
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