When did Classic FM launch in the UK?
Classic FM launched at 06:00 on Monday the 7th of September 1992. The first piece broadcast was Zadok the Priest by George Frideric Handel, presented by Nick Bailey.
Questions about Classic FM (UK)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who owns Classic FM in the UK?
Classic FM is owned and operated by Global Media & Entertainment, described as the UK's largest radio station ownership group. Global now owns the station, which broadcasts nationally on 100-102 FM, DAB+, Freeview, satellite and cable.
What is the Classic FM Hall of Fame and who has won it most often?
The Classic FM Hall of Fame is an annual listener poll broadcast over the Easter weekend that counts down the 300 most popular classical pieces. Ralph Vaughan Williams's The Lark Ascending has occupied the top spot most frequently, winning in 2007-2010-2014-2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
How many listeners does Classic FM have each week?
Classic FM has a weekly audience of 4.7 million listeners, according to RAJAR figures cited by the station.
What was High Score on Classic FM?
High Score was a series broadcast in April and May 2017, presented by composer Jessica Curry, and was the first programme on UK radio dedicated entirely to video game music. The station's website described it as the most popular programme on Listen Again in Classic FM's 25-year history at the time.
Who compiled the Classic FM playlist and how large is it?
Robin Ray compiled the Classic FM playlist during the station's early years, rating more than 50,000 classical pieces for popular appeal. Selector software developed by RCS Inc., originally built for pop radio, was adapted by Ray and others to manage rotation across that catalogue.