GB Media Ltd to Launch GB Music Radio, a New All-British Music Station

GB MEDIA LTD TO LAUNCH GB MUSIC RADIO, A NEW ALL-BRITISH MUSIC STATION

> Paul Coyte to host weekday Breakfast, with Nana Akua presenting at weekends, as GB Media expands into music radio. > Rick Houghton will present the Great British Drive Home from Liverpool - the birthplace of British music. > New GB Radio App will offer access to GB Music Radio and GB News Radio

Embargo: not for use before 00:01 on 19 October

GB Media Ltd is today announcing the launch of GB Music Radio - a new 24-hour digital radio station dedicated exclusively to artists from Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The launch marks the first of a series of new initiatives from the team behind Britain's Number One News Channel, as it seeks to reach audiences through new formats and celebrate Britain's cultural contribution.

Built around the promise "All British, All Day", GB Music Radio, will launch on November 2 pledging to be a Fearless Champion of British Music.

The station will stream around the clock, seven days a week, with every track on its playlist performed by an artist from Great Britain or Northern Ireland, or where the main proportion of the band is British.

Its music will span six decades of British talent, bringing together artists and sounds from across generations.

Paul Coyte will present the station's Great British Breakfast from 05:30am to 10:00am on weekdays, while Nana Akua takes over the decks on Saturday and Sunday between 07:00 and 11:00. Saturday is Great British Party Night, with commercial-free music over six hours between 19:00 and 01:00.

The Great British Drive Home will broadcast from 4pm, and will be presented by Rick Houghton, formerly of Greatest Hits and Radio City. Rick will host his show from Liverpool - the city which put British music on the map.

The station (www.GBmusicradio.com) will also broadcast news bulletins on the hour, alongside traffic and travel updates.

A spokesman for GB Media said: "We are a media company that has demonstrated its commitment to celebrating Britain and its rich culture.

"The launch of GB Music Radio marks the first step in a series of initiatives designed to bring compelling and engaging content to more people across the nation.

"British music is one of our country's extraordinary achievements on the world stage. GB Music Radio will celebrate that legacy by showcasing artists from Great Britain and Northern Ireland across the generations."

Paul Coyte said: "Music radio was always my first love from hosting a breakfast show on local radio in Peterborough when I was 21, to the original Virgin 1215 and later Capital Gold. It's been a few years since I was a DJ but I can't wait to get going again and it's been a joy choosing the best British music for the show."

Nana Akua said: "There's nothing like a Great British tune to set you up for the weekend so I'm thrilled to be bringing the best of British music to listeners on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Having been in radio for over three decades, it an honour to be a part of this new chapter.

"It's easy to forget how this country has shaped the global music landscape and the great British artists that have dominated much of the music scene. From the Rolling Stones, to Dire Straits, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and Adele to name but a few. British music has, to date, been one our biggest exports, and it is an honour to bring this music to life to our audience."

Rick, who became the UK's youngest DJ at the age of 16, said: "Being able to present my show from a studio in my home City of Liverpool is a dream come true. Liverpool has had a massive influence on the UK music scene from The Beatles and Merseybeat to so many other fine artists and bands. I look forward to being with our listeners every weekday afternoon, wherever you are in Great Britain."

GB Music Radio is designed to reach listeners wherever they are. It will broadcast on DAB+ and be available nationwide through its dedicated app and the web.

It can also be found on Nation Player, Radio Player, and TuneIn: smart speaker owners can simply say "Play GB Music Radio".

A Just Played feature will allow listeners to view a full list of recently played tracks, making it easy to identify a song they have just heard.

The station will also offer advertisers a new way to reach audiences who love British music, with commercial opportunities available through GB Media.

Chief Revenue Officer Ross Sergeant said: "GB Music Radio gives advertisers something genuinely new: a station built around a single, warm idea that almost everyone in this country can get behind. British music is a shared passion that cuts across generations, and we look forward to helping brands become part of the soundtrack to our listeners' day, from Breakfast with Paul to weekend mornings with Nana."

Ends

Media information

For additional details contact media@gbnews.uk.