Virgin Radio

Virgin Radio is a British commercial music radio station based in London. Originally called Virgin 1215 it was launched nationally on 1215 kHz (although some regional transmitters used other frequencies) at 12.15pm on 30 April 1993 by Richard Branson as part of his Virgin brand. It has since been sold to Ginger Media (which was subsequently bought by SMG plc) but has kept the Virgin name. The "Virgin" brand has been used by Branson for all of his businesses; the name was chosen because a female friend setting it up with him commented "We're all virgins at business".

Some months later the station also began broadcasting in stereo on satellite via Sky Television (and this has continued with the switch to digital) and later acquired an FM frequency, 105.8 FM, in the London area.

In addition to these outlets Virgin also currently broadcasts on DAB across England, Scotland and Wales, on digital TV and cable. It is also available in other parts of the world via satellite and cable, and on the Internet. On June 13, 2006 SMG plc signed a deal with YooMedia to make Virgin Radio available on Freeview. Virgin Radio to join Freeview by Radio Today, created June 13, 2006, accessed June 13, 2006. It has always placed a great emphasis on other methods of transmission than medium wave, as the 1215 kHz frequency suffers from considerable interference, particularly after dark - BBC Radio 1, which used 1215 kHz for its first eleven years on air, moved to higher-quality medium wave frequencies (now used by TalkSport) in 1978 mainly for this reason. Interference is thought to come from around Europe, particuarly Russia, which has a station on this frequency.

The Virgin name is used for other radio stations in other territories. Virgin Radio stations exist in Greece, Thailand, Singapore and China. These are not owned by SMG, and remain within Richard Branson's Virgin Group. In the USA, Radio Free Virgin is an online broadcaster - another Virgin Group company - and many Virgin companies, including Virgin Megastores and Virgin Trains, have in-store radio stations.

Past presenters on the network have included Chris Evans, Danny Baker, Nick Abbot, Jonathan Coleman, Daryl Denham, Jezza, Robin Banks, Lynn Parsons, Tommy Vance, Alan Freeman, Gary Davies, Kevin Greening, Richard Skinner, Vic Reeves & many others.

Spinoff stations

SMG plc has recently launched a number of spin-off stations within its Virgin Radio Network. These are:

Virgin Radio Classic Rock

A radio station on DAB, Sky Digital and the Internet playing classic rock from the seventies to the nineties.

Virgin Radio Groove

A radio station on DAB, Sky Digital and the Internet which plays motown, soul and disco music.

Virgin Radio Xtreme

Launched on September 5th 2005, Virgin Radio Xtreme plays rock music, and is aimed at teenage males.

Virgin Radio Party Classics

Launched on June 15th 2006, Virgin Radio Party Classics plays party pop music. The radio station is based on Suggs Virgin Party Classics show broadcast on Virgin Radio.

All 'Virgin' branded channels broadcast on DAB in London, the Internet, and Sky Digital.

Presenters and Shows

References

External links

SMG | Virgin Radio (UK) | Virgin Group | Radio stations in the United Kingdom | London media