Age UK launches The Wireless station on DAB digital radio
Charity Age UK is launching a new radio station called The Wireless on DAB in London and Yorkshire, and online in the rest of the country.
Fronted by David Hamilton and Graham Dene, the station is aimed at an older audience and will include features, topical discussions, and documentaries on a variety of issues as well as music.
The station, which is positioning itself as ‘radio for grown-ups’, hopes to prove a platform to connect with audiences across the UK in its fundraising and campaigning.
Hamilton said: “Radio has always been part of my life, from being given my first daily show on BBC Radio One in 1973 to now being involved in The Wireless nearly 40 years later. I’m thrilled to be part of this new and important station, and it’s not just for those in later life, there really is something for everyone.”
To mark the launch, presenters including Martyn Lewis, Diana Moran, Sheila Tracy and Esta Charkham recorded features looking at the role of radio through the years, including favourite moments and anecdotes of things going wrong, as well as their top songs of all time.
Esther Jackson, brand director, said: “We know from research that people over 55 listen to the radio more than any other age group. And there is demand for a station that brings together a broad mix of music and entertainment alongside helpful information to make the most of later life.
“All of our shows are created especially with our audience in mind, and with the aim of celebrating and enriching later life. We also want to hand the microphone over to older people, providing a platform for listeners to express their own views and develop their own programmes. With a combination of informative features, topical discussion and a range of music from the ages it makes for a great listen – whatever your age. Give it a go – it’s not what you’d expect!”