Radio in Northern Ireland - BBC Radio

BBC Radio

The most prominent stations are the national networks operated by the BBC.

• BBC Radio 1 broadcasts mostly current pop music output on FM and digital radio, with live music throughout the year
• BBC Radio 2 is the United Kingdom's most listened-to radio station, featuring presenters such as Chris Evans and Terry Wogan, and playing popular music from the last 5 decades as well as special interest programmes in the evening
• BBC Radio 3 is a classical music station, broadcasting high-quality concerts and performances. At night, it transmits a wide range of jazz and world music
• BBC Radio 4 is a current affairs and speech station, with news, debate and radio drama. It broadcasts the daily radio soap The Archers, as well as flagship news programme Today
• BBC Radio 5 Live broadcasts live news and sports commentary with phone-in debates and studio guests

The introduction of digital radio technology led to the launch of several new BBC stations:

• BBC 1Xtra broadcasts rap, RnB and drum'n'bass
• BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcasts comedy, drama and shows which extend or supplement popular programmes on its sister station, Radio 4, including The Archers spin off Ambridge Extra and archived episodes of Desert Island Discs
• BBC 6 Music transmits predominantly alternative rock, with many live sessions
• BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra - a companion to Five Live for additional events coverage
• BBC Asian Network - aimed at the large South Asian community in the United Kingdom (also available on AM in some areas)

The BBC also provide 40 local radio services, mainly broadcasting a mix of local news and music aimed at an older audience.