City London Branding Absolute Radio | Broadcast area United Kingdom First air date 4 December 2009 | |
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Slogan "The UK's only 80s Radio Station" Frequency DAB:
11A
Freesat: 726
Sky: 0200
Virgin Media: 951 | ||
Absolute 80s, is a digital radio station in the United Kingdom catering for "reluctant adults" who want to reconnect with the tunes of their 80s youth.
Contents
Absolute 80s launch
Absolute 80s launched at 7.00pm on 4 December 2009 replacing Absolute Xtreme.
The marketing plan for Absolute 80s started with targeted sampling at 80s events such as Madness, Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode at the O2 Arena, and Simple Minds at Wembley Arena. The first track to play on the station was (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!) by the Beastie Boys.
On Friday 14 May 2010, Absolute 80s launched, broadcasting in mono at 64kbps, on Digital One national DAB digital radio.
On 29 February 2016, the station switched to the newly launched Sound Digital multiplex (an "upgrade" to 80kbps in mono) although it continued to broadcast on Digital One until the end of April 2016.
DJs
Currently, DJs on Absolute 80s include Leona Graham, Martyn Lee, and Richie Firth. Sarah Champion hosts a live Friday night 80s show on sister station Absolute Radio that is also simulcast live on Absolute 80s. The Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show (which also includes Richie Firth from Absolute Radio) is also simulcast live on Absolute 80s. Matthew Rudd hosts a weekend 'eclectic' programme featuring some of the more 'forgotten' hits of the decade, such as less radio-friendly charting singles by bands like Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and Japan. Tony Hadley, the lead singer of Spandau Ballet, hosts a 2-hour show on Saturdays from 6pm.