BBC Radio 1 (often known as Radio 1) is an internationalradio station that is based in the United Kingdom. It is owned by BBC and BBC Radio. Radio 1 started broadcasting at 7.00 am on 30 September 1967. Tony Blackburn presented the first (later known as Breakfast) programme on the station. The station is meant to be listened to mainly by people aged 15–29.[2]
Before the launch of Radio 1, the BBC ran three radio stations (the BBC Light Programme, the BBC Home Service and the BBC Third Programme), but these were considered old fashioned and were closed down in 1967. They were replaced with Radio 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The launch of Radio 1 in 1967 was because of the popularity of pirate radio stations such as Radio Caroline. They had been outlawed by Act of Parliament,[3] and the BBC needed to provide alternative radio stations.
The daytime shows (Monday-Thursday 4.00 - 19.00, Friday 4.00 - 18.00, Saturday 6.00 - 16.00 and Sunday 6.00 - 19.00) are very speech-focused and use an extensive playlist to introduce unknown and emerging material alongside more established, top 40 hits from the recent past (usually in a 5-year cycle).
The nighttime shows focus specifically on new music, with each show devoted to a particular genre. These genres include electronica, dance, hip-hop, rap and rock. All programs during this time are playlisted and presented by the DJs without any influence of the station's music editor.
At least 40% of music played in daytime are from British artists
At least 50% of music played in daytime are not older than 12 months old each year, with continuous particular support for new and emerging UK artists alongside established acts
60 hours of specialist music per week
Broadcast from at least 25 live events and festivals per year from the UK and abroad
At least 250 new sessions each year
1 hour of news in daytime each weekday, including two extended bulletins