102.2 Smooth FM will go further than any other commercial station in London to win back audience from the BBC when it launches on 7^th June.

 

In a bid to ensure an uncluttered environment and a completely unique listening experience on commercial radio, the new station will play 40 minute sweeps of ad free music every hour from morning til night – called the Smooth 40.

 

The move will be the boldest yet by any commercial radio station to win over BBC listeners and will prove an attractive proposition for the busy 35 year+ Londoner looking for a relaxing listen.

 

102.2 Smooth FM will offer a unique mix of soulful music from artists such as Lemar, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Alicia Keys, Luther Vandross and Mary J Blige when it takes to the airwaves at 10am on Tuesday 7^th June.

 

Programme Director Mark Walker said: “The Smooth 40 will be a real audience winner. It will give us stand-out on the dial and help us win non-commercial listeners who have maybe become fed-up with the stop start listen you get on many stations in London.”

 

In preparation for the rebrand from 102.2 JAZZFM, the daytime music on the station has been evolving in recent months. The huge desire for a station which has a distinctive soulful sound was evident in the official Q1 RAJAR audience research, which reported massive growth in listening hours – an increase of 5.8 to 9.7 hours per listener per week.

 

The line-up of experienced presenters is now complete and sees many familiar voices remain, including Jon Scragg at breakfast and Russell Pockett on afternoon drivetime. One of London’s most talented broadcasters, Kevin Greening will move into the mid-morning/lunchtime show and Sarah Ward’s Smooth Selection will see her gain an extra hour each night (8pm-midnight) to broadcast a sophisticated collection of contemporary and classic jazz. The capital’s most famous news voice Howard Hughes also joins the team as weekday morning news reader.

 

At weekends Angie Greaves joins the station to host the Sunday afternoon show from 2pm. Angie’s 15-year career in radio spans BBC Radio, LBC and Choice FM. Jim Colvin moves from weekday early mornings to host the weekend breakfast show, while music experts such as Mike Chadwick, Peter Young, Ramsey Lewis and Campbell Burnap will provide a wealth of specialist programming dedicated to soul and jazz music.

 

102.2 Smooth FM will boast the least number of commercial messages of any major London radio station and the 40 minute sweeps of music will encourage station trial and thus build hours.

 

For the first time advertisers will have the opportunity to advertise in a minimal commercial environment, ensuring they achieve stand-out on the dial. 102.2 Smooth FM will have just three commercial breaks each hour.

 

Ends

 

Alison Halstead – Head of Communications 020 7298 7296

Joe Sangwin  - Press Officer 020 7298 7268