Classic FM Announces Launch Dates

After several weeks of speculation Classic FM, Britain’s first national commercial radio station, has confirmed it will begin broadcasting on September 7.

A number of the station’s presenters have also been announced. Margaret Howard will represent and edit Classic Reports, a daily news, music and arts programme between 6 and 7pm. Howard was presenter of Radio 4’s Pick of the Week for 17 years.

The 9 to 12 mid-morning slot will be presented by Henry Kelly, the presenter of BBC1’s Going For Gold. Susannah Simons will take on the 12 to 2pm slot Mondays to Thursdays, combining a mix of music and interviews. Simons has worked on Channel 4’s Business Daily and Radio 4’s The World This Weekend.

The 10pm to 1am slot, which will include live music from a range of musicians is to be hosted by Adrian Love.

Commenting on the line-up, programme controller Michael Bukht said; “In recruiting our team of presenters I have quite deliberately gone for top broadcasters who are leaders in their field, but not necessarily music specialists. Our philosophy is that good music is to be enjoyed and the task of our top presenters will be to give that music to our listeners with wit and style. We shall perform too, but without the burden of pedantry.”

Bukht is better known to some as the chef of BBC2’s Food and Drink programme where he uses the pseudonym of Michael Barry.

Classic FM: 071 284 3000