{{short description|UK contemporary radio network}} {{About|the British radio network|the British national station|Hits Radio UK|the New Zealand network|The Hits (radio station)|the commercial radio format itself|Contemporary hit radio}} {{distinguish|Greatest Hits Radio}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}} {{Use British English|date=February 2016}} {{Infobox radio station | name = Hits Radio | logo = Hits Radio 2024.svg | logo_size = 170px | image = | format = [[Contemporary Hit Radio|CHR/pop]] | power = | class = | owner = [[Bauer Media Audio UK]] | country = UK | area = [[United Kingdom]] (digital) | branding = ''TSA's Hits Radio''<br>''The Biggest Hits, The Biggest Throwbacks'' | airdate = 31 December 1973 (local stations)<br>December 1999 (as Big City Network)<br>April 2011 (as Bauer Place)<br>January 2015 (as Bauer City 1)<br>4 June 2018 (as Hits Radio Network) | former_names = Big City Network (2000–2011)<br>Bauer Place (2011–2015)<br>Bauer City 1 (2015–2018) | frequency = [[FM broadcasting|FM]]: 96.4 MHz – 107.9 MHz<br />[[Digital Audio Broadcasting|DAB]]: 7D – 12D | erp = | sister_stations = [[Hits Radio Pride]]<br />[[Hits Radio 90s]]<br />[[Hits Radio 00s]] | webcast = [https://hellorayo.co.uk/hits-radio/play/ Rayo] | website = [https://hellorayo.co.uk/hits-radio/ Hits Radio] | coordinates = | image_size = 170px | city = [[London]] (headquarters)<br>[[Manchester]]<br>[[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]] | language = English }}
'''Hits Radio''' is a network of 26 [[Contemporary Hit Radio|contemporary hit radio]] stations in the United Kingdom, owned and operated by [[Bauer Media Audio UK]]. The network launched in 2018 with the rebranding of Bauer's Manchester station Key 103 and its merger with The Hits,<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |title=Hits Radio, achieve a combination of national reach with a local community connection. |url=https://hitsradioadvertising.co.uk/hits-radio-brand/ |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Hits Radio Advertising UK |language=en}}</ref> and since then various other local stations have been rebranded under the Hits Radio banner.<ref name="auto2"/>
As of February 2025, the network has a combined reach of 6.77 million weekly listeners according to [[RAJAR]].<ref name="RAJARs">{{Cite web |url=https://www.rajar.co.uk/docs/2025_12/2025_Q4_Quarterly_Summary_Figures.pdf |title=Rajar - 2025 Q4 Quarterly Summary Figures |website=[[RAJAR]] |date=5 February 2026 |access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref>
The Hits Radio commercial portfolio, including stations such as Cool FM, has a combined reach of 12.4 million listeners.<ref name="RAJARs" /> ==Overview== [[Hits Radio UK]] broadcasts on DAB in many parts of the UK and online. 25 localised variants air on FM and DAB across England and Wales.
As of May 2024, there are a total of 25 [[Independent Local Radio|local radio]] stations in the network providing local programming, news, traffic and sport, along with networked output from Hits Radio UK.
The FM network of stations was formerly known as the Big City Network, Bauer Place and Bauer City 1. The national DAB station was formerly known as The Hits.
Until 17 April 2024, most of the stations broadcast under their local identities, such as [[Clyde 1]] in Glasgow and [[Radio City (Liverpool)|Radio City]] in Liverpool. After this date, only the Scottish stations retained their heritage branding, with English and Welsh stations becoming localised outputs of Hits Radio.
==History== {{For timeline}} ===Before the network=== [[File:BAUER CITY1 landscape tagline CMYK.png|thumb|Former logo for the Bauer City 1 Network]][[File:BAUER CITY3 landscape tagline CMYK.png|thumb|Former logo for the Bauer City 3 Network]] Initially known as the Big City Network, and latterly Bauer Place and Bauer City 1, networked programming on Bauer's local FM stations in Northern England and Scotland was initially confined to off-peak night time and weekend timeslots.
In February 2014, the stations adopted a standardised audio identity package, produced by Wisebuddah, while retaining their local station branding. Two networked shows were also introduced across most stations - ''Old Skool and Anthems'' and ''In: Demand'' - produced from [[KEY 103|Key 103]] in Manchester.<ref>[http://radiotoday.co.uk/2014/01/daytime-sharing-arrives-at-bauer-stations/ Daytime sharing arrives at Bauer stations], Radio Today, 31 January 2014</ref> Separate schedules for Northern England and Scotland were introduced in August 2015,<ref>[http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/07/bauer-brings-local-radio-back-to-scotland/ Bauer brings local radio back to Scotland], Radio Today, 28 July 2015</ref> followed in July 2017 by two networked mid-morning shows for most of the FM stations, produced from Manchester and Glasgow respectively.<ref>[http://radiotoday.co.uk/2017/06/networked-mid-morning-show-for-bauer-stations/ Networked mid-morning show for Bauer stations], Radio Today, 12 June 2017</ref> In February 2017, the [[Free Radio (network)|Free Radio]] group of stations in the West Midlands began carrying off-peak programming from the Northern England network, replacing most of its own regional output from Birmingham. [[File:Hitsradio.jpg|thumb|Old logo of The Hits radio]] On 19 January 2015, The Hits formed the tagline of the locally branded [[Bauer City 3 (radio network)|Bauer City 3]] network of radio stations in Northern England and Scotland.<ref>[http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/2015/01/bauer-city-network-3-launches-on-local-dab/ Bauer City Network 3 launches on local DAB] Radio Today, 19 January 2015</ref> The local City 3 branding was dropped on 31 August 2017, in favour of the tagline becoming the name of a national station on all local DAB Multiplexes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2017/08/ripcity3/|title=The Hits to replace Bauer's City 3 Network|website=Radiotoday.co.uk|date=29 August 2017|access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref>
===Launch=== Bauer, on the 4 June 2018, rebranded and relaunched Key 103 in Manchester to [[Hits Radio Manchester]] a [[Contemporary Hit Radio|CHR]]-led music station aimed at 25-44 year olds.<ref>[http://www.bauermedia.co.uk/newsroom/press/bauer-to-launch-new-national-radio-station Bauer to launch new national radio station] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120805/http://www.bauermedia.co.uk/newsroom/press/bauer-to-launch-new-national-radio-station |date=19 April 2018 }}, Bauer Media, 18 April 2018</ref> Hits Radio Manchester continued to provide local news & information, traffic bulletins and advertising on its local platforms - 103 FM, DAB and online.<ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2018/04/key-103-to-rebrand-as-hits-radio-and-go-national/ Key 103 to rebrand as Hits Radio and go national], Radio Today, 19 April 2018</ref>
The station was merged with national DAB station The Hits, which in turn was rebranded itself as [[Hits Radio UK]] to provide a single national service across the UK on DAB, Freeview and online.<ref>[https://www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/broadcasting/2018/04/key-103-become-hits-radio-part-major-rebrand Key 103 to become Hits Radio as part of major rebrand], Prolific North, 18 April 2018</ref> The station's programming networked across 24 local FM stations - all of which opt out at times for local output. Local weekend programming for most of the English stations was replaced with additional network output in July 2019,<ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/05/hits-radio-network-stations-drop-local-weekend-programmes/ Hits Radio Network stations to drop local weekend programmes], Radio Today, 30 May 2019</ref> followed in September 2019 by the introduction of a networked Drivetime show.<ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/08/bauer-to-network-drivetime-across-11-licences-in-north-and-midlands/ Bauer to network drivetime across 11 licences in North and Midlands], Radio Today, 5 August 2019</ref>
=== Expansion === [[Gem (radio station)|Gem]] in the East Midlands joined the network in July 2019 to carry late night and overnight programming from Manchester.<ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/07/gem-to-take-hits-radio-strapline-and-night-programmes/ Gem to take Hits Radio strapline and night programmes], Radio Today, 8 July 2019</ref>
The Scottish network of stations introduced a networked Drivetime show at the end of March 2020, except for MFR and Radio Borders.<ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2020/01/bauer-networks-more-shows-across-scotland/ Bauer networks more shows across Scotland], RadioToday, 29 January 2020</ref>
Five stations were acquired to join the network, of which four retained heritage branding: [[Pulse 1]] (Bradford), [[Signal 1]] (Stoke-on-Trent), [[The Wave 96.4 FM|The Wave]] (Swansea) and [[Fire Radio]] (Bournemouth). Pulse, Signal, and The Wave began carrying off-peak programming from the Hits Radio network on 15 June 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2020/06/hits-radio-networking-starts-on-new-bauer-stations/|title=Hits Radio networking starts on new Bauer stations|website=Radiotoday.co.uk|date=15 June 2020|access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref> The fifth, [[The Breeze (East Hampshire & South West Surrey)|The Breeze]] (Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester) rebranded as Hits Radio under a licensing agreement with [[Nation Broadcasting]].<ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2020/05/most-of-acquired-bauer-stations-to-become-greatest-hits-radio/ Most of acquired Bauer stations to become Greatest Hits Radio] Stuart Clarkson, Radio Today, 27 May 2020</ref> On 20 July 2020, Pulse 1, Signal 1 and The Wave officially joined the Hits Radio network.<ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2020/07/bauer-starts-to-roll-out-hits-and-greatest-hits-to-new-radio-stations/ Bauer starts to roll out Hits and Greatest Hits to new radio stations] Stuart Clarkson, Radio Today, 9 July 2020</ref>
On 31 August 2020, [[Radio Aire]] ceased broadcasting and moved to the sister [[Greatest Hits Radio]] network - it merged with twelve other stations to form [[Greatest Hits Radio Yorkshire]].<ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2020/07/radio-aire-to-become-greatest-hits-radio/ Radio Aire to become Greatest Hits Radio], Radio Today, 16 July 2020</ref>
The same day saw [[Hits Radio South Coast]] launch, thereby becoming the second FM station to be known on air as Hits Radio. The station had previously broadcast as The Breeze South Coast and the change is made following the purchase in 2019 of The Breeze network from Celador Radio. Nation Broadcasting replaced Hits Radio South Coast with their own [[Easy Radio South Coast]] programming from 19 September 2022, with Bauer providing Hits Radio content thereafter on the South Hampshire DAB multiplex.
In October 2020, it was announced that Hits Radio would launch in Suffolk, taking over the DAB capacity which had been used for [[Greatest Hits Radio]] since September (previously [[Town 102]]), in tandem with the relaunch of [[Ipswich 102]] as Greatest Hits Radio.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2020/10/ipswich-102-to-rebrand-as-greatest-hits-radio/|title=Ipswich 102 to rebrand as Greatest Hits Radio|website=Radiotoday.co.uk|date=15 October 2020|access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref> The change took place on 3 November, at the point Ipswich 102 (and [[Radio Plymouth]]) took the GHR affiliation. As in North Yorkshire, a localised feed of Hits Radio is provided, with the ability to split from the network programming content for localised branding, news material and advertising. Hits Radio Suffolk was withdrawn after 1 October 2022, with the capacity reverting to GHR, as a consequence of the FM frequency (the prior Ipswich 102) transitioning to [[Nation Radio Suffolk]].
In November 2021, Bauer announced the two [[Free Radio (network)|Free Radio]] breakfast shows - known as ''Hits at Breakfast'' - would be merged into one regional show across all four Free Radio licences.<ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2021/11/bauer-ends-separate-hits-at-breakfast-shows-on-free-radio/ Bauer ends separate Hits at Breakfast shows on Free Radio], Radio Today, 23 November 2021</ref> The merger was permitted under OFCOM's local content guidelines, although all four Free Radio licences retain opt-outs for local news, traffic updates and advertising.
In November 2022, it was announced that CFM in Cumbria would follow Radio Aire in transitioning from the Hits Radio network to Greatest Hits Radio, with the change slated to take place as of April 2023; CFM's local weekday show would remain, moved from breakfast to broadcast in an afternoon slot on GHR, with Hits Radio content continuing to be available in the area over DAB - replacing the localised digital-only version of GHR broadcast to Cumbria since the local DAB multiplex began broadcasting in late 2021. Around the same time as announcing the CFM change, Bauer confirmed that two of the relay transmitters of [[Signal 1]] would transfer to carrying GHR from January 2023, with the station's main transmitter area - where GHR broadcasts on AM (formerly [[Signal 2]]) - retaining the Hits Network positioning.
In January 2023, Bauer announced that Radio Borders would follow CFM in transitioning from the Hits Radio network to Greatest Hits Radio, in April 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2023/01/radio-borders-to-rebrand-to-greatest-hits-radio-name-and-format/ | title=Radio Borders to rebrand as Greatest Hits Radio from April | date=31 January 2023 }}</ref>
In November 2023, Bauer announced that from January 2024, the two individual breakfast shows on both Radio City and [[Rock FM (Lancashire)|Rock FM]] would come to an end and would be merged to form a simulcast show on both stations. The new show is presented by [[Joel Ross (DJ)|Joel Ross]] and Leanne Campbell and broadcast from Bauer's Liverpool studios at the [[St Johns Beacon|Hits Radio Tower]]. The stations continue their separate branding and news bulletins.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-16 |title=Rock FM to lose last local show as new shared breakfast show launches |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2023/11/rock-fm-to-lose-all-local-shows-as-new-radio-city-breakfast-show-expands-to-lancashire/ |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=RadioToday |language=en-GB}}</ref>
=== Rationalisation === In January 2024, it was announced that fifteen of Bauer's local radio stations in England and Wales - which form part of the Hits Radio network - would be rebranded as Hits Radio from 17 April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-10 |title=Fifteen local stations get set for Hits Radio rebrand |url=https://www.bauermedia.co.uk/news/fifteen-local-stations-get-set-for-hits-radio-rebrand/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Bauer |language=en-GB}}</ref> No changes are expected to the network's local, regional and national programming, including local news and traffic bulletins, as a result of the rebrand.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-10 |title=Bauer to rebrand heritage FM stations in England and Wales to Hits Radio |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2024/01/bauer-to-rebrand-heritage-fm-stations-in-england-and-wales-to-hits-radio/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=RadioToday |language=en-GB}}</ref>
[[Kiss (UK radio station)|Kiss]] was replaced by Hits Radio at 10.00pm on 22 September 2024 across the West of England on 97.2 MHz, 101.0 MHz & 106.5 MHz, in London on 100.0 MHz and in Norfolk on 106.1 MHz.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-07 |title=Hits Radio to take over 100FM in London from KISS |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2024/08/hits-radio-to-take-over-100fm-in-london-from-kiss/ |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=RadioToday |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2024/09/hits-radio-takeover-of-kiss-100-fm-london-frequency-is-happening-this-monday/ Hits Radio takeover of KISS 100 FM London frequency is happening this Monday], Radio Today, 20 September 2024</ref> The first song that played on the former Kiss frequencies was [[Pink (singer)|Pink]] with ''[[Trustfall (song)|Trustfall]]'' and Hattie Pearson was the presenter who launched the stations. The regional mid-morning show in the West of England ended in 25 October 2024,<ref name=katethornton>{{Cite web |first=Roy |last=Martin |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2024/10/greatest-hits-radio-to-end-local-shows-and-go-fully-networked-with-new-kate-thornton-afternoon-show/ |title=Greatest Hits Radio to end local shows and go fully networked with new Kate Thornton afternoon show |date=23 October 2024 |accessdate=23 October 2024 |publisher=Radio Today}}</ref> with the South of England show also ending on the 1 November 2024.<ref name=katethornton />
West FM (after 27 years) rebranded to 'Clyde 1 Ayrshire' from 16 September 2024; sharing all output with Clyde 1 whilst retaining local news, weather and travel bulletins.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=End of West FM brand coming as Clyde 1 expands to Ayrshire |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2024/08/end-of-west-fm-brand-coming-as-clyde-1-expands-to-ayrshire/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=RadioToday |language=en-GB}}</ref> On 6 January 2025, Forth 1’s breakfast show expanded, replacing MFR, Northsound 1 and Tay FM’s separate local breakfast shows,<ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2024/11/forth-1-northsound-1-mfr-and-tay-fm-to-share-breakfast-as-boogie-in-the-morning-expands/ Forth 1, Northsound 1, MFR and Tay FM to share breakfast as Boogie in the Morning expands], Roy Martin, Radio Today, 13 November 2024</ref> [[Star Radio (Cambridge and Ely)|Star Radio]] was acquired by Bauer on the 10 January, local output ended with the station becoming a relay of Hits Radio.<ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2025/01/bauer-buys-star-radio-to-rebrand-as-hits-radio-cambridgeshire/ Bauer buys Star Radio to rebrand as Hits Radio Cambridgeshire], Roy Martin, Radio Today, 10 January 2025</ref>
Local and regional Hits Radio breakfast shows for England and Wales are planned to be replaced by a national breakfast show on 9 June 2025.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |date=2025-03-20 |title=Hits Radio to launch national Breakfast Show across England and Wales |url=https://www.bauermedia.co.uk/news/hits-radio-to-launch-national-breakfast-show-across-england-and-wales/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Bauer Media |language=en-GB}}</ref> Local advertising, news and traffic bulletins will continue across all stations. Four main broadcasting hubs will be retained in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Belfast. These will be supported by smaller production centres in Edinburgh, Newcastle and Leeds. As a result the following will cease: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Fareham, Inverness, Lincoln, Redruth, Sheffield and Swansea.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-21 |title= Full list of Bauer sites closing once Breakfast goes national on Hits Radio |url= https://radiotoday.co.uk/2025/03/full-list-of-bauer-sites-closing-once-breakfast-goes-national-on-hits-radio/ |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=Radio Today |language=en-GB}}</ref>
On 11 April 2025 it was announced [[Will Best]] would join [[Fleur East]] and [[James Barr (presenter)|James Barr]] as a presenter of ''The Hits Radio Breakfast Show'' each weekday from 28 April.<ref name="auto1">[https://www.bauermedia.co.uk/news/hes-simply-the-best-at-breakfast/#:~:text=Big%20Brother%20host%20Will%20Best,as%20a%20new%20co%2Dhost. He’s simply the Best… at Breakfast!], Bauer Media, 11 April 2025</ref>
The remaining local and regional Hits Radio breakfast shows for England and Wales ended on 6 June 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-06 |title=Bauer's local radio breakfast shows end in England and Wales |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2025/06/bauers-local-radio-breakfast-shows-end-in-england-and-wales/ |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=Radio Today |language=en-GB}}</ref>
In early September 2025, new localised (for news and advertising, with programming from the Hits Radio network feed) variants of Hits Radio for fourteen areas of England and north Wales which had previously received Hits Radio UK on DAB began to operate online and on digital radio.<ref>[http://www.radiofeeds.co.uk/query.asp?feedme=hits+radio Directory of 'Hits Radio' stations, RadioFeeds.co.uk]</ref><ref>['Hits Radio Kent' listing on NOWdigital Kent multiplex, Sep 2025]</ref> In Suffolk this effectively led to the reintroduction of a dedicated Hits Radio Suffolk, which had previously been provided between 2020 and 2022. Hits Radio UK would become unavailable in England and Wales as a result, but continues to broadcast on four multiplexes in Scotland alongside the locally-branded Hits network stations for these areas.
==Stations== <gallery> Image:HitsRadioUKCarRDS.jpg|Hits Radio UK car [[Radio Data System]] display. </gallery> {| class="wikitable sortable" !Hits Radio branded: UK !Studios !Formerly |- |[[Hits Radio UK|UK]] |[[London]], [[Manchester]] and [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]] |The Hits |- |} {| class="wikitable sortable" !Hits Radio branded: England, Wales & Northern Ireland !Studios !Formerly |- |[[Hits Radio Birmingham|Birmingham]] | {{n/a}} |Free Radio |- |[[Hits Radio Black Country & Shropshire|Black Country & Shropshire]] | {{n/a}} |Free Radio |- |Cambridgeshire |{{n/a}} |[[Star Radio (Cambridge and Ely)|Star Radio]] |- |[[Hits Radio Cornwall|Cornwall]] - DAB only | {{n/a}} |Pirate FM |- |[[Hits Radio Coventry & Warwickshire|Coventry & Warwickshire]] | {{n/a}} |Free Radio |- |Cumbria - DAB only |{{n/a}} |CFM |- |[[Hits Radio Dorset|Dorset]] |{{n/a}} |Fire Radio |- |[[Hits Radio East Midlands|East Midlands]] - DAB only | {{n/a}} |Gem |- |[[Hits Radio East Yorkshire & North Lincolnshire|East Yorkshire & North Lincolnshire]] | {{n/a}} |Viking FM |- |[[Hits Radio Herefordshire & Worcestershire|Herefordshire & Worcestershire]] | {{n/a}} |Free Radio |- |[[Hits Radio Lancashire|Lancashire]] | {{n/a}} |Rock FM |- | [[Hits Radio Lincolnshire|Lincolnshire]] - DAB only | {{n/a}} |Lincs FM |- |[[Hits Radio Liverpool|Liverpool]] | {{n/a}} |Radio City |- |London |London |[[Kiss 100]] |- |[[Hits Radio Manchester|Manchester]] |Manchester |Key 103 |- |[[Hits Radio North East|North East]] |Newcastle |Metro Radio |- |Norfolk |{{n/a}} |[[Kiss 105-108]] |- |Northern Ireland - DAB only |{{n/a}} |{{n/a}} |- |[[Hits Radio Oxfordshire|Oxfordshire]] |{{n/a}} |Jack 3 & Chill |- |[[Hits Radio South Wales|South Wales]] | {{n/a}} |The Wave |- |[[Hits Radio South Yorkshire|South Yorkshire]] | {{n/a}} |Hallam FM |- |[[Hits Radio Staffordshire & Cheshire|Staffordshire & Cheshire]] | {{n/a}} |Signal 1 |- |[[Hits Radio Teesside|Teesside]] | {{n/a}} |TFM |- |West of England |{{n/a}} |[[Kiss 101]]<br> |- |[[Hits Radio West Yorkshire|West Yorkshire]] |[[Leeds]] |Pulse 1 |- |}
{| class="wikitable sortable" !Heritage branded: Scotland !Studios !Formerly |- |[[Clyde 1]] |rowspan=2|[[Clydebank]] |{{n/a}} |- |[[Clyde 1 (Ayrshire)|Clyde 1 Ayrshire]] |West FM |- |[[Forth 1]] |rowspan=4|[[Edinburgh]] |{{n/a}} |- |[[Northsound 1]] |{{n/a}} |- |[[MFR (radio station)|MFR]] |{{n/a}} |- |[[Tay FM]] |{{n/a}} |}
==Spin-off stations== ===Hits Radio Pride=== {{main|Hits Radio Pride}} On 29 July 2020, Bauer announced a spinoff pop-up station to Hits Radio, [[Hits Radio Pride]], which launched at 8am on 28 August 2020. The new station would be the first time a major radio broadcaster in the United Kingdom has launched a station that was targeted to the LGBTQ+ community. The service is taking capacity on a select number of Bauer owned ensembles including Northern Ireland, Liverpool, Swansea, Bradford, Stoke and London. Bauer acquired additional DAB capacity as part of the deal to buy Wireless Group's local radio portfolio in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2020/07/hits-radio-pride-pop-up-station-to-launch-on-dab/|title=Hits Radio Pride pop-up station to launch on DAB|website=Radiotoday.co.uk|date=29 July 2020}}</ref>
In Liverpool, Hits Radio Pride took capacity previously used by [[Radio City Talk]]. In Northern Ireland the service replaced Magic Chilled.
The station was sponsored by [[The Co-operative Bank]] for an initial run of 6 months. Additional content is produced by Reform Radio, as part of a grant awarded by the Audio Content Fund. Tough Talks’; is an 'intimate conversations between contributors from the LGBTQ+ community reflecting on the struggles that they face within society.'<ref name="bauermedia.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bauermedia.co.uk/newsroom/press-releases/bauer-media-partners-with-the-co-operative-bank-to-launch-new-lgbtq-radio-station-hits-radio-pride|title=Bauer Media partners with the Co-operative Bank to launch new LGBTQ+ radio station, Hits Radio Pride|website=Bauermedia.co.uk|date=28 July 2020 |access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref>
Hits Radio Pride also works with LGBT+ helpline '''[[Switchboard (UK)]]''' to promote support services.<ref name="bauermedia.co.uk"/>
The station started online and smart speaker test transmissions on 21 August 2020. It consisted of a looped promo featuring tracks from [[MNEK]], [[Kylie Minogue]], [[Calvin Harris]], [[Kim Petras]], [[Years & Years]] and [[Lady Gaga]], along with promo trailers. The multiplex variation request submitted to Ofcom suggested the station would arrive on DAB multiplexes from 26 August 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://edge-bauerall-01-gos2.sharp-stream.com/hitsradiopride.aac?direct=true |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 September 2020 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410045123/https://edge-bauerall-01-gos2.sharp-stream.com/hitsradiopride.aac?direct=true |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Hits Radio Chilled=== On Monday 16 September 2024, at 7:00PM (UK) Hits Radio Chilled launched playing “laid back hits and throwbacks”. The first programme was hosted by the Irish singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot with his song ‘All for You‘ being the first song to be played on the station. News jingles had been playing for some weeks before.<ref>[https://hellorayo.co.uk/hits-radio/station/on-air/hits-radio-chilled/ We’re launching Hits Radio Chilled], Poppy Davenport, Hits Radio, 5 August 2024</ref> The station is a rebrand of Magic Chilled.<ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2024/07/bauer-plans-rebrands-for-scala-radio-and-magic-chilled/ Bauer plans rebrands for Scala Radio and Magic Chilled], Radio Today</ref>
===Hits Radio 90s & 00s=== On 31 March 2025, Bauer launched two decades spin-off stations '''Hits Radio 90s''' and '''Hits Radio 00s'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Bauer Media Audio UK announces new Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio sub brands |url= https://www.bauermedia.co.uk/news/bauer-media-audio-uk-announces-new-hits-radio-and-greatest-hits-radio-sub-brands/ |access-date=21 March 2025 |website=Bauer Media |language=en-GB}}</ref>
On 9 June 2025, ''[[Steve & Karen's Breakfast Show]]'', previously the North East regional Hits Radio breakfast show, moved to Hits Radio 90s,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-20 |title=Steve and Karen to host breakfast on Hits Radio 90s |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2025/03/steve-and-karen-to-host-breakfast-on-hits-radio-90s/ |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=RadioToday |language=en-GB}}</ref> A breakfast show launched on Hits Radio 00s on the same date, hosted by [[Joel Ross (DJ)|Joel Ross]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Ella |date=2025-05-13 |title=The Hits Radio Breakfast Show with Leanne & Joel |url=https://hellorayo.co.uk/hits-radio/lancashire/local/the-hits-radio-breakfast-show-with-leanne-and-joel |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Hits Radio - Rayo}}</ref>
=== Premium-only spin-off stations === Bauer offers additional spin-off stations under the Hits Radio brand to subscribers of its [[Rayo (streaming)|Rayo]] Premium service - Hits Radio Country, Hits Radio Dance, and Hits Radio Live Headliners.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rayo Premium |url=https://www.hellorayo.co.uk/premium |access-date=2026-04-18 |website=Rayo |language=en}}</ref>
==Programming==
Network programming for England and Wales originates from Bauer's London headquarters or studios in Manchester & occasionally Newcastle.
In Scotland, it originates from Bauer's studios in [[Clydebank]] (near [[Glasgow]]) and [[Edinburgh]].
Overnight programming and ''The Hits UK Chart'' on a Sunday airs across all Hits Radio stations in England, Wales and Scotland, originating from Bauer's London headquarters.
Until May 2022, CFM, Gem, MFR, Radio Borders and The Wave opted out of networked scheduling, during weekdays, and weekends respectively. This was replaced by networked programming.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2022/04/more-hits-radio-network-programming-for-five-bauer-radio-stations/|title=More Hits Radio network programming for five Bauer stations|website=Radiotoday.co.uk|date=17 May 2022}}</ref>
As of 23 September 2024, Hits Radio in London, Norfolk and the West of England carry a revised version of the Hits Radio playlist, with some tracks replaced by remixed 'dance' versions; this is likely to fulfil the requirement for 'rhythmic' music on the former [[Kiss (UK radio station)|Kiss]] licences. Prior to September 2024, the local Bristol FM/DAB station and digital-only London service had followed the standard Hits playlist, which continues elsewhere.<ref name="auto"/> *'''Scotland variations''' **Clyde 1 and Clyde 1 Ayrshire share a regional breakfast show. **Forth 1, MFR, Northsound 1 and Tay FM share a regional breakfast show. **Clyde 1 and Clyde 1 Ayrshire air ''Superscoreboard'', with live football commentaries at weekends throughout the season, alongside a nightly magazine show on weekday evenings from 6 to 8{{nbsp}}pm. **''The Big Saturday Football Show'' airs on Saturday afternoons (2pm-6pm) on Forth 1, MFR, Northsound 1 and Tay FM. Whereas, ''Superscoreboard'' airs on Clyde 1 and Clyde 1 Ayrshire.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2020/10/bauer-stations-to-air-new-scottish-sports-show/|title=Bauer stations to air new Scottish sports show|website=Radiotoday.co.uk|date=9 October 2020|access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref>
==News== Bauer's newsrooms across the UK air local news bulletins hourly from 6{{nbsp}}am to 7{{nbsp}}pm on weekdays and from 7{{nbsp}}am to 1{{nbsp}}pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Headlines are broadcast on the half-hour during weekday breakfast and drivetime shows, alongside traffic bulletins. National bulletins air on Hits Radio UK.
At weekends, bespoke networked bulletins air from 2{{nbsp}}pm (until 6{{nbsp}}pm on Saturdays and 4{{nbsp}}pm on Sundays) - separate bulletins are produced for England & Wales and for Scotland.
At all other times, mainly evening & overnight, hourly national bulletins originate from [[Sky News Radio]] in London.
==Notable presenters/shows== *[[Gemma Atkinson]]<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=July 8, 2024 |title=Hits Radio Schedule |url=https://hellorayo.co.uk/hits-radio/schedule/ |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=Hits Radio}}</ref> *[[James Barr (presenter)|James Barr]]<ref name="RT Hits Breakfast"/> *[[Will Best]]<ref>[https://www.bauermedia.co.uk/news/will-best-lands-new-sunday-show-on-hits-radio/ Will Best lands new Sunday show on Hits Radio], Bauer Media, 5 December 2024</ref><ref name="auto1"/> *[[Wes Butters]]<ref name=":1" /> *[[Sarah-Jane Crawford]]<ref name=":1" /> *[[Fleur East]]<ref name="RT Hits Breakfast">{{cite web |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/09/hits-radio-weekend-show-for-fleur-east-greg-burns-and-james-barr/ |title=Hits Radio weekend show for Fleur East, Greg Burns and James Barr |website=[[Radio Today (website)|Radio Today]] |date=September 2019 |access-date=1 April 2021 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920052155/https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/09/hits-radio-weekend-show-for-fleur-east-greg-burns-and-james-barr/ |url-status=live }}</ref> *[[Stephanie Hirst]]<ref name=":1" /> *[[Joel Ross (DJ)|Joel Ross]] (Hits Radio 00s)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-19 |title=Rock FM's last local show axed in Joel Ross breakfast shake-up from new year |url=https://www.lep.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/rock-fms-last-local-show-axed-in-joel-ross-breakfast-shake-up-4415251 |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Lancashire Evening Post |language=en}}</ref> *[[Sam Thompson (TV personality)|Sam Thompson]]<ref name=":1" /> *[[Brooke Vincent]]<ref name=":1" /> *[[Owen Warner]]<ref name=":1" /> *[[Kimberly Wyatt]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mcdonald |first=Beth |date=November 7, 2024 |title=Kimberly Wyatt joins Hits Radio |url=https://www.bauermedia.co.uk/news/kimberly-wyatt-joins-hits-radio/ |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Bauer Media |language=en-GB}}</ref> *''[[Steve & Karen's Breakfast Show]]'' (Hits Radio 90s)
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website|https://hellorayo.co.uk/hits-radio/}}
{{Bauer Media Group}} {{Bauer Radio}} {{Hits Radio}}
[[Category:Hits Radio| ]] [[Category:Bauer Radio]] [[Category:Bauer Group (UK)]] [[Category:Radio stations in Manchester]] [[Category:Radio stations established in 2003]] [[Category:Contemporary hit radio stations in the United Kingdom]]