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BBC Radio 3 Unwind

London, Salford and Belfast
Broadcast area	United Kingdom via BBC Sounds (currently unavailable internationally)
Frequency	DAB (in future), BBC Sounds
Programming
Language(s)	English
Format	Classical and meditation
Network	BBC Radio
Ownership
Owner	BBC
Sister stations	BBC Radio 3
History
First air date	4 November 2024; 45 days ago (2024-11-04)
Technical information
Licensing authority	Ofcom
Links
Website	Radio 3 Unwind Homepage

BBC Radio 3 Unwind is a British online-only radio stream, owned and operated by the BBC and run as a spin-off from BBC Radio 3. Launched in 2024, the station plays a wide range of wellbeing and meditation focussed classical music both familiar and new, intertwined with voices and soundscapes.

The stream broadcasts exclusively on BBC Sounds, until a full launch on DAB+ in 2025 due to take place.

History and launch

Reports in 2019 showed that the BBC was considering launching 'spin-off stations' of their stations to gain more listeners. The first of these was Radio 1 Dance, confirmed by Jonathan Wall, controller of BBC Sounds, in February 2020.

This first 'stream' launched in October 2020. A further music stream launched on BBC Sounds in April 2021, Radio 1 Relax. Radio 1 Relax closed on 24 July 2024.

In February 2024, the corporation announced plans to launch three new spin-offs, pending public consultation and regulatory approval: one from Radio 1 for “music from the 2000s and 2010s, catering to the appetite from young audiences for recent nostalgia”; one from Radio 2, with “a distinctive take on pop nostalgia’ from the 50s, 60s and 70s”; and one from Radio 3 for “calming classical music”. In addition, Radio 1 Dance would launch on DAB expanded programming.

In September 2024, the BBC confirmed the launch of Radio 3 Unwind, alongside Radio 1's Anthems spin-off.

Ahead of the stream's launch in November 2024, several production teams from across the UK's audio sector were awarded new shows, ensuring a diverse range of content and creative input.

The commissioned programmes include Tandem Productions for a daily mid-morning show, Granny Eats Wolf for a soundtracks programme airing Monday to Saturday, Peanut & Crumb for overnight programming, BBC Audio Northern Ireland for a weekly new music show, and BBC Audio London for a daily evening show.

Programming

In a February 2024 press release, the BBC announced some of the programming on Radio 3 Unwind. The corporation said the stream "aimed to provide a relaxing classical music experience designed to help listeners unwind and escape daily pressures".

Radio 3 Unwind features a blend of familiar and new classical pieces. It also highlights compositions from living artists, including new UK talent and works from BBC Orchestras and Choirs.

The schedule includes existing on-demand programmes like the Mindful Mix, artist-led shows such as Ultimate Calm, and simulcast content from Radio 3, including Night Tracks. Additionally, it explores mindfulness and wellbeing themes The Music & Meditation Podcast and The Sleeping Forecast. The extension features around 8,000 tracks per annum.

Additionally, some new commissions include a daily mid-morning show, a soundtracks programme airing Monday to Saturday, a weekly new music show and a daily evening show.

See also

• BBC Radio 1 Dance
• BBC Radio 1 Relax
• BBC Radio 1 Anthems

References

1. "What are Sounds exclusive stations? - BBC Sounds".
2. "Is the BBC planning radio spinoffs to get more listeners?". RadioToday. Retrieved 2019-11-25.
3. "BBC Sounds - an audio treasure trove". About the BBC Blog. Retrieved 2020-02-26.
4. "Brand new Radio 1 Dance stream to launch this October". BBC Media Centre. Retrieved 2020-09-18.
5. "Brand new wellbeing stream Radio 1 Relax launches on BBC Sounds". BBC Media Centre. Retrieved 2021-04-22.
6. "Sian Eleri and Jess Iszatt present the final ever show on Radio 1 Relax!". BBC. 2024-07-24. Retrieved 2024-07-21.
7. McIntosh, Steven (7 February 2024). "Radio 2 spin-off among four new stations planned by BBC". BBC News Online. BBC News.
8. "Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind to launch on BBC Sounds". BBC Media Centre. 9 September 2024.
9. "Production teams win commissions for Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind". BBC Media Centre. 25 October 2024.
10. "BBC Sounds - Mindful Mix". BBC. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
11. "BBC Radio 3 - Ultimate Calm". BBC. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
12. "BBC Radio 3 - Night Tracks". BBC. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
13. "BBC Radio 3 - The Music & Meditation Podcast". BBC. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
14. "BBC Sounds - The Sleeping Forecast". BBC. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
15. "Radio 3 Unwind to play 8,000 tracks a year". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-10-28.

• BBC Radio 3
• Digital-only radio stations
• BBC national radio stations
• Radio stations established in 2024
• 2024 establishments in the United Kingdom