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Virgin Radio

Listen to the best of rock and pop past and present on Virgin radio. Suggs’ afternoon show (weekdays from 1pm) is something of an institution, and Neil Francis provides the soundtrack to your journey home on his drive time slot.

Virgin Radio began life as Virgin 1215. It was launched across the UK on 30 April 1993. The first song broadcast was a version of the Steppenwolf song ÔBorn to be Wild’ recorded by INXS. Virgin chief Richard Branson was the first voice on air, talking live from the Virgin Megastore in Manchester.

A few months after the station launched, it started to broadcast on satellite via Sky TV. When Virgin Radio bought an FM franchise in London in 1995, the station switched to 105.8 FM in the capital.

The Chris Evans era in the late 90’s saw a buy-out of Virgin Radio by Ginger Media. Evans later sold Ginger Media to SMG plc, and was soon sacked by his new bosses for missing five days of work to spend time with his then wife, Billie Piper.

During Evans’ time at Virgin, the station had a Ômiddle of the road’ theme to its music, similar to BBC Radio 2. After Evans left, the style changed to mainstream rock.

Contemporary British-based guitar bands make up much of Virgin Radio’s programming. Favourites are Keane, Razorlight, Coldplay, Snow Patrol and The Feeling. It also features old school rock and Indie groups like Oasis, U2, R.E.M., the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Killers, as well as classics including The Beatles, Queen, The Who and The Clash.

Virgin Radio aims for an audience between the ages of 25 and 44. The original line-up of presenters included Russ Williams, Richard Skinner, Mitch Johnson, Tommy Vance, Jono Coleman and Wendy Lloyd. Other past hosts were Danny Baker and Chris Evans. Currently Christian O’Connell presents the breakfast show, while Neil Francis takes the drivetime slot. Weekend breakfasts are hosted by Nick Jackson, and Sarah Champion ends the weekend with Sunday Late Nights.

The 2008 line up will include Iain Lee hosting the Sunday night show, and JK and Joel presenting weekend mid-mornings.