article date: 16 December 2009

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New music channel NME Radio became the 6th new national station to launch during 2009 when it went on air at midnight on 21st December. The station's new and alternative music format significantly expands choice for DAB digital radio listeners across Britain.

The New Musical Express magazine was first published in 1952 but has evolved to match the ever changing tastes in new and alternative music. As part of its multimedia strategy the brand has launched NME Radio as the latest national commercial radio station.

NME Radio includes music news, gig-guides and live sessions alongside the best new and alternative tracks. The presenter line-up includes respected names John Hillcock, Ian Baker, Chris Martin, Sarah Kerr and Claire Sturgess.

Station boss Sammy Jacob said, “this is great news for the music industry, NME Radio and for people across Britain who’ve been longing for a station that really values and promotes new and alternative music.”

NME Radio will be broadcasting on a trial basis for an initial eight months. But the contract allows the station to stay on air in the longer term.

NME Radio and the NME magazine both backed the campaign for Rage Against the Machine to take the Christmas Number One spot for 2009. The campaign aimed to recapture the charts and limit the influence of Simon Cowell and the X Factor on UK music. The first track NME Radio played after its launch at 7.00am on 22nd December 2009 was Rage Against the Machine's Killing in the Name - the Christmas Number One.

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