'Broadcasting from Liverpool is a dream come true,' says Rick Houghton
New 24-hour digital radio station dedicated to artists from Great Britain and Northern Ireland, will launch on November 2
The presenter of a new drive-time show on GB Music Radio has spoken of his pride at being able to broadcast from Liverpool.
Rick Houghton, formerly of Greatest Hits and Radio City, will front The Great British Drive Home from Liverpool when the station hits the airwaves on November 2.
Rick said: “Liverpool and Manchester have helped define British music for generations, from the Beatles and Merseybeat to Joy Division, New Order, The Stone Roses, Oasis and the incredible artists emerging today. The North West isn't simply part of British music history; it continues to shape its future.
“It's vital that GB Music Radio broadcasts from the North West. This is a region with an extraordinary musical identity, a proud working-class heritage and an audience that understands the power of music to bring people together. Broadcasting from Liverpool allows us to celebrate that heritage from the heart of the community that helped create it.
“British music has travelled around the world, but its roots are in places like Liverpool and Manchester, in the venues, clubs and communities where generations of artists found their voices. I want The Great British Drive Home to reflect that spirit, while celebrating the full breadth of British talent from every corner of the country. Being able to do that from my home city is a dream come true.”
Houghton, who became the UK’s youngest DJ at the age of 16, added: “Being able to present my show from a studio in my home city of Liverpool is a dream come true. Liverpool has had a massive influence on the UK music scene, from The Beatles and Merseybeat to so many other fine artists and bands. I look forward to being with our listeners every weekday afternoon, wherever you are in Great Britain.”
GB Music Radio is a new 24-hour digital radio station dedicated exclusively to artists from Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Built around the promise “All British, All Day”, the station will launch on November 2, pledging to be a fearless champion of British music. Every track on its playlist will be performed by an artist from Great Britain or Northern Ireland, or by a band whose main proportion of members are British. Its music will span six decades of talent.
Paul Coyte will present The Great British Breakfast from 5.30am to 10am on weekdays, while Nana Akua will host the weekend breakfast show from 7am to 11am on Saturdays and Sundays. Saturday nights will feature Great British Party Night, with six hours of commercial-free music from 7pm to 1am.
A GB Media spokesman said: “British music is one of our country's great cultural achievements. GB Music Radio will celebrate that legacy and champion the artists who continue to make Britain a global musical force.”
The station will broadcast news bulletins on the hour, alongside traffic and travel updates. It will be available nationwide on DAB+, online and through its dedicated app, which will also provide access to GB News Radio. Listeners can also tune in via Nation Player, Radio Player and TuneIn, or ask their smart speaker to “Play GB Music Radio”.
A Just Played feature will help listeners identify tracks they have recently heard.
The launch marks the first of a series of initiatives from GB Media Ltd, which aims to reach audiences through new formats while celebrating Britain's cultural contribution.
The station will also offer advertisers commercial opportunities to reach audiences who love British music.