BBC Radio 1Xtra
We Do This For The Culture
The BBC has recently changed the way in which their radio stations are delivered to you. This means that some devices may not play this radio station as intended, if not at all. If you can already hear the radio, or press the play button below to listen, then you don't need to do anything. If the radio below does not work, you may need to CLICK HERE to listen on BBC Sounds.
Digital Radio: 1Xtra broadcasts on the BBC National DAB multiplex (12B).
Grime, "New Black Music", Hip-Hop, R&B, Dance, Reggae, Urban
Broadcasting House, London, UK
BBC Radio 1Xtra is owned by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) and therefore the people of the UK. It is a public service, so is funded by the Government and TV license. There are no advertisements here, apart from other areas of the BBC.
1Xtra started life at 6pm on 16th August 2002. It was known as "Network X" during the consultation period before it was launched, however its name was changed to 1Xtra at launch. It became one of the BBC's first digital-only radio stations, which was unusual for the time considering the vast majority of people didn't own a digital radio or listen online to radio.
The typical audience for the radio station are 15-30, and of Black and Ethnic minority due to its music output, however listeners range by all types and ages. Being part of an organisation that includes everyone, the programming is very diverse in that artists from all backgrounds can be heard. It has pioneered new and raw talent, and has contributed to the success of many Grime, Dubstep and Garage artists such as Dizzee Rascal, Caspa & Rusko and T2. Even today, new and emerging talent is fed through the station and listened to by thousands.
Along with being available across the UK on DAB and online, 1Xtra is also on Satellite in other countries.