Absolute Radio Country and Absolute Classic Rock go national with DAB+
Find out if this impacts how you listen
Last updated 28th Nov 2023
We’re excited to announce that Absolute 80s and Absolute Radio 90s are now available in stereo across the UK with DAB+. The good news is you probably won’t need to do anything, and we’ll sound better! If you switch your radio on and it’s all gone quiet, scroll through the station list or do a re-scan.
In addition, Absolute Radio Country and Absolute Classic Rock have gone national and are available to more people across the UK. But – if you’ve got a very old digital radio, it may not be able to receive our new service.
Read on for our frequently asked questions.
Absolute Radio Country and Absolute Classic Rock DAB+ FAQs:
Will I need to retune my digital radio?
If you have a DAB+ enabled radio, it should automatically find new stations without the need to re-tune. However, if you can’t find the station you’re looking for, then you might need to re-scan.
How do I know if my digital radio is DAB+ enabled?
Most radios sold in the last few years can access DAB+ services and almost all DAB car radios are DAB+ enabled. To check, look out for the digital radio tick mark – more details can be found here.
I’ve rescanned and although my chosen station shows up in the list, I can’t hear anything.
This likely means that your set isn’t DAB+ enabled.
What happens if my radio isn’t DAB+ enabled? Will I have to buy a new one?
If the radio you have at home or in work can’t access DAB+ then you may need to purchase a new device,
You can also continue listening to our stations in the usual ways:
• In your car - almost all DAB car radios are DAB+ enabled
• Via smart speaker – such as Amazon Echo, Sonos or Google Home
• On our app – download the Absolute Radio app on Google Play or the Apple Store
• Online – listen on your laptop or PC
Will I be able to listen to Absolute Radio Country and Absolute Classic Rock in my car?
Most DAB car radios are DAB+ enabled. You may need to perform a re-scan to find new stations, which can be accessed through the menu on your car radio.
Will I be able to listen in stereo?
All of the stations broadcasting on DAB+ will be broadcast in stereo.
Is the Absolute Radio main station impacted?
There will be no change to Absolute Radio, which will remain available in standard DAB. You will be able to listen as normal on your smart speaker or via our free app.