Bauer’s Paul Keenan announces Absolute Radio 20s

Speaking at Radio Days Ireland today (Thursday 20th February), Bauer Media President of Audio, Paul Keenan announced launch plans for another new decade station, Absolute Radio 20s.

Paul was talking about the future of radio being digital and calling for the industry to prioritise innovation and product development, when he announced the new decade station which is due to launch online next week.

Commenting on radio’s digital future, Paul said: “We must continue to reinvent how we work with a clear focus on innovation. With the growth of digital radio, and the migration of audiences onto new smart, connected devices, we must leverage our collective understanding of the power of sound to further help brands and marketers reach audiences effectively.

“Connected radio in combination with DAB distribution has enabled us to extend our reach, so we have been able to offer listeners more choice, allow listeners more control and enable the super fans an unadulterated, pure experience. Absolute Radio 20s is a perfect example of this.”

Absolute Radio 20s will play rock and alternative tracks from both established and emerging bands and artists, including Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi, Blossoms, Courteeners, Freya Ridings, Haim, Michael Kiwanuka, Billie Eilish, Bombay Bicycle Club, Foals, Circa Waves and more.

Presenters include Mercury Music Prize judge and performer Danielle Perry, who has been with Absolute Radio for five years and Ross Buchanan, who is the station’s man on the red carpet for all the awards shows including the BRITs and Q Awards.

Following the launch of Absolute Radio 10s last November, this new station becomes the ninth in Absolute Radio’s network.

Absolute Radio 20s strapline will be ‘New Music Matters’, which has been evolved from the original station’s ‘Real Music Matters’.

Biffy Clyro will be the first guests on the station on launch day, joining Danielle Perry to talk about their new album.

Speaking about the launch, Paul Sylvester, Content Director for Absolute Radio said: “Absolute Radio 20s is born out of insight and an understanding of our audiences, which has identified an opportunity for a distinctive new radio station currently not on offer.

“Set to be a haven for tastemakers who love to be the first to know about new music, this new launch offers something different for both new and existing listeners of the Absolute Radio family.”

Absolute Radio 20s will launch at 10am on Monday 24th February.