GCap Media launches national jazz station on digital radio

GCap Media, the owner of London’s Capital Radio, is launching a national jazz music station on DAB digital radio. It will be launched before the end of the year.

The station, which will target ABC1 listeners over 35 years old, will be a sister station to Classic FM, which will be used to cross-promote the new station.

The station, which has yet to be named, will play a variety of jazz including blues, cool jazz and swing, and aims to win listeners back from BBC Radio.

GCap commercial director Duncan George says: "Jazz is a tremendously popular genre and is clearly underserved. Not only does a national jazz station have a huge potential, both creatively and financially, it is a great addition to our portfolio."

Last year, Guardian Media Group Radio rebranded its Jazz FM station in London as Smooth FM after Ofcom allowed a change to its format. It followed the successful rebrand of Jazz FM North West in 2004.

GCap claims that it will be the first national jazz music station, although Jazz FM was available to listeners on digital radio and over the internet.