BBC Radio 2

BBC Radio 2
Logo used since 2022
Frequencies
RDSBBC R2
Programming
LanguageEnglish
FormatAdult contemporary/specialist programming
Ownership
OwnerBBC
BBC Radio 6 Music
History
First air date
30 September 1967 (1967-09-30)
Former call signs
BBC Light Programme
Former frequencies
  • LW: 200 kHz (1967–1978)
  • AM: 693 & 909 kHz (1978–1990), 990 kHz (1983-1990)
Technical information
Licensing authority
Ofcom
Links
WebsiteBBC Radio 2 via BBC Sounds

BBC Radio 2 is a British national radio station owned and operated by the BBC. It is the most popular station in the United Kingdom with over 14 million weekly listeners. It specialises in 20th and 21st century popular music and a range of content. The 'About Radio 2' BBC webpage says: "With a repertoire covering more than 60 years, Radio 2 plays the widest selection of music on the radio - from classic and mainstream pop to country, folk, jazz, musical theatre, soul, hip hop, rock 'n' roll, gospel and blues."

Radio 2 was launched in 1967 to replace the BBC Light Programme. It broadcasts throughout the UK on FM between 88.1 MHz and 90.2 MHz from studios at Broadcasting House in London and MediaCityUK in Salford. Programmes are broadcast on FM radio, digital radio via DAB, digital television and BBC Sounds.

According to RAJAR, the station broadcasts to a weekly audience of 12.6 million with a listening share of 13% as of June 2025.