51°30′44″N 0°08′13″W / 51.512248°N 0.136937°W
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| Broadcast area | United Kingdom |
| Frequency |
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| Branding | Absolute Classic Rock |
| Programming | |
| Format | Classic rock |
| Network | Absolute Radio Network |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Bauer Radio |
| History | |
First air date | 4 December 2000 |
Former frequencies | 990 MW 1017 MW 1152 MW |
| Links | |
| Webcast | Rayo |
| Website | www |
Absolute Classic Rock is a national digital radio station owned and operated by Bauer as part of the Absolute Radio Network. Its music output is non-stop classic rock hits.
Formerly known as Virgin Radio Classic Rock, it originally was an internet-only radio station, and launched in 2000 under the name Virgin Classic by Lee Roberts, SMG Radio Director.[1] On DAB Digital Radio in London, the station launched at 12:15pm with Richard Skinner introducing Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild". The launch time, presenter, and song (though not the artist) were identical to its parent station Virgin Radio.
On 1 September 2008 it was announced that Virgin Radio Classic Rock would be rebranded as Absolute Classic Rock on 29 September 2008.[2]
The station was removed from Freesat channel 725 on 8 December 2011 because of "economic realities".[3] On 13 December 2023, Absolute Radio Classic Rock was removed from Sky and Virgin Media, along with every other radio station owned by Bauer Media on either platform, including Absolute Radio, Absolute Radio 80s, Absolute Radio 90s, Hits Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, Kiss, Magic, Jazz FM and Planet Rock.[4]
- ^ "Virgin launches online classic". Broadcast. 4 December 2000.
- ^ Barnett, Emma (1 September 2008). "Plans revealed to rebrand Virgin Radio as Absolute". Brand Republic. Archived from the original on 7 September 2008. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
- ^ "Changes to Absolute Classic Rock and Absolute Radio 00s". One Golden Square. 21 November 2011.
- ^ "Bauer to remove all radio stations from satellite and cable TV platforms". 28 November 2023.