If you’re living in England’s capital, London, then you’re in luck when it comes to choice of radio stations.
There are so many to tune into and there’s something for every music taste.
We’ve put together a list of the most popular London radio stations and added a couple of independent stations we think you should give a listen!
BBC London
Website: bbc.co.uk/london
This BBC radio station broadcasts across London on FM, DAB and on multiple TV channels and has been available since 2000.
With a mix of music and talk, BBC London covers local news and weather and also has a phone-in show in the middle of the morning.
Presenters include Vanessa Feltz, Jo Good, Paul Ross and Eddie Nesto, each with their own scheduled programmes covering popular music (new and old), local events and news as well as taking plenty of calls and reading listener texts and emails.
Overall, this is a great station to tune into if you want to keep up with all the goings-on in London and also perfect for those who like to have their say and express opinions on things affecting the capital city as well as world news.
How to Listen:
- FM – 94.9 MHz
- DAB
- Virgin Media – 930
- Sky – 152 (London area only)
- Freeview – 721
- Online
- iPlayer App
Capital London
Website: capitalfm.com/london/
Capital FM’s slogan is “London’s Number 1 Hit Music Station”, so you can expect a bunch of the latest chart music, as well as some classics from the past decade.
Capital first aired in 1973, but has undergone plenty of changes over time. In 2011, Capital London became one of nine stations in the Capital family.
Certain programming is localised to Greater London, including weekday breakfast, drivetime and weekend breakfast programmes.
DJs and presenters include Marvin Humes, Roman Kemp and Will Cozens and programming features plenty of chart music, comical chatter (Roman’s breakfast show), celeb gossip and news.
This is the perfect station to tune into while driving or in the office when you need some tunes to help you through the day.
How to Listen:
- FM – 95.8 MHz
- DAB – 12C
- Virgin Media – 958
- Sky – 109
- Freeview – 724
- Freesat – 719
- Online
- App
Capital XTRA
Website: capitalxtra.com
Capital XTRA started life as Choice FM in 1990 and was the first ever radio British radio station to feature exclusively black music 24 hours a day.
Choice was rebranded to Capital XTRA in 2013 and currently reaches 1.5 million listeners from across the UK.
Tune in to listen to legendary radio presenter Tim Westwood (of BBC Radio 1 and MTV UK’s Pimp My Ride fame) as well as Jay London, Toni Phillips and Robert Bruce.
If you’re more into your urban music than perky pop sounds, then Capital XTRA would probably be the radio station for you!
If you love your chilled-out tunes, listen to XTRA’s Chilled from 6am-9am on a Sunday—perfect for hangover mornings in bed.
How to Listen:
- FM – 96.9, 107.1 MHz
- DAB – 11D
- Virgin Media – 959
- Sky – 114
- Freesat – 720
- Online
- App
Heart London
Website: heart.co.uk/london
Airing for the first time in 1995, this regional radio station has been playing feel-good tracks ever since.
With presenters including Jamie Theakston, Emma Bunton, Toby Anstis and Zoe Hardman, you will hear a range of pop, club classics and uplifting music to get you through the day—all broadcast from Leicester Square.
Heart London is the perfect station for the morning commute, the afternoon reboot and the evening wind down. If you love the presenters, you might even find yourself listening all day!
Apparently, due to licensing laws, even the online stream can only be listened to within the UK (so no Heart London if you’re overseas).
How to Listen:
- FM – 106.2 MHz
- DAB – 12C
- Virgin Media – 918
- Sky – 111
- Freeview – 728
- Freesat – 733
- Talk Talk TV – 612
- Online (UK only)
- App
LBC London News
Website: lbc.co.uk/radio/schedule/lbc-london-news-1152-schedule-3676/
LBC London News brings you the latest updates from across the UK and keeps you in the London loop. Broadcasting since 1994, this radio station has been through a few changes before getting to the name and format it has today.
One thing that remained the same is the fact It has always been a news channel and continues this way today. Listen to Chris Golds, Jim Diamond and Andre Morgan.
If you love news and enjoy a good political debate, then LBC London News is suited to you, as you can stay up to date with everything going on in London and the UK.
Between 7pm and 7am the scheduled programming switches to LBC.
How to Listen:
- AM – 1152 kHz
- DAB
- Online
Magic 105.4 FM
Website: planetradio.co.uk/magic
You can listen locally or nationally to Magic FM; London receives Magic on 105.4 FM whereas nationally Magic is available on DAB digital radio.
This station has been broadcasting since 1990 but was originally known as Melody FM before a huge rebrand in 1998.
With presenters including Ronan Keating, Mel Giedroyc and Tom Price to name just a few, you can tune in and enjoy current popular music, 80s tracks as well as weather and news updates.
Magic also has sister stations which specialise in specific music styles: Mellow Magic, Magic Soul and Magic Chilled, all of which have a sort an umbrella genre of “adult contemporary”.
This would be the best station for people who love relaxing music from years gone by – so grab a cuppa and tune in today!
How to Listen:
- FM – 105.4 MHz
- DAB – 12C (London), 11D (England/Wales/N.Ireland)
- Virgin Media – 928
- Sky – 180
- Freeview – 715
- Online
Indie Stations
The stations listed above are some of the most popular stations in London, but it would be a shame not to mention some of the other stations available across London, as there are some great ones!
So, here are some honourable mentions of some of the best indie radio stations in London:
Soho Radio
Website: sohoradiolondon.com
You might have seen their van if you’re living in Central London–Soho Radio is broadcast from the eclectic heart of London and features music from pretty much every genre, comedy, poetry and satirical shows.
If you like a good mix of content, definitely listen online to Soho Radio.
London Fields Radio
Website: londonfieldsradio.org
Broadcasting from an East London coffee shop since 2009, London Fields Radio brings you podcasts from an array of London locals. Content is super varied but always interesting.
The music LFR play is often the soundtrack to Wilton Way Cafe and their street parties. London Fields Radio is all about community, so if you want to get involved, just pop by the cafe or send them an email!
Reprezent
Website: reprezent.org.uk
This online and FM (107.3) radio station is by the youth, for the youth—all of the DJs and presenters are under 25. If you love hearing new, local artists, then you’ll love Reprezent.
They actually do training, collabs and experiences, so young Londoners can get involved!