BBC launches ‘Radio 2 Eurovision’ pop-up DAB station

The BBC has announced the launch of ‘Radio 2 Eurovision’, a four-day pop-up digital radio station to celebrate this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

This will be the broadcaster’s first digital pop-up station since Olympics Extra in 2012, and is said to offer the most comprehensive coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest to date, aiming to satisfy the most enthusiastic Eurovision fan.

Radio 2 Eurovision will air from midday to midnight over the four days of transmission (8-11 May), except on the big day Saturday 10 May, when it will be simulcast with Radio 2 from 10am to 1pm from this year’s host city, Copenhagen.

Bob Shennan, Controller of Radio 2, 6 Music, Asian Network and Director of Music, says: “Every year, Eurovision is a moment that unites many people around the UK, as well as Europe. I’m proud to be offering a truly digital experience in 2014 with coverage across Radio 2 and Radio 2 Eurovision on digital radio. And we have an incredible line-up of presenting talent, bringing all the excitement, sartorial disasters and musical catastrophes to our listeners.”

Radio 2 Eurovision will also feature a range of new programs including The Luck Of The Irish in which Sir Terry Wogan reflects on why Ireland is the most successful country in Eurovision history.

Radio 2 Eurovision (@R2eurovision) will appear on digital radio, at bbc.co.uk/radio2, on the BBC iPlayer Radio App and the UK Radio Player. A live online blog will be updating listeners with the latest news and images throughout the big event and will include the audiences’ views and contributions via social media.

The Eurovision Song Contest will take place on Saturday 10 May in Copenhagen, Denmark. The semi-finals will be held on Tuesday 6 and Thursday 8 May.