Classic music on a new old favourite … Capital Radio returns

One of Abu Dhabi’s pioneering radio brands is set to return, chasing an audience of one million listeners.

Capital Radio was on the air across the emirate for 20 years from 1979 and is fondly remembered by many of its listeners. Now, Capital Radio will begin broadcasts from 4pm on September 2.

The station will focus on tracks from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, and feature competitions, news and interviews.

“We all enjoy a bit of nostalgia,” said Roger Paine, the man behind the new venture. “This type of music will be the main base of our music policy, and I’m excited to be heading up and presenting drive time on this new station.”

Capital Radio will start broadcasting online only. But FM frequencies and Digital Audio Broadcasts are expected to follow within a few months.

When plans for the Dubai station are finalised, it will be the first available on digital in the UAE. It has been tested but is not yet commercially available.

Yesterday Mr Paine, a former station manager and presenter during the first station’s heyday, revealed the new company – which has no direct commercial link with the original – was aiming for listeners over the age of 35.

He said he believed there was a huge demand for classic music to serve this demographic in the UAE, which he estimated was about one million people.

Station bosses said regulators had approved the broadcaster and financial backers were secured.

Capital Radio will be based at studios in one of the twofour54 building in Abu Dhabi and, every Sunday, contributor to The

National Keren Bobker will host a 30-minute slot on everything you need to know about living and working in the UAE.

Other shows will include sounds of the ’50s and a “what’s on in the UAE” guide.

The station will broadcast 24 hours a day with automated back-to-back music running from 8pm to 6am.

The latest survey of radio stations in the UAE found that almost eight million people a week tuned in across the country during April, May and June this year.

Of this figure, 79 per cent listened through a radio, while 36 per cent listened on their mobiles.

Last year, Abu Dhabi Media relaunched classic stations Radio 1 and 2 from the capital.