When we launched Boom Radio in 2021, we were keen to include a little ‘50s music – given tracks from that decade are pivotal to the birth of pop music and many have emerged as true standards.

As the station settled down, it was clear that some listeners sought more ‘50s music - but that posed a challenge as the inclusion of more ‘50s would have meant less from the much-loved  ‘60s and ‘70s eras - plus it was clear that '50s music was not everyone’s cup of tea!

The answer seemed to be an entire complementary radio station – one where we could really indulge '50s musical tastes, complemented by a range of easy listening favourites.

Paul Robey put the plans together for the creation of Boom Light, which launched in August 2022 playing ‘The best in easy listening and all your 50s favourites’.  It is ‘Light’ – as in the old BBC Light Programme - and not Lite! Real ‘light’ entertainment.

Derek Webster held the reins as the station got underway – and hosted the mid-morning show. We were delighted too that the old Classic FM and pirate broadcaster Nick Bailey agreed to join us to host the Sunday morning show – and the delightful Jenny Hanley quickly transferred across from Boom Radio to host weekend afternoon shows. Susie Sharpe took on Saturday mornings.

After the daily Fifties at 5 programme proved so popular, we shoehorned in a weekly ‘50s chart with John Peters. Those charts have rarely been heard anywhere – so it’s so refreshing to hear the countdowns.

We were so touched by the enthusiasm for Boom Light received, we were keen to build the offering. Ofcom’s welcome decision to stop the BBC mounting a rival service has now given us the confidence to start a new chapter for the station.

Firstly, we’re going to make it easier to tune in. From launch, Boom Light was available online – via Alexa or the Boom Radio app on your phone or tablet – but there was little DAB coverage unlike its big sister Boom Radio.

Now, we’ve signed up to be carried by many DAB transmitters using DAB+ – initially in Birmingham, London, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham. Liverpool. Cardiff. Glasgow. Edinburgh. Manchester and Poole. We’d love to cover more areas, although suitable local frequencies are not always available, and it is a costly business!  It will be kept under review, of course.

We’ve also more presenters too, with the great Fran Godfrey joining us. As Terry Wogan’s newsreader for so many years, we know the fondness you have for her -and her dog Barney! Fran will broadcast 12-3 Monday to Thursday from her home in the Chilterns.

Jenny Hanley also has an extra programme, meaning she’s with you every day from Friday to Sunday at midday.

One person we are delighted to welcome is Don Black. As a hugely successful songwriter, and much loved from his Radio 2 shows, we have been keen for some time to involve him – and Boom Light is the ideal home.

You’ll also be able to hear new programmes from the actor Guy Henry, who made his debut over Christmas. Guy is probably best known from his role in TV’s BBC's Holby City and he’s worked extensively on stage with The Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre and in the West End. There’s now a regular home too for Les Smith.  

We hope that these programmes, along with all the existing ones, mean that the station can become even more companionable – and we can feast your appetite for hearing just a little more about the music we play.

So, with more presenters and DAB+ transmission, we know that Boom Light is poised to become so much a part of many people’s lives. Some people suggest the station’s for an older audience than Boom Radio – and that may be true in some senses owing to the vintage of the music - but we also find that just sometimes when you really want an oasis of calmness, then Boom Light is just the ticket.

Thank you for your interest in our stations.

How to listen to Light