Greatest Hits Radio (Birmingham & the West Midlands)

Greatest Hits Radio Birmingham and the West Midlands offers classic-hits radio for Birmingham and the surrounding region. The programme is part of Bauer's wider network, bringing a presented music service to an audience whose area extends beyond the city itself.

The Birmingham and West Midlands newsroom covers city life as well as the surrounding urban area. Its published stories have included a youth careers hub in Birmingham, community safety in Sparkbrook and on Soho Road, and support services for people affected by crime. Reporting reaches neighbouring towns too. The local perspective is therefore part of a broader regional news service, alongside the station's entertainment and popular-music output.

The network's presenter line-up includes Ken Bruce, Zoe Ball and Simon Mayo. PopMaster gives Bruce's programme a recognisable music-knowledge challenge, while Ball's afternoon show incorporates requests and conversation. Mayo's Drivetime and All Request Friday put listeners' choices and stories into the mix. Later musical features include Jenny Powell's selections and Rhythm Of The Night with Des Paul, which turns towards soul, funk and disco. Their programmes are shared across Greatest Hits Radio, bringing national presentation together with the West Midlands news strand.

The sound centres on well-known songs from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Different popular styles sit together within those years, so the station is broader than a pure soul, rock or dance service. Familiar choruses and music memories are important parts of its character.