Radio Nation 60s

Nation 60s is devoted to the popular music of the 1960s. Beat-group recordings, melodic pop and soul help shape a programme that returns to an era of short singles and memorable choruses. The decade is the station's central subject, making it a listening choice for people who want more than an occasional sixties song in a mixed oldies selection.

David Andrews presents the breakfast programme, with Tony Dibbin taking over for the workday and Phil Hoyles hosting drivetime. Dean Martin's evening show continues the sixties selection. Weekend listening includes a request programme with David Francis, giving audience choices a place alongside the station's own music programming. The schedule also separates the livelier 60s Party from the gentler 60s Chilled.

The playlist provides a good picture of the breadth within that decade. The Beatles and Manfred Mann represent its British groups, while the Mamas & the Papas and Mama Cass bring American vocal pop. Dionne Warwick, the Chiffons and the Tams add different sides of soul and harmony singing. The Doors appear too, so the station's sixties identity extends beyond the lightest pop singles.

Recordings heard on Nation 60s include California Dreamin', From Me to You and Do You Know the Way to San Jose. Those examples place celebrated songwriters, vocal groups and beat bands in the same programme. The changing balance between presented shows, audience requests and themed music hours gives this station a recognisable daily rhythm while keeping the 1960s at its centre.