Radio Nation 80s

Nation 80s brings together familiar popular music from the 1980s. The selection reflects an era when synthesiser-led pop, guitar records and soulful performances all had a strong presence on mainstream radio. Its scope is the decade rather than one narrow musical scene.

Roberto presents 80s Breakfast, followed by Tony Dibbin's workday programme. Dr. Fox hosts drivetime, Sean Goldsmith takes the evening show and Mark Franklin presents Chilled 80s. That last programme gives the softer side of the decade a named place in the schedule, rather than treating every eighties record as a party anthem. The station also promotes a request show with Dean Martin.

Its playlist moves between artists such as Madonna, Queen, Mica Paris and Icehouse. Like a Virgin and One Vision show how pop singles and rock records share the same service, while Paris's My One Temptation adds a soulful vocal sound. Other selections include Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, Shalamar and Chris Rea, making the range broader than synthesiser pop alone.

Huey Lewis & the News and the harder rock sound of Kiss also appear in the station's selections. The contrast between those recordings is part of Nation 80s' appeal: polished dance-pop, soul, band performances and quieter songs all have a place. A track such as Shalamar's A Night to Remember supplies a different rhythm from Chris Rea's On the Beach. With its own presenters and a late-evening chilled programme, the station gives listeners several ways into the decade without leaving its familiar musical territory.