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Capital (radio network)

Capital is a network of twelve independent contemporary hit radio stations in the United Kingdom, broadcasting a mix of local and networked programming. Ten of the stations are owned and operated by Global, while the other two are owned and operated under separate franchise agreements. [1]

Country

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

The UK's No.1 Hit Music Station

3 January 2011 (2011-01-03)

See list

As of December 2023, the stations serve a combined weekly audience of 5.8 million listeners and target a core audience in the 15–34 age group; 57% of all listeners are within this demographic.[2]The national version of the network is widely available on Global Player, Freeview, Sky, Freesat, Virgin Media and Digital One DAB. Capital is the fifth most-popular radio network in the UK by listeners, and the second largest of the commercial stations after Heart.[3]


Capital has a playlist[4] which is updated weekly, and up until around February 2022, featured songs from the last one or two years.[5] Recently, Capital has started playing older songs from the 2010s, 2000s, and late 1990s.

In Anglesey and Gwynedd, broadcasts local programming 24 hours a day as part of its Welsh language requirements - including presenter-led shows from 6 am – 7 pm on weekdays and 9 am – 4 pm at weekends.[16] Welsh language music features in its playlist and local news bulletins are broadcast in Welsh. As of May 2019, the station does not carry any Capital networked programming, apart from The Sky VIP Official Big Top 40 every Sunday.

Capital Cymru

The North Wales Coast, served by on 96.3 FM, carries an hour-long Welsh-language music programme at 5 am on Sunday–Friday mornings.

Capital North West and Wales

Birmingham, served by on 102.2 FM, carries a specialist show featuring Afro-Caribbean music on Friday mornings from 2am-4am, hosted by Capital Xtra host Robert Bruce.

Capital Midlands

Capital FM Arena[edit]

The Capital FM Arena was in Nottingham, and was sponsored as part of a deal which began with the predecessor brand Trent FM. In 2016, the naming rights of the Capital FM Arena were handed over to Motorpoint and the arena is now known as Motorpoint Arena Nottingham.[33]

Official website