Backstage Radio Network

This network comprises twelve contemporary hit radio stations across the United Kingdom, delivering a blend of local and networked programming. It primarily targets a core demographic of listeners aged 15–34, with 57% of its audience falling within this age bracket. Ten of these stations are owned and operated by Global, while the remaining two operate under distinct franchise agreements. The network boasts a combined weekly audience of 7.5 million listeners and is accessible through numerous digital platforms, including Global Player, Freeview, Sky, Freesat, Virgin Media, and Digital One DAB. It holds the distinction of being the fifth most popular radio network in the UK by listener numbers and the second largest among commercial stations. The station's music policy involves a weekly updated playlist. Historically, until approximately February 2022, its musical selection predominantly featured songs released within the last one to two years. Since 2022, the network has broadened its musical scope to incorporate older tracks from the 2010s, 2000s, and late 1990s, many of which are also played on its sister station, Capital Anthems. The network generally avoids playing rock or alternative music, a genre primarily covered by its sister network, Radio X. Other genres, such as drill and occasional drum and bass, are featured on Capital Xtra and Capital Dance, respectively. The network's origins trace back to the early 1970s as an independent music radio station serving London. The 1990s marked a period of significant expansion, as it acquired several local radio stations, including Red Dragon FM, BRMB, and Power FM, establishing itself as a major player in the UK radio market. A pivotal moment occurred in 2005 with the merger of Capital Radio and GWR Group, forming GCap Media, which led to the integration of various stations into the One Network. This structure persisted until June 2009 when most of these stations, then under the ownership of Global Radio, were rebranded as part of The Heart Network. Subsequently, in January 2011, stations such as Leicester Sound, Ram FM, Red Dragon FM, and Trent FM, which had previously formed The Hit Music Network, were rebranded as part of this network, with some regional stations merging to create larger entities, such as the regional station for the East Midlands.