Magic Classical
Magic Classical is a British digital radio station owned and operated by Bauer Media Audio UK, focusing on classical music alongside contemporary compositions from film, television, video games, musicals, and instrumental adaptations of popular songs.[1][2] Launched on 4 March 2019 as Scala Radio, the station was rebranded to Magic Classical on 16 September 2024 to align with Bauer's Magic network and broaden its appeal to a wider audience.[3][1] The station features well-known classical masters such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach, while emphasizing an informal, presenter-led format to make classical music more accessible and relaxing for everyday listening.[4] It is available nationwide via DAB digital radio, online streaming, mobile apps, and smart speakers.[3]Overview
Launch and Rebranding
Scala Radio launched on 4 March 2019 as a national digital radio station in the United Kingdom, marking the first new commercial classical music network since Classic FM debuted in 1992.[5] The station's inaugural broadcast began at 10:00 a.m., hosted by Simon Mayo, who opened with the prelude to Act 1 from Georges Bizet's opera Carmen.[6] This launch positioned Scala Radio as a modern entrant in the UK's classical music broadcasting landscape, available nationwide via DAB digital radio and online platforms.[7] On 16 September 2024, Scala Radio underwent a rebranding to Magic Classical, aligning it with Bauer Media Audio's established Magic Radio Network to enhance brand cohesion and audience reach.[1] The change, announced in July 2024, reflected Bauer Media's strategy to integrate its classical offering into the broader Magic portfolio, which targets adult contemporary listeners, while preserving the station's focus on classical music.[8] Under Bauer Media's ownership, this rebranding aimed to leverage the Magic brand's familiarity to attract new listeners to classical content.[1]Ownership and Broadcasting
Magic Classical is owned and operated by Bauer Media Audio UK, a division of the international media company Bauer Media Group. As part of Bauer's digital radio portfolio, the station sits alongside other national brands such as Magic Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, and Jazz FM, all managed under Bauer Radio Ltd. This ownership structure allows for integrated operations within Bauer's broader audio division, which focuses on commercial digital broadcasting across the UK.[4][1] The station broadcasts nationally on the Digital One DAB multiplex, providing coverage to approximately 90% of the UK population via compatible digital radios. Listeners can also tune in through smart speakers by issuing voice commands like "Play Magic Classical" on devices such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Further accessibility is offered via the free Rayo app, developed by Bauer for mobile and smart TV use, as well as online streaming directly from the station's website and aggregator services like Radioplayer. These platforms enable on-demand listening, podcasts, and personalized features to enhance user engagement.[9][10] Prior to its rebranding from Scala Radio in September 2024, the station was available on the Sky TV platform but has since focused solely on digital distribution channels. In a broader adjustment, Bauer Media removed all of its radio stations, including those on Sky, from satellite, cable, and digital TV services effective 13 December 2023, citing a strategic shift to direct-to-consumer digital platforms for improved listener data and experience. This change affected over 50 stations across the portfolio and directed audiences to apps and online streams instead.[11]History
Inception as Scala Radio
Bauer Media announced the launch of Scala Radio on 22 January 2019, marking the company's entry into the classical music radio sector with a new national digital station.[5] The announcement positioned the station as the first major UK classical music network in nearly 30 years, aiming to revitalize the genre for contemporary audiences through an accessible and entertaining format.[12] Steve Parkinson, Bauer Group's Managing Director for National Radio, described it as "the very best in classical music for today," emphasizing a blend of tradition and innovation to attract a broader listener base.[5] The initial vision for Scala Radio centered on a playlist comprising 70% popular classical pieces and 30% contemporary works, including film scores, TV themes, and video game soundtracks, to create a dynamic and relatable listening experience.[13] This mix drew from familiar masters like Mozart and Holst alongside modern compositions by artists such as Karl Jenkins and Thom Yorke, with an emphasis on storytelling through increased speech content rather than uninterrupted music playback.[5] The approach sought to move beyond traditional classical broadcasting by integrating narrative elements, such as contextual discussions and listener engagement, to enhance emotional connection and discovery.[12] Early promotional efforts highlighted Scala's role as a fresh alternative to established stations like BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM, promoting a casual, youthful tone with celebrity interviews, interactive features, and diverse programming to challenge the perceived formality of classical radio.[5] Bauer Media marketed the station through targeted campaigns that underscored its "70% familiar and 30% surprise" formula, aiming to appeal to both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers seeking an entertaining escape.[14] These initiatives set the foundation for the station's debut broadcast on 4 March 2019, establishing its foundational goals in redefining classical music accessibility.[12]Programming Evolution
Following its launch in March 2019, Scala Radio—later rebranded as Magic Classical—underwent several programming adjustments to address listener retention and enhance appeal in a competitive classical music radio landscape dominated by BBC Radio 3's in-depth content and Classic FM's mainstream hits. Early evolutions included refinements to the music mix, emphasizing a balance of popular classics and emerging works to attract a broader audience while maintaining accessibility. These shifts were part of broader efforts to differentiate the station by blending relaxed, uninterrupted listening with occasional presenter-led segments. A major change occurred in February 2024, when Bauer Media announced a revised schedule effective March 2, introducing more presenter-free weekday slots to prioritize continuous music playback and targeted curation tailored to listener moods, such as afternoon and evening "more music" blocks. This resulted in the departure of presenters Mark Forrest, Richard Allinson, Sam Hughes, Luci Holland, and Mark Kermode, reducing spoken content to breakfast (Charles Nove, 7-10am) and mid-mornings (Penny Smith, 10am-1pm), with the remainder featuring automated or lightly narrated shows like "Night Music" and "The Space."[15] The rebrand to Magic Classical in September 2024 integrated the station into Bauer Media's Magic network, which reaches 4.4 million weekly listeners, allowing for shared promotional strategies and subtle programming alignments to boost visibility without altering the core music-focused format. This move aimed to leverage the network's established adult contemporary audience, positioning Magic Classical as a classical extension that avoids Radio 3's scholarly depth while providing more variety than Classic FM's top-40 classics approach.[16] By May 2025, in response to ongoing audience feedback and post-rebrand performance, the station reversed course toward fuller presenter involvement. On May 22, Bauer Media revealed a new weekday lineup starting June 9, restoring daytime and evening hosting with Tim Smith (mornings, 10am-2pm, formerly BBC Radio 2), Jo Cochrane (afternoons, 2-6pm), and Fran Godfrey (evenings, 6-10pm, Sunday-Thursday, also ex-Radio 2), alongside Tony Minvielle for Friday nights and Charles Nove continuing breakfast. Announced on air by Nove, this evolution sought to reintroduce personality-driven engagement and storytelling to foster deeper listener connections, marking a return to presenter-led programming across most weekday hours.[17][18]Programming and Format
Music Selection
Magic Classical's music selection is curated to blend familiarity with fresh discovery, featuring approximately 70% popular classical works by renowned composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach, alongside 30% contemporary pieces that include film scores, TV themes, and video game soundtracks. This mix maintains the station's original policy from its Scala Radio days, emphasizing accessible programming post-rebrand to appeal to a broad audience seeking relaxing daytime companionship. The curation philosophy prioritizes storytelling-oriented selections designed to draw in newcomers to classical music, avoiding overly academic or experimental compositions in favor of melodic, narrative-driven pieces that evoke emotion and relaxation.[4][9] For instance, the playlist integrates timeless classics like Gustav Holst's The Planets with modern works by living artists such as Rebecca Dale's evocative compositions and cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason's interpretations, alongside scores from popular media like cinematic themes and gaming motifs.[19][20] This approach positions the station as an inviting entry point, highlighting pieces that resonate through their accessibility and cultural relevance rather than technical complexity.[10]Daily Schedule and Features
Magic Classical's weekday schedule emphasizes a blend of presented programs and automated music segments, providing listeners with a structured flow from early morning to late night (as of November 2025). The day begins at 5:00 AM with "In The Park," a calming segment featuring classical music accompanied by natural sounds like birdsong to ease into the morning.[17] This is followed by the breakfast show hosted by Charles Nove from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, which includes the recurring "Screentime" feature from 9:00 AM, showcasing music from films, TV, and video games.[17] The morning show with Tim Smith runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, incorporating personal selections and discussions on classical works. Afternoons from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM are led by Jo Cochrane, focusing on a mix of popular classics and contemporary pieces. Evenings feature Fran Godfrey from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Monday through Sunday, including "Mindfulness Music" starting at 8:00 PM for relaxation, while Fridays shift to Tony Minvielle in the same slot.[17] Overnight from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM includes automated segments such as "Mindfulness Music" until 1:00 AM, followed by "Greatest Hits," "Night Music" from 2:00 AM—a non-stop selection of soothing classics—and "Mini Classics" or "Happy Classics" leading into dawn.[21][10] Weekends offer a more varied lineup with dedicated presenters and thematic shifts, particularly on Sundays, to cater to leisurely listening. Saturdays feature Ayanna Witter-Johnson from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, presenting four hours of joyful classical music that includes her "Essentials"—a personal guide to standout pieces—and a 1:00 PM segment celebrating uplifting themes.[22] Other weekend slots mirror weekday overnights with "Night Music" and early morning features like "In The Park" at 5:00 AM, but Sundays highlight Simon Mayo's "Sunday Brunch" from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Darren Redick from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Jack Pepper from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and Fran Godfrey from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.[21] The evening concludes with "Sunday Screen Time" at 9:00 PM, incorporating "Classical Gaming"—an uninterrupted playlist of classical-inspired themes from major video games—before "Mindfulness Music" at 10:00 PM and overnight automation.[21][10][23] Recurring non-music elements enhance engagement across the schedule, with listener requests integrated weekly on Darren Redick's Sunday midday show (12:00 PM to 2:00 PM), allowing submissions via the station's app or website for personalized airplay.[24] "Night Music" provides a consistent late-night refuge of uninterrupted classics every evening from 2:00 AM, designed for winding down without announcements.[10] Special celebrations tie into daily programming, such as the "Happy Classics" hour at 4:00 AM daily, featuring cheerful selections to start the day positively, and occasional competitions announced during presented shows like Charles Nove's breakfast slot to promote interaction and prizes related to classical events.[21] These features integrate seamlessly with the station's focus on accessible classical music, including brief nods to contemporary genres like film scores during "Screentime."[17]Album of the Week
The Album of the Week serves as a key promotional feature on Magic Classical, spotlighting a curated classical album each week to highlight its artistic merits and encourage listener discovery. By playing selections from the album extensively throughout the schedule, the segment aims to deepen audience engagement with classical music, focusing on recordings that align with the station's emphasis on accessible and inspiring content. This weekly recommendation not only promotes the album but also fosters a sense of community among listeners interested in exploring both contemporary releases and overlooked treasures in the genre.[4] The feature is seamlessly integrated into Magic Classical's broader programming, appearing across multiple shows to maximize exposure. Presenters, including established hosts like Charles Nove and Simon Mayo, actively promote the album by introducing tracks during their segments, often discussing its context or highlights to enhance listener appreciation. This cross-show presence ensures the Album of the Week resonates throughout the day, complementing the station's overall music selection without disrupting the flow of daily broadcasts.[4] Listener interaction is amplified through giveaways tied to the feature, where competitions offer winners physical or digital copies of the spotlighted album. For instance, Milos and 12 Ensemble's rendition of "The Sound of Silence" was featured as an Album of the Week, complete with entry opportunities for prizes to reward dedicated fans. Such mechanics underscore the segment's role in building excitement and direct participation, making classical music more tangible and rewarding for the audience.[25][26]Presenters
Current Presenters
As of late 2025, Magic Classical's on-air lineup features a team of presenters who deliver classical music with a focus on relaxed, conversational styles that introduce pieces alongside personal stories and listener engagement. Following the station's return to full daytime presenting in June 2025, several key hosts have joined or expanded their roles to provide continuous human-hosted programming across weekdays and weekends.[17] Charles Nove hosts the weekday breakfast show from 07:00 to 10:00, including a "Screentime" segment from 09:00 featuring music from films and TV. Known for his warm voiceovers and continuity during station transitions, including the 2024 rebrand, Nove's style provides a smooth start to the day with classical favorites and engaging announcements. He has been a staple since the station's early days and continued in this role through the 2025 schedule update.[17] Tim Smith, a former BBC Radio 2 presenter, hosts the weekday morning show from 10:00 to 14:00, curating selections of classical music interspersed with guest interviews, listener features, and a Book Club segment that explores literature tied to musical themes. His approach emphasizes warmth and accessibility, making complex composers feel approachable through casual anecdotes. Smith joined the station in June 2025 as part of the expanded schedule.[18][27] Jo Cochrane handles weekday afternoons from 14:00 to 18:00, bringing a relaxed vibe with playlists of uplifting classical works and occasional nods to her background in soul music from Magic Soul. Her style prioritizes smooth transitions and brief, engaging introductions that highlight emotional resonances in the music, fostering a sense of companionship during the day. Cochrane transitioned to this role in June 2025.[27][28] Fran Godfrey presents weekday evenings from 18:00 to 22:00 (Sunday to Thursday), offering a calming soundtrack that includes the "Classical Hits at 6" feature and a 19:30 Symphony spotlight, alongside segments like Mindfulness Music for relaxation. Known for her soothing delivery, Godfrey connects with listeners by sharing reflective stories behind the compositions, drawing on her experience in smooth jazz and soul broadcasting. She became a regular addition in June 2025.[27][29] Tony Minvielle covers Friday evenings from 18:00 to 22:00 and contributes to occasional slots, infusing an end-of-week celebratory energy with jazz-influenced classical picks from his prior role at Jazz FM. His conversational manner weaves in light-hearted tales from musical history, encouraging listeners to unwind with familiar and fresh tracks. Minvielle joined the lineup in June 2025 to round out the extended presenting hours.[27] Ayanna Witter-Johnson hosts weekend afternoons from 10:00 to 14:00, featuring joyful classical music with her "Essentials" personal guide and a spotlight on Black composers in "Ayanna's Black Classical Canon" at 13:00. As a cellist and composer, she spotlights emerging voices and crossover works, enhancing diversity and appealing to younger listeners. She joined in 2022 and continues in this regular role as of late 2025.[22]Former Presenters
Simon Mayo served as the launch host for Scala Radio (now Magic Classical) in March 2019, bringing his extensive experience from BBC Radio 2 to attract a broad audience with his engaging drivetime and weekend shows until 2021.[12] His celebrity status helped establish the station's identity as an accessible entry point for classical music newcomers, featuring interactive segments like listener confessions and album spotlights that blended entertainment with curated playlists. Mayo departed his daily role in early 2021 to take up drivetime duties at Greatest Hits Radio, citing a desire to return to a more familiar format amid his expanding commitments.[30] Mark Kermode contributed significantly to the station's early years from 2019 to 2024, hosting a weekly show dedicated to film and television soundtracks that highlighted lesser-known scores and composer interviews, appealing to cinephiles and classical enthusiasts alike.[15] His tenure reinforced Magic Classical's innovative approach by bridging cinema and classical genres, often premiering rare tracks and discussing their cultural impact. Kermode left in March 2024 as part of broader schedule adjustments introducing more presenter-free programming to address declining listenership.[15] Richard Allinson joined in 2022 for various evening and drivetime slots, leveraging his smooth delivery from prior roles at BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio to present relaxed classical selections that emphasized mood-driven listening.[31] His contributions helped maintain the station's evening appeal during its transitional phase, including themed hours that explored jazz-infused classics and listener favorites. Allinson exited in March 2024 alongside other talent due to the shift toward automated daytime content.[15]Audience and Reach
Listenership Statistics
Magic Classical's listenership is measured by RAJAR, the official body for radio audience research in the UK, which employs a continuous survey methodology involving self-completed seven-day diaries from a representative panel of approximately 100,000 adults aged 15 and over annually, capturing listening across all platforms including broadcast, online, and smart speakers. As of the Q3 2025 survey period (June to September 2025), the station achieved a weekly reach of 142,000 listeners, representing less than 1% of the UK adult population, with an average of 7.7 hours per listener and a market share of 0.1%.[32][33] The station, originally launched as Scala Radio in March 2019, recorded an initial weekly reach of 258,000 in its debut RAJAR survey (Q2 2019), reflecting strong early interest in its contemporary classical music format.[34] Listenership fluctuated in subsequent years, with figures dipping to around 231,000 by Q3 2019 before recovering to peaks such as 399,000 in September 2021, though detailed historical trends prior to 2024 are less emphasized in recent analyses due to evolving measurement panels and digital listening inclusions.[35] By early 2024, weekly reach stood at 196,000 for the January to June period, indicating a modest base amid broader commercial radio growth.[35] Post-rebranding to Magic Classical on September 16, 2024, the station experienced initial stability followed by fluctuations tied to programming adjustments. In Q3 2024 (July to September, prior to the rebrand launch), weekly reach grew 11.7% quarter-on-quarter to 219,000, with total listening hours up 5.5% to 1,829,000, suggesting positive momentum from the integration into the Magic Radio Network.[36] This held nearly steady in Q4 2024 (October to December) at 218,000 listeners, a slight 0.5% decline, as the station adapted to its new branding while maintaining 7.4 average hours per listener.[37] Into 2025, listenership trended downward despite programming changes, including the return of full-day presenters starting June 9, 2025, aimed at enhancing engagement. Q1 2025 (January to March) saw a drop to 176,000 weekly reach, down approximately 19% from Q4 2024, with average hours per listener falling to 6.8 and total hours at 1,200,000.[38] Q2 2025 (April to June) continued the decline to 155,000, a 12% quarter-on-quarter reduction, though average listening time stabilized at 6.9 hours.[39] By Q3 2025, reach further decreased to 142,000, a 8.4% drop, with total hours at 1,090,000, highlighting challenges in sustaining audience amid the presenter refresh and competitive classical music landscape.[32] Compared to its 2019 launch, current figures represent about 55% of initial reach, underscoring long-term volatility influenced by format evolutions and RAJAR's refined digital tracking methodologies.[34]| Quarter | Period | Weekly Reach | Change from Previous Quarter | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2024 | Jul–Sep 2024 | 219,000 | +11.7% | [36] |
| Q4 2024 | Oct–Dec 2024 | 218,000 | -0.5% | [37] |
| Q1 2025 | Jan–Mar 2025 | 176,000 | -19.3% | [38] |
| Q2 2025 | Apr–Jun 2025 | 155,000 | -11.9% | [39] |
| Q3 2025 | Jun–Sep 2025 | 142,000 | -8.4% | [32] |