| BBC Radio 3 Unwind | |
| City: | London, Salford and Belfast |
| Area: | United Kingdom via BBC Sounds (currently unavailable internationally)[1] |
| Frequency: | DAB (in future), BBC Sounds |
| Language: | English |
| Format: | Classical and meditation |
| Network: | BBC Radio |
| Owner: | BBC |
| Licensing Authority: | Ofcom |
| Sister Stations: | BBC Radio 3 |
| Website: | Radio 3 Unwind Homepage |
BBC Radio 3 Unwind is a British online-only radio stream, owned and operated by the BBC and run as a spin-off from BBC Radio 3. Launched in 2024, the station plays a wide range of wellbeing and meditation focussed classical music both familiar and new, intertwined with voices and soundscapes.
The stream broadcasts exclusively on BBC Sounds, until a full launch on DAB+ in 2025 due to take place.
Reports in 2019 showed that the BBC was considering launching 'spin-off stations' of their stations to gain more listeners.[2] The first of these was Radio 1 Dance, confirmed by Jonathan Wall, controller of BBC Sounds, in February 2020.[3]
This first 'stream' launched in October 2020.[4] A further music stream launched on BBC Sounds in April 2021, Radio 1 Relax.[5] Radio 1 Relax closed on 24 July 2024.[6]
In February 2024, the corporation announced plans to launch three new spin-offs, pending public consultation and regulatory approval: one from Radio 1 for “music from the 2000s and 2010s, catering to the appetite from young audiences for recent nostalgia”; one from Radio 2, with “a distinctive take on pop nostalgia’ from the 50s, 60s and 70s”; and one from Radio 3 for “calming classical music”. In addition, Radio 1 Dance would launch on DAB expanded programming.[7]
In September 2024, the BBC confirmed the launch of Radio 3 Unwind, alongside Radio 1's Anthems spin-off.[8]
Ahead of the stream's launch in November 2024, several production teams from across the UK's audio sector were awarded new shows, ensuring a diverse range of content and creative input.[9]
The commissioned programmes include Tandem Productions for a daily mid-morning show, Granny Eats Wolf for a soundtracks programme airing Monday to Saturday, Peanut & Crumb for overnight programming, BBC Audio Northern Ireland for a weekly new music show, and BBC Audio London for a daily evening show.
In a February 2024 press release, the BBC announced some of the programming on Radio 3 Unwind. The corporation said the stream "aimed to provide a relaxing classical music experience designed to help listeners unwind and escape daily pressures".
Radio 3 Unwind features a blend of familiar and new classical pieces. It also highlights compositions from living artists, including new UK talent and works from BBC Orchestras and Choirs.
The schedule includes existing on-demand programmes like the Mindful Mix,[10] artist-led shows such as Ultimate Calm,[11] and simulcast content from Radio 3, including Night Tracks.[12] Additionally, it explores mindfulness and wellbeing themes The Music & Meditation Podcast[13] and The Sleeping Forecast.[14] The extension features around 8,000 tracks per annum.[15]
Additionally, some new commissions include a daily mid-morning show, a soundtracks programme airing Monday to Saturday, a weekly new music show and a daily evening show.