Editing Absolute Radio (section)

== History ==
{{Further|Timeline of Absolute Radio}}

=== 1993–1997: Virgin Radio launch and early years ===
[[File:Virgin Radio office London.jpg|thumb|upright|No 1 Golden Square with "Virgin Radio" branding, 1993–2008]]
The [[Broadcasting Act 1990]] allowed for the launch of [[Independent National Radio|independent national radio]] (INR) stations in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|title=Broadcasting Act 1990 |url=http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?activeTextDocId=2771854 |publisher=HMSO |location=London |access-date=2 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628140547/http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?activeTextDocId=2771854 |archive-date=28 June 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Ofcom|Radio Authority]] was mandated to award three INR licences, one of which (INR1) had to be for a "non-pop" station (which was awarded to [[Classic FM (UK)|Classic FM]]), and one of which had to be for a predominantly speech-based service (this would be advertised later as INR3 and awarded to [[Talksport|Talk Radio]]). The remaining licence was to be open to "all-comers". The licences were to be awarded to the highest cash bidder, providing that the applicant met criteria set down in the Broadcasting Act.<ref>{{cite web | title = Fact Sheet 3: The Radio Authority: Its licences and licensing procedures | publisher = Radio Authority | location = London | url = http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/rau/about-ra/factsheets/fs3.html  | access-date =2 May 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110605121120/http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/rau/about-ra/factsheets/fs3.html| archive-date= 5 June 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref>

The second national licence, INR2, would take over the 1197&nbsp;kHz and 1215&nbsp;kHz [[medium wave]] (AM) frequencies, which were to be relinquished by [[BBC Radio 3]].<ref name="guardian-19920205">{{cite news | title = Pop hopefuls go under the hammer and over the top | first = Martin | last = Linton | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1992/02/05&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar00300&PageLabel=3 | work = [[The Guardian]] | page = 3 | location = London | date = 5 February 1992 | access-date =2 May 2011 }}</ref> The licence was advertised in October 1991<ref>{{cite web | title = Radio Authority consults on INR opt-outs | publisher = Radio Authority | location = London | url = http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/rau/newsroom/news-release/99/pr094.htm | access-date =2 May 2011}}</ref> and five organisations bid: the Independent National Broadcasting Company of Sheffield, which bid £4,010,000 per year; a [[TV-am]]/[[Virgin Group|Virgin]] consortium (£1,883,000); [[Chiltern Radio Network]]'s 20/20 Radio (£1,311,000); [[Radio Clyde]]'s Score Radio (£701,000); and a consortium of [[RTL Group|CLT]], [[Harvey Goldsmith]] and [[RTÉ]] (£211,000).<ref name="guardian-19920205" /> The TV-am/Virgin consortium was awarded the licence in April 1992, after the Radio Authority said that it was not satisfied that Independent National Broadcasting would be able to sustain the service.<ref>{{cite news | title = TV-am and Virgin awarded pop radio franchise | first = Georgina | last = Henry | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1992/04/03&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar00209&PageLabel=2 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 2 | date = 3 April 1992 | access-date =2 May 2011 }}</ref> Later that year, TV-am lost its [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] franchise<ref>{{cite news | title = TV-am gives up hunt for a new business | first = Patrick | last = Hosking | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/tvam-gives-up-hunt-for-a-new-business-1561057.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 2 December 1992 | access-date =8 May 2011}}</ref> and its stake in the radio station was sold in March 1993<ref name="Guardian-19930419">{{cite news | title = Sing-along-a-Branson | first = Andrew | last = Culf | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1993/04/19&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar02200&PageLabel=22 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 22 | date = 19 April 1993 | access-date =8 May 2011 }}</ref> to [[Apax Partners]], [[JPMorgan Chase|JP Morgan Investment Corporation]] and [[David Frost|Sir David Frost]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Branson takes to the airwaves: Hopes are high as Virgin Radio begins broadcasting. | first = Patrick  | last = Hosking | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/branson-takes-to-the-airwaves-hopes-are-high-as-virgin-radio-begins-broadcasting-patrick-hosking-reports-1458133.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 29 April 1993 | access-date =8 May 2011}}</ref><ref name="Observer-1997-04-13">{{cite news | title = Branson to buy back radio shares | first = Emily | last = Bell | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=TOB/1997/04/13&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar03706&PageLabel=37 | work = The Observer | location = London | page = 37 | date = 13 April 1997 | access-date =29 May 2009}}</ref>

The station launched as Virgin 1215 at 12:15&nbsp;pm on 30 April 1993.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMatIckk1eg|title=THIS IS THE LAUNCH OF VIRGIN RADIO IN THE UK ON THE 30TH APRIL 1993|last=gadgets and games 1975|date=7 March 2012|via=YouTube}}</ref> The original line-up of DJs included [[Richard Skinner (broadcaster)|Richard Skinner]], [[Russ Williams (DJ)|Russ Williams]], [[Jono Coleman]], Mitch Johnson, [[Graham Dene]], [[Nick Abbot]], [[Wendy Lloyd]], [[Tommy Vance]], [[Emperor Rosko]] and [[Dave Fanning]]. [[Chris Evans (presenter)|Chris Evans]] was also hired to present a Saturday morning show, following his success at [[BBC GLR]] in the weekend mid-morning slot. The show, ''The Big Red Mug Show'', was sponsored by [[Nescafé]]. The first song played was [[INXS]]' cover version of the [[Steppenwolf (band)|Steppenwolf]] song "[[Born to be Wild]]". [[Richard Branson]] was the first voice to be heard, live from the [[Virgin Megastores|Virgin Megastore]] in Manchester, with [[Richard Skinner (broadcaster)|Richard Skinner]] the first voice back in the London studios.<ref>{{cite news | title = Born to be wild, Branson records personal history | first = Anne | last = Karpf | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1993/05/01&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar00500&PageLabel=5 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 5 | date = 1 May 1993 | access-date =2 May 2011}}</ref> Skinner was also programme director, a role he shared with John Revell.<ref>{{cite news | title = Virgin puts emphasis on albums | first = David | last = Lister | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/virgin-puts-emphasis-on-albums-1476777.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 6 January 1993 | access-date =8 May 2011 }}</ref> John Pearson was launch sales director, a role he had previously held at [[LBC]]. Andy Mollett was launch finance director. David Campbell, previously managing director of one of Virgin's post-production television companies,<ref>{{cite news | title = My Biggest Mistake | first = David | last = Campbell | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/my-biggest-mistake-1432029.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 27 March 1994 | access-date =8 May 2011}}</ref> was the chief executive at launch.<ref name="Guardian-19930419" />

From before its launch on AM, Virgin Radio was campaigning for a national FM network. Initially, it lobbied for [[BBC Radio 4|Radio 4's]] FM network to be made available<ref>{{cite news | title = Virgin pushes for Radio 4's FM slot | first = Andrew | last = Culf | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1993/04/29&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar00701&PageLabel=7 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 7 | date = 29 April 1993 | access-date =8 May 2011}}</ref> and then, when the Radio Authority launched a consultation on the use of the 105–108&nbsp;MHz band,<ref>{{cite news | title = Listeners are asked to choose radio service: Authority seeks opinion on FM frequencies available in 1996 | first = Maggie | last = Brown | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/listeners-are-asked-to-choose-radio-service-authority-seeks-opinion-on-fm-frequencies-available-in-1996-1392878.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 9 February 1994 | access-date =8 May 2011}}</ref> it lobbied for it to be set aside as a national network.<ref>{{cite news | title = Branson begins crusade to gain FM frequency for Virgin Radio | first = Andrew | last = Culf | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1994/02/09&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar00804&PageLabel=8 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 8 | date = 9 February 1994 | access-date =8 May 2011}}</ref> The Radio Authority decided, however, that 105–108&nbsp;MHz would be licensed to new local and regional stations<ref>{{cite news | title = Channel 4 presses for break with ITV | first = Maggie | last = Brown | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/channel-4-presses-for-break-with-itv-1438301.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 25 May 1994 | access-date =8 May 2011 }}</ref> and Virgin Radio applied for<ref>{{cite news | title = 41 fight for London radio licences | first = Andrew | last = Culf | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1994/06/29&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar00501&PageLabel=5 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 5 | date = 29 June 1994 | access-date =8 May 2011}}</ref> and won one of the new FM licences advertised in London as a result.<ref>{{cite news | title = Virgin wins one of six new slots on London's airwaves | first = Rhys | last = Williams | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/virgin-wins-one-of-six-new-slots-on-londons-airwaves-1441573.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 8 October 1994 | access-date =8 May 2011}}</ref>

Virgin Radio launched on 105.8&nbsp;MHz FM in London on 10 April 1995<ref>{{cite news | title = Wave of restricted radio hits peak | first = Andrew | last = Culf | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1995/04/10&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar00702&PageLabel=7 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 7 | date = 10 April 1995 | access-date =24 May 2009}}</ref> beginning with a message from broadcaster [[David Frost]] at 6&nbsp;am followed by the ''Russ 'n' Jono breakfast show''. Part of the licence requirements for the London service meant that a daily London opt-out was broadcast on FM, presented initially by [[Rowland Rivron]].<ref name="Bowie">{{cite web|last=Bowie |first=Adam |title=A Brief History of Virgin Radio |date=26 September 2008 |url=http://onegoldensquare.com/2008/09/a-brief-history-of-virgin-radio-by-adam-bowie/ |access-date=8 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202020813/http://onegoldensquare.com/2008/09/a-brief-history-of-virgin-radio-by-adam-bowie/ |archive-date=2 December 2008 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Within a year, Virgin Group was considering the next steps for the radio station, including the option of a flotation<ref>{{cite news | title = Virgin Radio considers flotation | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/virgin-radio-considers-flotation-1318820.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 13 February 1996 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref> or buying back the shares of JP Morgan, Apax and Sir David Frost.<ref name="Observer-1997-04-13" /> In May 1997, it was announced that [[GCap Media#Capital Radio Group|Capital Radio]] had agreed to acquire Virgin Radio in an £87&nbsp;million deal.<ref>{{cite news | title = Capital buys its rival Virgin as it prepares to challenge Radio 1 | first = Julia | last = Finch | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1997/05/07&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar01900&PageLabel=19 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 19 | date = 7 May 1997 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref> Capital's plans included moving Virgin Radio from 1 [[Golden Square]] to Capital's [[Leicester Square]] building and splitting programming between the AM and FM services.<ref>{{cite news | title = Capital acquires Virgin Radio | first = Cathy | last = Newman | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/capital-acquires-virgin-radio-1260203.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 7 May 1997 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref> The Radio Authority approved the acquisition,<ref>{{cite news | title = Capital gets go-ahead to buy Virgin Radio | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/capital-gets-goahead-to-buy-virgin-radio-1251278.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 18 July 1997 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref> but [[Nigel Griffiths]], the Consumer Affairs Minister, referred the takeover to the [[Competition Commission (United Kingdom)|Monopolies and Mergers Commission]] (MMC).<ref>{{cite news | title = Virgin Radio sale hits MMC snag | first = Julia | last = Finch | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1997/08/01&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar01905&PageLabel=19 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 19 | date = 1 August 1997 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref> The MMC report into the takeover would not be issued until January 1998, and would recommend that the deal could only go ahead if [[Gold (British radio network)|Capital Gold]] was sold or Virgin's London FM licence was excluded from the deal.<ref>{{cite news | title = Capital dealt blow to big ambitions as monopolies body bites | first = Chris | last = Barrie | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1998/01/14&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar01906&PageLabel=19 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 19 | date = 14 January 1998 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref> However, the delay in approval of the Capital acquisition would ultimately lead to the deal not going through.

In January 1997, Chris Evans left his role as presenter of the ''[[Radio 1 Breakfast|Radio 1 Breakfast Show]]'' as a result of a disagreement between him and the programme controller [[Matthew Bannister]] (Evans had asked for Fridays off to allow more time for him to work on his [[Channel 4]] television show, [[TFI Friday]]).{{sfn|Evans|2009|p=254-258}}<ref>{{cite news | title = Evans severs Radio 1 links after failing to present breakfast show | first = Andrew | last = Culf | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1997/01/21&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar00503&PageLabel=5 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 5 | date = 21 January 1997 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref> Evans was keen to return to radio{{sfn|Evans|2009|p=278-284}} and it had been reported that his agent, Michael Foster, had approached [[Matthew Bannister]] to ask if Evans would be allowed to be return to Radio 1,<ref>{{cite news | title = Evans wanted Radio 1 show back | first = John | last = Mulholland | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1997/10/13&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar00103&PageLabel=1 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 1 | date = 13 October 1997 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref> and he had gone as far as commencing negotiations to buy Talk Radio.{{sfn|Evans|2009|p=283-284}}

Richard Branson wanted Evans to work for Virgin Radio, so much so that he joined him on a [[Concorde]] flight to New York to try to persuade him to join as the drive time presenter.{{sfn|Evans|2009|p=265-275}}<ref name="Guardian-19971004">{{cite news | title = Branson woos Evans to Virgin's breakfast slot | first = Kamal | last = Ahmed | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1997/10/04&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar00204&PageLabel=2 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 2 | date = 4 October 1997 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref> In the end, Virgin Radio hired Evans to present the breakfast show, replacing the incumbent ''Russ 'n' Jono show'' (presented by [[Russ Williams (DJ)|Russ Williams]] and [[Jonathan Coleman (presenter)|Jonathan Coleman]]). His show started on 13 October 1997, the same day that [[Zoë Ball]] started as Evans' replacement on Radio 1.{{sfn|Evans|2009|p=287-289}} The initial contract would only be for ten weeks, until the MMC announced its decision on the Capital Radio takeover.<ref name="Guardian-19971004" /> Evans approached David Campbell to discuss buying the radio station and, with Michael Foster's help, they put together a deal to buy it with venture capital supplied by Apax Partners and [[BNP Paribas|Paribas]], with Virgin Group retaining a 20% stake in the business.{{sfn|Evans|2009|p=290-317}} The deal was announced on 8 December 1997, and would see the formation of the Ginger Media Group, an umbrella company overseeing Virgin Radio and producing programmes such as TFI Friday.<ref>{{cite news | title = Chris Evans takes over at Virgin Radio | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/37990.stm | work = [[BBC News]] | location = London | date = 9 December 1997 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = BBC faces new onslaught as Evans snatches Virgin Radio | first1 = Simon | last1 = Beavis | first2 = Chris | last2 = Barrie | url = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1997/12/09&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar00201&PageLabel=2 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 2 | date = 9 December 1997 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref>

=== 1998–2000: The Ginger Media Group ===
Evans' ownership of Virgin Radio started well, with a breakfast show audience increase of 660,000 to 2.2m in his first three months.<ref>{{cite news | title = Evans claims victory in breakfast war | first = Paul | last = McCann | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/evans-claims-victory-in-breakfast-war-1143266.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 7 February 1998 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref> In August 1998, Evans took a spur of the moment decision one weekend to launch a Saturday afternoon show called ''Rock 'n' Roll Football'', which continues to be broadcast on Absolute Radio.{{sfn|Evans|2010}} From 5 October 1998, Virgin Radio started simulcasts of the breakfast show on [[Sky One]] each morning for an hour between 7.30 and 8.30&nbsp;am When a track was played on the radio, viewers would see a video at the same time.<ref name="Bowie" /><ref>{{cite news | title = A bumper breakfast, with ulcers | first = Hester | last = Lacey | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/a-bumper-breakfast-with-ulcers-1176033.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 4 October 1998 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref>

The start of the new football season in August 1999 saw [[Terry Venables]] join Russ Williams in a show that would precede ''Rock 'n' Roll Football''.<ref name="Bowie" /> At the end of 1999, at a time when TV programme [[Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (UK game show)|Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?]] had yet to give away its top prize, Virgin Radio set a broadcasting first when Clare Barwick won £1&nbsp;million at the culmination of "Someone's Going to Be a Millionaire".<ref name="Bowie" /><ref>{{cite news | title = £1m richer with thanks to George Eliot  | url  = http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_DIGITALARCHIVE&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=GUA/1999/12/18&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar00201&PageLabel=2 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 2 | date = 18 December 1999 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref>

The management team at the Ginger Media Group were considering expansion opportunities, including a plan to acquire the ''[[Daily Star (United Kingdom)|Daily Star]]'' newspaper from [[United Business Media|United News & Media]], and hire [[Piers Morgan]] to edit it. Their plans were stalled, however, when the shareholders got cold feet. Evans wrote in his autobiography that "the management wanted to stick to our original brief of expansion, whereas our investors only cared about extracting the added value."{{sfn|Evans|2010}}

=== 2000–2008: SMG ownership ===
The management team therefore set itself on a strategy to sell the business three years ahead of schedule.{{sfn|Evans|2010}} It hired [[Goldman Sachs]] to run the sale process, and considered a public flotation,<ref>{{cite news | title = Evans ponders float for Ginger | first = Julia | last = Finch | url = https://www.theguardian.com/business/1999/aug/20/12 | work = The Guardian | location = London | page = 31 | date = 20 August 1999 | access-date =30 May 2011}}</ref> before selling to the [[STV Group|Scottish Media Group]] for £225&nbsp;million in March 2000. The Scottish Media Group, which owned [[Scottish Television]] and the [[The Herald (Glasgow)|Herald]] newspaper, fought off other bidders including [[Clear Channel Communications|Clear Channel]], [[NRJ Radio|NRJ]] and [[Guardian Media Group]]. Evans personally made £75&nbsp;million out of the sale.<ref>{{cite news | title = Evans sells up | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/601640.stm | work = BBC News | location = London | date = 13 January 2000 | access-date =29 May 2011}}</ref>

Evans was subsequently fired by his new employer in 2001 for failing to report into work for five consecutive days while reportedly partying with his then wife [[Billie Piper]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Virgin axes DJ Evans | work = BBC News | date = 28 June 2001 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/showbiz/1412225.stm  | access-date =27 November 2007}}</ref>

Chief executive John Pearson, who had been with the station since before launch, resigned in April 2005,<ref>{{cite news | title = Pearson quits as chief of SMG radio, leaving Virgin Radio rudderless | first = Damian | last = Reece | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/pearson-quits-as-chief-of-smg-radio-leaving-virgin-radio-rudderless-543626.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 13 October 2004 | access-date =1 June 2011}}</ref> and was replaced by Fru Hazlitt, who had previously been managing director of [[Yahoo!]] UK and Ireland.<ref>{{cite news | title = Virgin Radio hires chief executive to fend off unwanted bidders | first = Saeed | last = Shah | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/virgin-radio-hires-chief-executive-to-fend-off-unwanted-bidders-495411.html | work = The Independent | location = London | date = 19 April 2005 | access-date = 1 June 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

On 13 June 2006, SMG plc signed a deal with YooMedia to make Virgin Radio available on [[Freeview (UK)|Freeview]]. Long before the station's AM transmitters were closed in January 2023, it had always placed a great emphasis on other methods of transmission than medium wave, as the 1215&nbsp;kHz frequency suffered from considerable interference, particularly after dark – BBC Radio 1, which used 1215&nbsp;kHz for its first eleven years on air, moved to higher-quality medium wave frequencies (now used by [[talkSport]]) in 1978 primarily for this reason.{{Citation needed|date=January 2023}}

=== 2008–2013: Acquisition by Times of India and rebranding as Absolute Radio ===
[[File:No 1 Golden Square.JPG|thumb|right|No 1 [[Golden Square]] with Absolute Radio branding]]
On 12 April 2007, it was announced that [[STV Group|SMG plc]] was to sell Virgin Radio, to enable the company to focus on its television station, [[STV (TV channel)|STV]].<ref>{{cite news
 | title = SMG strategy was 'flawed' | work = The Guardian | date = 12 April 2007 | url = https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/apr/12/smg.radio | access-date =27 November 2007 | first=Leigh | last=Holmwood| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071209220146/http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/apr/12/smg.radio| archive-date= 9 December 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> On 30 May 2008 SMG sold Virgin Radio to TIML Golden Square Limited, a subsidiary of [[The Times Group]] for £53.2&nbsp;million, with £15&nbsp;million set aside for rebranding. TIML was given 90 days' grace in which to rebrand the station. As part of the deal, Absolute Radio International, operator of two FM licences in [[Oxford]], would manage the station.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/telecoms/article4036887.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501070228/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/telecoms/article4036887.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 May 2009|title=Virgin Radio is sold to Absolute for £53.2m|last=Andrews|first=Amanda|date=30 May 2008|access-date=30 May 2008|work=The Times|location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.3454.2|title=Virgin Radio sold for £53million|date=30 May 2008|access-date=30 May 2008|publisher=Radio Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531151016/http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.3454.2|archive-date=31 May 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 1 September 2008 it was announced that Virgin Radio would be rebranded as Absolute Radio on 28 September.<ref name="Absolute Radio">{{cite web|url=http://www.brandrepublic.com/News/842893/Plans-revealed-rebrand-Virgin-Radio-Absolute/|title=Plans revealed to rebrand Virgin Radio as Absolute|last=Barnett|first=Emma|date=1 September 2008|access-date=1 September 2008|work=Brand Republic| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080907014531/http://www.brandrepublic.com/News/842893/Plans-revealed-rebrand-Virgin-Radio-Absolute/| archive-date= 7 September 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> At the same time, changes to the line-up were made known with [[JK and Joel]], Robin Burke, [[Tony Hadley]] and [[John Osborne (broadcaster)|John Osborne]] leaving the station and [[Allan Lake]], [[Joanna Russell]] (of [[Trent FM]]'s Jo & Twiggy) and [[Tim Shaw (presenter)|Tim Shaw]] joining,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/about/questions.html|title=Listeners' Questions about Absolute Radio|date=1 September 2008|access-date=3 May 2011|publisher=Virgin Radio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019045517/http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/about/questions.html|archive-date=19 October 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> though Osborne would return shortly after. The last song to be played on Virgin Radio was "[[American Pie (song)|American Pie]]" by [[Don McLean]] and the first to be played on Absolute Radio was "[[A Day in the Life]]" by [[The Beatles]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.mixcloud.com/andy-walmsley2/christian-oconnell-29-september-2008/|title = Mixcloud}}</ref> Listening figures for the final quarter of 2008 showed that almost 20% of former Virgin Radio listeners had been lost since the rebranding to Absolute Radio.<ref>[http://www.brandrepublic.com/News/876906/Commercial-radios-share-dips-Q4-2008/ Commercial radio's share dips in Q4 2008] Brand Republic, 29 January 2009</ref>

The [[Virgin Radio UK|Virgin Radio]] brand relaunched via DAB and online on 30 March 2016, following a new partnership with [[Wireless Group]] and approval of its digital terrestrial commercial radio licence by Ofcom in March 2015.

=== 2013–present: Acquisition by Bauer Media ===
On 29 July 2013, [[Bauer Media Group]] announced it intended to purchase Absolute from [[The Times Group]] for an amount believed to be between £20m and £25m, pending regulatory approval.<ref>{{cite web|last=O'Carroll |first=Lisa |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/jul/29/bauer-media-buys-absolute-radio |title=Bauer Media buys Absolute Radio |work=The Guardian |date=29 July 2013 |access-date=4 October 2013}}</ref> The deal was cleared by the [[Office of Fair Trading]] on 23 December.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin |first=Roy |url=http://radiotoday.co.uk/2013/12/oft-clears-bauers-absolute-radio-deal/ |title=OFT clears Bauer's Absolute Radio deal |publisher=Radio Today |date=23 December 2013 |access-date=30 December 2013}}</ref>

Subsequently, by September 2014, all other London-based [[Bauer Radio|Bauer]] stations moved from Mappin House to a refurbished [[Golden Square|One Golden Square]], creating a new national radio hub.

Bauer Radio announced in July 2015 that Absolute Radio would be taking up the 105.2 FM frequency in the [[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands]], previously held by [[Planet Rock (radio station)|Planet Rock]]. Absolute launched on 105.2 FM on 7 September 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.a516digital.com/2015/07/absolute-radio-to-replace-planet-rock.html|title=Absolute Radio to replace Planet Rock on FM in the West Midlands|access-date=8 September 2015|archive-date=9 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909225046/http://www.a516digital.com/2015/07/absolute-radio-to-replace-planet-rock.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The station ended transmission on that frequency on 16 December 2018, following Bauer's decision to broadcast [[Greatest Hits Radio Birmingham & The West Midlands|Greatest Hits Radio]] on FM across the West Midlands.

In March 2021, Ofcom approved Bauer's application for permission to alter the FM licence held by the London FM relay of Absolute Radio, enabling the frequency to be used to provide a London variant of Greatest Hits Radio.<ref name="x57">{{Cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2021/03/greatest-hits-radio-approved-for-london-105-8fm/|title=Greatest Hits Radio approved for London 105.8FM|date=25 March 2021|access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref> Absolute Radio continued to be available by way of its national AM and digital transmissions. The change took place on 17 May.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2021/05/greatest-hits-radio-arrives-in-london-on-105-8-fm/|title = Greatest Hits Radio arrives in London on 105.8 FM|date = 17 May 2021}}</ref>

At midnight on 20 January 2023, the station stopped broadcasting on AM.<ref name="National 1">{{cite web|url=https://www.wohnort.org/dab/uknat.html#D1|title=National 1|website=Wohnort - DAB ensembles|date=25 March 2022|accessdate=17 January 2023}}</ref> Ofcom issued Bauer Radio a £25,000 fine and revoked the medium wave licence on 13 February 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-01 |title=Ofcom fines Bauer Radio £25,000 |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/news-centre/2023/ofcom-fines-bauer-radio-25000 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=Ofcom |language=en}}</ref>

On 12 December 2023, Absolute Radio was removed from [[Freesat]] TV platform, followed by [[Sky UK|Sky]] and [[Virgin Media]] TV platforms on 13 December, along with every other radio station owned by Bauer Media on either of the three TV platforms, including [[Absolute Radio 80s]], [[Absolute Radio 90s]], [[Absolute Radio Classic Rock]], [[Hits Radio]], [[Greatest Hits Radio]], [[Kiss (UK radio station)|Kiss]], [[Magic (UK radio station)|Magic]], [[Jazz FM (UK)|Jazz FM]] and [[Planet Rock (radio station)|Planet Rock]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2023/11/bauer-to-remove-all-radio-stations-from-satellite-and-cable-tv-platforms/|title = Bauer to remove all radio stations from satellite and cable TV platforms|date = 28 November 2023}}</ref>

In 2022, Bauer said it would vacate One Golden Square and move to The Lantern, 75 [[Hampstead Road, London|Hampstead Road]] in Euston.<ref>'[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2022/06/bauer-to-leave-one-golden-square-for-new-euston-development/ Bauer to leave One Golden Square for new Euston development]', ''Radio Today'', 30 June 2022</ref> The last broadcasts from the Golden Square studios took place in April 2024.<ref>Simon Mayo. '[https://twitter.com/simonmayo/status/1775255950146097599 Last show from 1, Golden Square today]'</ref>