Classic FM

Classic FM was launched in September 1992 and is still going strong, despite Alan Bennett's famous distain! It was created by Ralph Bernard and Michael Bukht of the GWR group and became the UK's first national commercial radio station. Unlike Radio 3, which makes little pretence to seeing classical music as anything other than an elite pursuit, Classic FM was set up to popularise the music and bring it to a wide audience. It has won three Sony Station of the Year awards and has more than six million listeners.

The website is relaxed, friendly and accessible. There are CD reviews, competitions and listings for forthcoming concerts. There's also an online shop where you can buy everything from books to sheet music. Behind the Music, for which you have to register, gives you access to eight more music channels, extra competitions and a monthly newsletter.

If you've missed any shows there are lots of podcasts available for download. There is also a Listen Again service. This allows you to catch up on everything broadcast in the last seven days. You can also watch Classic FM TV! And if jazz is your thing, follow the link to Classic FM Jazz, where you can listen to programmes, read about the history of jazz and browse the profiles of greats like Django Reinhardt and Miles Davis.