XFM

Xfm is a brand of commercial radio stations focused on alternative music, primarily indie pop, and owned by Global Radio in the United Kingdom. Xfm was created in London in 1992 by Sammy Jacob ,who later co-founded NME Radio in 2008. Xfm subsequently expanded to a network of four stations; there are currently two main Xfm services. XFM is now also available across most of the country via DAB digital radio.

Xfm London, which has been broadcasting on 104.9 FM in the Greater London area officially since 1997 (and unofficially since 1992). Xfm Manchester, which was launched on 97.7 FM on 15 March 2006. These two stations now network the vast majority of content, though separate local daily breakfast shows and weekday drivetime shows remain.
Former stations in the network included:

Xfm Scotland, formerly Beat 106, which was launched on 4 January 2006. It was then renamed again, to Galaxy Scotland on 8 November 2008.
Xfm South Wales which broadcast to Cardiff & South Wales between 29 November 2007 and 30 May 2008, was sold to Town and Country Broadcasting who launched Nation Radio on its frequency.

The station has previously employed a number of DJs that have since gone on to even greater fame including Ricky Gervais, Karl Pilkington, Stephen Merchant, Simon Pegg, Christian O'Connell, Gordon Brown, Russell Brand, Justin Lee Collins, Adam and Joe, Zane Lowe and Dermot O'Leary.

Heather Varley