According to Médiamétrie's results published on April 18, 2024, Radio Nova is the radio station that has gained the most listeners in a year. Born in the 1980s, this station presents itself as the most diverse private radio in France. Here are 5 things to know about this French radio that celebrates music and culture.
Radio Nova was founded in 1981 by Jean-François Bizot, an iconoclastic press magnate. This man of the press, literature, radio, and cinema had been a journalist at L'Express before taking over the monthly magazine Actuel in 1970. He established the independent press group Nova Press in 1972, and then launched "Radio Nova" in 1981.
Passionate about all forms of alternative cultures, he introduced the French to psychedelic rock and rap. His radio station also became a breeding ground for journalists and comedians such as Philippe Vandel, Karl Zéro, Édouard Baer, Jamel Debbouze, and Ariel Wizman.
Jean-François Bizot passed away in September 2007, but the radio he created continues to exist and thrive. Today it has 31 FM frequencies across France and broadcasts nationwide on DAB+. It can be listened to on nova.fr, through the Radio Nova app, and on all radio platforms and connected speakers.
It also offers podcasts and 7 original thematic web radios:
• Nova soul;
• Nova reggae;
• Nova la nuit;
• Nouvo Nova;
• Nova hip-hop;
• Nova danse;
• Nova classics.
As an advocate of "world sound," Radio Nova became known for the eclecticism and uniqueness of its music programming. It stands out from competing stations by playing a sophisticated blend of all musical styles, from reggae to hip-hop, soul, zouk, and funk.
Today, this station broadcasts 50% of new releases that are less than 6 months old and 15% French songs. Therefore, it dedicates 85% of its playlist to the rest of the world, exploring all musical genres.
It continues to embrace diversity by playing over 800 different tracks each month from more than 650 artists. This station holds a unique position in the French radio landscape as 96% of the titles it plays are not found anywhere else.
Even though Radio Nova highlights music, or rather all kinds of music, this station is also known for offering two iconic shows, in the morning and in the evening.
Its morning show "T'as vu l'heure," broadcast from 7 am to 9 am, is hosted by Thierry Paret and Mélanie Bauer. Starting at 7 pm, the "Nova Club" is led by another familiar voice of the station, David Blot. Along with commentators, he discusses the current cultural and musical events.
Between these two programs, the radio station plays a constantly updated playlist, much to the delight of its 334,000 daily listeners (in 2023).
Today, Radio Nova is owned by the investment banker Matthieu Pigasse. It is part of the Combat group, which also owns the magazine Les Inrockuptibles and organizes the Rock en Seine festival.
In the fall of 2023, the radio station made a change in its playlist that disoriented even its most loyal listeners. It began to play certain tracks from commercial stations, including songs by Clara Luciani, Eddy de Pretto, or Angèle.
As its new slogan indicates, the station aims to offer listeners a "Grand Mix" where all contemporary music is represented.
This revolution in Radio Nova's programming has not led to a drop in ratings, quite the opposite! According to the results published by Médiamétrie on April 18, 2024, it is the station that has achieved the most significant audience increase over one year. An achievement in a slowing sector!
It gained 26.5% more listeners in one year, which means 70,000 additional listeners. This radio station, open to all current music genres, also confirms its good health with its primary target audience, the 25-49 year olds. In this age group as well, its audience numbers have increased, with +23.6% more listeners.
Author Audrey on 07 March 2023
News and Media : Television
Author Audrey on 16 November 2021
News and Media : Television