The Absolute end for Xtreme

Absolute Radio is ditching Absolute Xtreme and launching an 80s station - Absolute 80s.

Xtreme, which launched in 2005 as Virgin Radio Xtreme, competes with Xfm, NME and Kerrang playing new rock music.

Xtreme currently broadcasts on DAB in London but will disappear in December when a new non-stop music station launches, playing nothing but songs from the 1980s.

Programming previously offered by Absolute Xtreme will morph into the station’s newly launched dabbl offering. The station will fine-tune it’s music policy to include new music, live music and tracks from the 90s and Noughties, and will air 24 hours a day in London and along the M4 corridor.

Absolute's chief operating officer, Clive Dickens, told Media Guardian about the potential audience for Absolute 80s: "These are people who have responsibilities, are members of families but still want to participate and have fun and be involved in music. A huge chunk of our audience grew up in the 80s."