A new pop-up station inspired by Stranger Things has launched on DAB in London, Global Player and smart speakers.
WSQK The Squawk is live from today and will run until 1 January, delivering a full 1980s radio experience linked directly to the final season of the Netflix series.
The station plays continuous 80s hits and features a cast of American presenters including Vance Goodman and Mindy Flare. Listeners will also hear a full set of retro-style commercials written in the spirit of Hawkins.
Sung jingles and voiceovers are filling the output too.
Fans can take part in Rewind at 9, a segment where a reversed track challenges listeners to identify the song, while Talk to Tammy provides advice with a Hawkins twist. There is also Dial-A-Dedication, giving listeners the chance to get their message on air by submitting it through the Global Player website.
James Rea, Global’s Chief Broadcasting and Content Officer, said part of the project’s appeal is that “fans love the show’s nostalgia and energy, and this station bottles that completely”. James added that creating WSQK with Netflix “has been a joy”.
To capture an authentic sound, the audio is being processed through a vintage Inovonics FM250 unit dating back to 1983, the same type used widely by radio stations during the decade. This approach gives WSQK a period-accurate tone that matches the Stranger Things setting.
WSQK The Squawk is available on DAB across London, on Global Player and on smart speakers by asking for The Squawk. It links with the release of Stranger Things Volume 1 on 27 November at 1am GMT, Volume 2 on 26 December at 1am GMT and the finale on 1 January at 1am GMT.
