BBC Radio Essex - Live

BBC Radio Essex is the BBC’s local radio station serving the county of Essex. Launched on 5 November 1986, the station broke from the traditional naming convention of “BBC Radio (county name)” to avoid confusion with Essex Radio (later Heart Essex) and the 1960s pirate station Radio Essex. The station aimed to offer a more upbeat sound and a younger presenting style compared to other BBC local stations at the time. Over the years, its style has aligned more closely with the broader BBC Local Radio network.

The station broadcasts on FM, DAB, digital TV, and online via BBC Sounds. Its programming includes local news, talk, music, and sports, with a focus on serving the communities of Essex. According to RAJAR, the station has a weekly audience of 136,000 listeners as of May 2025.