BBC black music station sets launch

1Xtra will play the best in black music like So Solid Crew

The BBC's new digital radio station dedicated to black music is to launch on 16 August.

Previously known as Network X, 1Xtra has strong links to Radio 1, targeting the same audience age range of 16 to 24 year olds.

Breakfast show host KC and DJ collective Rampage will switch on the station at 1800 BST with a special five hour show to mark the occasion.

The opening show will also introduce a number of the DJs who have been lined up for the station including Seani B, Manny Norte and JJC.

The station is aimed at fans of black music including hip-hop, UK garage, drum and bass and ragga.

DJ Semtex will feature on the station

As part of the launch there will be a number of 1Xtra parties around the UK.

The station is also adding new names to its roster or DJs with G Child, Robbo Ranx and Kinky D joining.

As well as music, 1Xtra will also offer a dedicated news and discussion service throughout its schedule.

The programming has been designed to cover the issues relevant to the 16 to 24 year olds - the station's target audience.

Access to 1Xtra is only available by digital radio, digital cable television or via the internet.

The station is the BBC's third digital station to launch, following the introduction of Five Live Sports Extra and 6 Music, which is dedicated to the best of rock and pop from the past 40 years.

A speech station, known provisionally as Network Z, will be launched later.