DR P4
DR P4 is the regional radio channel of Denmark's national public broadcasting corporation, DR. The 10 regional stations that make up P4 originate their own local programming and also carry jointly produced nationwide content. P4's programming is a mixture of popular music, traffic announcements, and national and regional news.
In addition to local broadcasting, DR P4 plays a key role in Denmark’s public service media mandate by providing regionally tailored news, emergency information, and community-focused programming. The channel consistently ranks among the most listened-to radio networks in Denmark, particularly among middle-aged and older audiences, due to its emphasis on regional relevance and accessible music formats.
History
The name "P4" originates from 1973 when it was the name of a radio programme directed towards younger audience and broadcast on Sunday evenings on DR P1. This programme had been broadcast for 24 years when it was closed in 1997.On 4 April 1960 DR started regional programming on DR P2.
At this time six stations were available: Bornholms Radio in Rønne, Midtjyllands Radio in Aarhus, Nordjyllands Radio in Aalborg, Radio Fyn in Odense, Sjællands Radio in Næstved, and Sønderjyllands Radio in Aabenraa.
At the beginning each station broadcast only half an hour of its own programming, each Monday from 19.15. Two years later this was expanded to 45 minutes. From 1967 a 40-minute round-up from all the regions was also broadcast on Tuesdays.
It was the expansion of FM radio, which necessitated the building of a denser network of transmitters to ensure good reception in all parts of the country, which also made regional radio technically possible.
DR had in 2001 won the rights to use Denmark's new fourth nationwide FM channel to which DR P2 was moved on 1 September 2001. The regional programming stayed on the former P2 regional channels and was re-launched as DR P4.
The relaunch of regional radio as DR P4 marked a strategic shift toward stronger regional identities within a unified national framework. Each station was granted greater editorial autonomy while maintaining shared national programming blocks, aligning with broader European public broadcasting trends emphasizing regionalization.
In March 2013 DR P4 became the first of DR's radio channels to be available on DAB+ digital radio. The other stations were available on standard DAB.
The transition to DAB+ significantly improved audio quality and spectrum efficiency, allowing DR P4 to expand coverage and ensure continued nationwide access amid Denmark’s gradual transition away from FM broadcasting.
DR P4’s programming consists primarily of adult contemporary and popular Danishchtslag music, combined with frequent news bulletins, weather forecasts, traffic updates, and regional talk segments. Daytime programming is largely regionalized, while evenings and overnight schedules feature nationally produced content.
DR P4 Regional stations
Each DR P4 regional station serves a distinct geographical area and produces localized news, traffic updates, cultural programming, and event coverage. While editorial priorities vary by region, all stations operate under DR’s public service charter and contribute to nationwide programming segments.DR P4 Bornholm
Began in 1960 as Bornholms Radio.The station focuses on regional news, traffic, and cultural programming tailored to its broadcast area, while also relaying nationally produced DR P4 content.