RAC1 is a Catalan-language radio station from Barcelona that broadcasts news, current affairs, politics, sport and culture, and you can listen live and free on Radio Shuffle wherever you are. It is heard on 87.7 FM in the Barcelona area and across Catalonia, and its morning show El món a RAC1 is described as the most listened-to radio programme in the region.
What You Will Hear
According to Wikipedia, RAC1 is a spoken-word station built around news and current affairs, politics, sports and culture. Its flagship is El món a RAC1, presented by Jordi Basté, a morning magazine that mixes news, politics, humour and entertainment. At lunchtime there is Minoria Absoluta, also billed as one of the most listened-to shows in Catalonia. The tone is lively and conversational, and it is one of the best ways to hear everyday Catalan as it is actually spoken.
The First Private Radio Entirely in Catalan
RAC1 started broadcasting on 1 May 2000. As Catalan-language outlet reports describe, after the old concession regime ended in 1998, the frequency was put out to tender and became part of Grup Godó, and RAC1 became the first private radio station to broadcast entirely in Catalan. The brand nods to the Ràdio Associació de Catalunya, an early Catalan broadcaster, which gave the new station a link to the region's radio history from the start.
From Challenger to Leader
RAC1 did not stay a challenger for long. According to Ara, it has been the most listened-to station in Catalonia since April 2009, when it overtook the public broadcaster Catalunya Ràdio for the first time, and more recently it surpassed one million listeners. A private, Catalan-language station beating a well-funded public rival shows how much appetite there is for radio that speaks to the region in its own language. RAC1 also has a sister station, RAC 105, which focuses on chart music.
How to Listen on Radio Shuffle
Open RAC1 on Radio Shuffle and press play. The stream is live from Barcelona, so you will hear the same programme as listeners in Catalonia. It is useful for anyone following Spanish and Catalan politics, FC Barcelona and the local culture, or learning the language.
Press Play
RAC1 is the sound of Barcelona's morning: informed, quick-witted and proudly Catalan. Load it up on Radio Shuffle and hear the city talk.