From the team behind the NextUp streamer

The team behind NextUp has launched a 24/7 comedy radio station.

Simply called ComedyUK, the channel draws on the streaming service's catalogue of stand-up specials from new, established and famous comedians.

Live gigs will also be streamed directly to listeners, including a launch show at London’s Leicester Square Theatre on June 18 featuring Jessica Fostekew, Thanyia Moore, Alex Kealy, Ria Lina and Roman Harris.

The channel will be available via app, smart speaker, and YouTube.

ComedyUK is a partnership between NextUp and media tech companies Bridgemore Productions, and Positive Digital Media, which also runs the Cheesy FM station.

John Dash, director of Comedy UK Media, said:  ‘ComedyUK is live, and we couldn't be more excited. This is something completely new for UK audiences - a dedicated comedy station available 24/7.

‘From live gigs to interactive features and the upcoming Roadshow, we’re building a platform that celebrates comedy in every form and brings fans closer to it than ever before."

There have been attempts to launch comedy-led radio stations before. 

Fubar Radio was launched in 2014 and featured shows from the likes of James Acaster, Richard Herring and Ed Gamble and is now a more general speech-based station.

And Union Jack radio – which mixed classic British music and comedy – went into administration in 2022.

NextUp also recently launched a subscription platform on YouTube, offering full-length specials from the likes of Zoe Lyons, Jason Byrne, Geoff Norcott and Rachel Parris for £1.99 a month. The channel also regularly posts short clips for free.

Its main platform costs £20 a month or £80 a year and offers a much deeper catalogue of specials and live streaming events

Published: 11 May 2026