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    |  Radio 2 entered the 90s in glorious stereo, becoming the first national station to transmit entirely on FM. For the first time since 1967, Radio 2 didn't have to lend its stereo frequencies to Radio One on Saturday afternoon.
New programmes included Sheridan Morley's weekly arts programme, which aired for the first time in 1990. That same year Folk on 2 celebrated its 10th anniversary. Nick Barraclough introduced New Country to the schedule in 1992, reflecting the growing interest in contemporary country performers such as Garth Brooks. Gloria Hunniford left in l995, and was replaced by Debbie Thrower. Veteran presenter John Dunn finally retired from the station in 1998, after 30 years of service.
As the decade rolled on, Radio 2 confirmed its place as the nation's favourite radio station. By 1998, it had over 9 million regular listeners. In terms of music, Radio 2 can rightly lay claim to having brought many new acts to a wider audience. It is hard to imagine Shania Twain, The Corrs or Celine Dion achieving the success they have in the UK without the support of the network. Radio 2 also became a presence at many major events, broadcasting live from the Fleadh in Finsbury Park and from the annual Cambridge Folk Festival.
Despite the changes, there was still room for plenty of old favourites. Your 100 Best Tunes, The Organist Entertains, Listen to the Band, Friday Night is Music Night - all of these programmes stayed with Radio 2. A mix of old and new, of the familiar and the esoteric - different, every time you listen, but always a guarantor of quality radio with over 30 years' experience. As the 90s drew to a close and the 21st century beckoned, Radio 2 was in better shape than ever.
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The 90s were a time of change across the entire radio industry. Deregulation heralded a growth in commercial radio. Classic FM, Virgin Radio and Talk Radio became national competitors for the BBC's audience. It was unsurprising that Radio 2 underwent a few changes itself.
Social action had a key role in Radio 2's output. Jimmy Young continued to highlight consumer issues, but larger campaigns addressed major subjects in a mature and forthright manner. Ken Bruce launched the Caring for Carers campaign in 1990. The network ran campaigns covering various topics, including the year-long Cancer and You series in 1998.
By the end of the decade, Radio 2 was the place to be. Some of the famous names hosting shows on the network included Mark Lamarr, Jools Holland, Billy Bragg and Michael Parkinson. Steve Wright was filling the afternoon slot, reminding many people of his days at Radio 1 in the 80s. Johnnie Walker graduated from a Saturday slot to a daily drivetime show.