[3] Test transmissions for Smooth Radio North East began on 22 November 2007,[4] and an advertising campaign was launched in the region from Boxing Day.

This included television commercials featuring images of some of the music industry's most notable artists, such as Buddy Holly, Diana Ross and Rod Stewart.

[7] On 4 February 2014, the Radio Today website reported that Ofcom had given Global permission to remove Smooth from the Digital One platform, and to replace it with a service playing music from the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

[10] Local news bulletins, traffic updates and advertising were retained, alongside the station's North East breakfast show.

All networked programming originates from Global's London headquarters, including The Smooth Drive Home with Angie Greaves.