On 3 October 2000 the Real Radio brand was launched after GMG Group won its first broadcast licence, serving South and West Wales.

Following an introduction by Sir Tom Jones, the station's founding managing director John Myers introduced the song "A Star is Born".

Following an agreed format change request with Ofcom, the existing South and West Wales service was rolled out to the new coverage area.

[8] All networked programming originates from Global's London headquarters, including Heart Breakfast, presented each weekday by Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden.

Regional programming is produced and broadcast from Global's Cardiff Bay studios from 4-7pm on weekdays,[9] presented by Simon Jagger and Chris Wood.