Before Classic FM started, they did say that it wasn't intended as a challenge to R3, it was more aimed at the R2 'easy-listening' market.
Certainly turned-out to be true - targetting a low-brow, classic-lite, Daily Mail sort of audience I think.
Before it started-up, for a month or so as a test of coverage they just broadcast a loop-recording made in a wood - birdsong, wind in the trees, etc.
It was brilliant, instant relaxation and unwinding just listening to that in the car on the way home. Superb !
But then the broadcasts started, with inane ex-R2 DJ presenters who know nothing about classical music, playing the same few 'classic pops', interspersed with the same few irritating adverts, etc.
No, thank-you. Haven't been near it for 5 years or so.