Radio Marbella cuts ties with traditional social media and goes all-in on BlueSky

Radio Marbella, known as the world’s first and only vocal deep house radio station, has taken a bold step by leaving traditional social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. Moving forward, the station will exclusively focus on BlueSky. With this decision, Radio Marbella is doubling down on independence, authenticity, and a renewed focus on quality.

Why this move?

According to founder Heathcliff, the decision stems from a series of frustrating experiences and strategic reevaluations. “Traditional platforms are no longer what they used to be. They started out free, made users dependent, and now they charge you just to be visible. You’re limited unless you open your wallet,” he explained.

But the frustrations run deeper. A series of hacks, including the infamous “ISIS Facebook Hack,” caused Radio Marbella to lose control of its Facebook groups, which resulted in the loss of access to over 100,000 members.

Poor support and a maze of a website

In addition to the hacks, Meta’s inadequate support was a significant factor in the decision. Heathcliff elaborates: “The support team was completely useless. Even after we traced the hacker and provided all the information, they did nothing. Meanwhile, the hackers continue to use fake accounts to carry out phishing scams in our former groups.”

On top of that, Facebook’s website has become what Heathcliff describes as “a complete maze,” riddled with dead links. “Before you know it, you have 20 tabs open in your browser. It’s absurdly bad.” To make matters worse, customer service representatives often spoke poor English and were difficult to understand. “Everything feels like Meta has completely dropped the ball,” Heathcliff added.

Time to reprioritize

Radio Marbella decided to shift its focus away from social media platforms and back to its core operations. “Who are we making rich? We spend hours daily on social media, but what do we really get in return? Our core business is our website, not a toxic platform that gives nothing back,” Heathcliff stated.

The team is now putting all its efforts into improving the website and introducing new features like an online community. They’re also refining the listening experience with daily updates of new music while moving away from DJ shows that no longer align with their vision.

Why BlueSky?

The choice for BlueSky wasn’t random. This decentralized platform offers exactly what Radio Marbella was looking for: simplicity, connectivity, and an authentic way to engage with listeners. “In one month, we’ve had more interaction on BlueSky than on all other platforms combined over six months,” Heathcliff revealed.

BlueSky also lacks the toxicity found on traditional social media platforms, which are often overrun with fake accounts and bots. “It just feels like a place where you can finally communicate normally again,” he said.

New energy and ideas

The shift gives Radio Marbella’s team more space to be creative. A late-night program is already in the works, focused on smooth, deep music perfect for lounge bars or romantic evenings at home. Additionally, the team is planning outdoor events with a tropical and laid-back vibe.

Heathcliff emphasizes: “Our listeners are our kings and queens. If someone tunes in for vocal deep house, that’s exactly what they should get, nothing else. That’s why we continue to deliver fresh music every single day.”

A conscious choice

Radio Marbella has always charted its own course, regardless of trends or external pressure. “We’ve never looked at others. We have an idea, and we execute it. If it’s a success, great. If not, at least we can say we tried,” Heathcliff remarked.

This philosophy is likely why Radio Marbella continues to hold its unique position in the music industry while staying true to its mission: delivering the best vocal deep house, no matter the challenges.

Follow Radio Marbella on BlueSky: radiomarbella.bsky.social