HR2 Kultur Radio

hr2-kultur is the second radio program of Hessischer Rundfunk (hr). It is a cultural program, comparable to SWR2 and Deutschlandradio Kultur, and alongside hr-info, it is the only (historically significantly older) dedicated program of hr. hr2 is the only hr program with extensive spoken word and music offerings and is free from commercial advertising.

The program has existed since October 15, 1950, and was initially broadcast only on FM frequencies. The official designation was "Second Program" until well into the 1980s. The abbreviation hr2, already commonly used internally, only became established in the mid-1980s – initially as a supplement to the official name – and later in public representation. With the introduction of the hr4 program on October 6, 1986, all hr radio programs were uniformly named hr1, hr2, hr3, and hr4. In September 2007, the name was changed to hr2-kultur.

hr2 is considered an important cultural factor in Hesse, as it reflects the cultural life of the region and is often a co-production partner of the most significant cultural institutions in the state. Furthermore, hr2 is regarded as a cultural producer, as its broadcasts often originate as public events; this is particularly true for the two ensembles: the hr-Bigband and the hr-Sinfonieorchester.