Day: July 9, 2022

Mediumwave United Kingdom

Some interesting good news for UK DX’ers but sad news at the same time I’ve just read about on the digital spy forums ! :-
Last September, HM DCMS published a document outlining the strategy for on-air transmission.
The BBC will be closing down all medium wave/AM/Long Wave transmitters by 2024. BBC Radio 5 Live on 909/693 kHz and BBC Radio 4 MW/AM outlets will be shunt down first. followed by Radio 4 Longwave 198 kHz and then the remaining BBC Local Radio still on AM/MW. BBC Radio Scotland on 810 kHz MW will be the last to close by 2025.
Commercial radio is also expected to close down all AM/MW transmitters by 2025, including national Absolute Radio on 1215 kHz MW/AM and relays.
Commercial station owners can decide when to close AM outlets based on dwindling audience listeners, using RAJAR stats and internal research. Expect local commercial outlets transmitting Smooth on MW/AM and Greatest Hits, likely to the first to go, perhaps from 2023.
The only stations to survive on AM are likely to be community radio licences, ethnic minority interest services and perhaps Radio Caroline on 648 kHz AM/MW.
DCMS expect all FM transmissions to cease by 2030 from BBC Radio and also the two main commercial groups, Global and Bauer.
Only licensed community radio stations will continue to transmit on FM beyond 2030.

Info via Facebook