Radio 4 Long Wave (LW)
Radio 4’s Long Wave (LW) service will be closing later this year. Before the service ends, listeners will receive at least two months’ notice. We will also broadcast daily on-air reminders to help everyone switch to other ways of listening.
Why the LW service is closing
The company that owns and operates the LW broadcast equipment has confirmed that the system is reaching the end of its life. As LW is an older broadcasting technology, recent years have seen a decline in listener numbers, with the majority now opting for FM and DAB digital platforms. Given these factors, investing in upgrading the LW equipment is not considered a cost-effective solution for licence fee-funded services.
Supporting listeners through the change
To facilitate this transition away from LW and ensure it is as smooth as possible, we will be producing comprehensive guidance on alternative ways to listen through our website and helpline, outlining alternative methods for accessing BBC Radio 4 content.
Information for users of RTS electricity meters
Some older electricity meters use a system called the Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) that is carried within the LW signal. This service is run by the energy industry, not the BBC. If you need advice about replacing or upgrading an RTS meter, please contact your energy supplier or the relevant energy regulator. The BBC does not manage or control the RTS system.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/reception/work-warning/news/radio4lw
The electricity companies have been funding most of the costs of BBC longwave for many years.
Energy UK issued a statement February 26th saying that the replacement of smart meters was targeted to be completed this summer with details of how many were left and where.
https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/news/final-countdown-for-remaining-rts-customers/
Previous Message
It's a summary of an article in the Guardian as it says. Full more detailed article here, the Mail summary doesn't include media monitoring being vital for national security.
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/oct/04/bbc-bosses-want-defence-budget-to-help-pay-for-the-world-service
Previous Message
"BBC bosses want to use the defence budget to pay for the World Service because it 'counts towards Britain's security' - as cuts to radio loom"
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15161197/BBC-bosses-defence-budget-World-Service.html Previous Message
As I said, it was an Arqiva announcement to their staff. Previous Message
There has been no announcement of a closing date from the BBC. Previous Message
Yes Dave, postponed again. I'm surprised there has not been a compromise & a solid state Harris DX50, not been pressed into service to replace the power hungry big brute It's a great aerial system at Droitwich & at that low frequency, the signal will still go a long way. The power companies can then concentrate on replacing the meters of those not getting the RTS at the fringes.
The only reason, I can think of - perhaps the DX50 will not cover long wave? Previous Message
From Ydun's Medium Wave Info.
"Closure date for BBC Radio 4 longwave on 198 kHz will be 26 September 2026 Arqiva staff have been informed.
It’s not yet known if the transmitters will remain on air for the Radio Teleswitch Service after this date, or if that will end at the same time. (ref: British DX Club “Communication” magazine August 2025).
So in 13 months time. But could stay on air without R4 programming after this (as Allouis 162 kHz has)?"
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Radio 4 LW to close 26/09/2026 - Dave Martin 14/8/2025, 9:52:12
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