Campaign launched to preserve BBC medium wave broadcasts.
(Translated from Dutch https://www.radiotrefpunt.nl/entry/10289-actie-gestart-om-bbc-middengolfuitzendingen-te-behouden/)
A week after the BBC ended broadcasts on the 198 kHz longwave transmitter , a new campaign has been launched to secure the continued existence of medium wave broadcasts. Through a petition, the British government, together with the BBC, is being called upon to preserve the nationwide medium wave services, as, according to the initiators, they continue to play an important role in the dissemination of news and information, particularly in remote areas and during emergencies.
The campaign focuses on the national broadcasts of BBC Radio 5 Live on 693 and 909 kHz and the regional medium wave services of BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio Wales. According to the initiators, there is a possibility that the national medium wave broadcasts will disappear from 2027. Although the BBC mentioned this possibility as early as 2022, no new decisions have been announced since then.
The activists point out that medium wave has a wide range with relatively few transmission installations. 22 transmitters are sufficient for the nationwide coverage of BBC Radio 5 Live, whereas more than 200 transmitters are needed for comparable FM coverage. By using two frequencies, overlapping coverage areas are utilized to limit mutual interference.
According to the campaign, medium wave offers several advantages over FM, DAB, and internet radio. The signal covers large parts of the United Kingdom and reaches areas where digital radio and FM are less readily available. Additionally, a medium wave transmitter continues to function when local power outages lead to the failure of mobile networks, internet connections, and FM and DAB broadcasts. As a result, the transmitter can remain an important source of information during emergencies.
According to the initiators, the existing infrastructure also plays a role. The current medium-wave transmitters are more modern than the former long-wave installations and could remain in use for years without major modifications. Moreover, a nationwide medium-wave service would consume less energy and entail lower broadcasting costs than a comparable FM network.
The campaign follows shortly after the BBC switched off the additional medium-wave transmitters in Redruth and Folkestone this month. According to the broadcaster, these transmitters were not part of a nationwide phase-out of medium-wave broadcasts. They were intended to resolve local reception problems caused by interference from mainland Europe. According to the BBC, listeners in the Folkestone region can continue to receive BBC Radio 5 Live via 909 kHz from other transmitters.
Proponents of preservation further point out that many older radios, including car radios, still use the AM band. According to them, medium wave remains a reliable reception option, especially for listeners following sports or news while on the go, certainly in rural areas where mobile coverage and digital radio are not always optimal.
The initiators also refer to the United States, where legislation is being prepared to retain AM reception in new cars due to its importance during emergencies. They advocate that the British government, during the upcoming review of radio policy, also stipulate that at least one nationwide BBC medium wave service be retained. Additionally, they ask the BBC to continue regularly announcing the medium wave frequencies used on the radio, so that listeners know where these broadcasts can be received.
In addition to the new petition for the preservation of BBC medium wave broadcasts, an earlier petition calling for the return of BBC long wave broadcasts in some form also remains available.
Via Nico from Gouda HOL (2026-07-07)