BBC ends long wave radio service after nearly century

The BBC has permanently shut down its long-wave radio service, bringing to an end nearly a century of broadcasting on the platform.

The broadcaster switched off the long wave transmission of BBC Radio 4 at 1 a.m. on Saturday, marking the end of the UK's last long wave radio station, dpa reports. 

Long wave radio services have been in use since 1934 and played a significant role during World War II, when they were used to transmit messages. Radio 4 began broadcasting on the long wave frequency in 1978 and remained there until the service was discontinued.

The BBC first announced in 2022 that it planned to close its long-wave services. In 2024, it ended separate programming for Radio 4's long-wave audience as part of the transition.

The corporation said the service was being discontinued because long-wave technology is "coming to the end of its life" and maintaining it would require a "significant investment" for a platform used by a relatively small number of listeners.

The BBC added that it is focused on "investing in platforms that best-serve audiences and provide resilient coverage for the future" as digital listening continues to grow.

In a statement, the broadcaster said: "We also work closely with organisations that support vulnerable audiences around platform closures, to ensure listeners are helped in a timely and sensitive way."

Radio 4, home to long-running programmes including "The Archers" and "Desert Island Discs," will continue to be available on FM, DAB, television platforms and digital services. The BBC also confirmed that no Radio 4 programmes would be discontinued as a result of the closure.

Long wave radio has traditionally been used by people living in remote and rural areas, as well as by mariners and fishermen, because of its ability to cover large distances.

Before the shutdown, campaigners opposed the decision, arguing that long wave remained an important non-digital national communications network, particularly during emergencies.

By Sabina Mammadli