THE BBC has confirmed a historic broadcasting service will be closing next month.
The broadcasting giant cited a decline in listener numbers as the reason behind its closure.
The broadcasting company cited a declining number of listeners behind the service’s closure Credit: AFP
The service will be shut down after nearly a century in use Credit: Alamy
’s Long Wave (LW) service is set to shut by June 27, marking the end of more than 90 years of service.
The BBC said that the aging LW equipment “was reaching the end of its life”.
As a result, the corporation deemed it was no longer cost-effective to continue investing in the 198 kHz service.
This was in addition to the long-time decline in listener numbers, with the majority now opting for and DAB digital platforms.
The first began broadcasting on long wave from Droitwich in 1925, with the introduction of Radio 4 in 1967.
Although Radio 4 has long since moved the majority of its programmes to FM, the historic service continued to run until now.
Daily on-air reminders will be broadcast to remind the nearly 90,000 listeners that still use the service to move to other platforms.
According to the BBC, “comprehensive guidance on alternative ways to listen through our website and helpline” will also be made available, including a factsheet with advice.
It also reminded listeners that a portion of older meters use the Radio Teleswitching Service, which is carried within the long wave signal.
However, listeners with questions about RTS meters should contact their energy supplier or regulator, rather than the BBC.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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