The BBC has officially switched off its long wave radio service, ending nearly a century of broadcasting. The final long wave transmission from BBC Radio 4 was broadcast at 1am on Saturday, June 27, marking the closure of the UK's last remaining long wave radio station.
Historical Significance of Long Wave
Long wave broadcasting has been part of Britain's radio network since 1934. It played a crucial role during the Second World War by carrying vital communications. Radio 4 adopted the frequency in 1978 and continued broadcasting on it for almost five decades.
The long wave transmission system is owned and managed by Arqiva. Its masts stand 700ft (213m) high in the Worcestershire countryside and have been in use since 1934. The Wychbold Masts can be seen for miles and are often used as a landmark for drivers on the M5 near Droitwich. Local history experts and the Twentieth Century Society have called for them to become listed due to their historical importance. Droitwich was chosen as a central location so the long wave signal could reach everywhere in the UK.
Final Broadcast and Reactions
Hosts Ben Thompson and Luxmy Gopal presented BBC Breakfast on Saturday, June 27, and featured a video report on the long wave service. The clip included a moment from the final Shipping Forecast on Radio 4 Long Wave, where the presenter told listeners: "I just wanted to take a moment to mark the end of an era. For almost a century, the Long Wave transmitters have carried the BBC across the airwaves. Although the Long Wave signal is fading into history this morning, the memories and connection it created will endure forever."
As the video ended, Luxmy said: "Yeah, end of an era." Ben added: "It really is. Send us your thoughts if you remember particularly listening to longwave radio, as we said particularly because it carries such long distances."
Reasons for Closure
Plans to retire the ageing technology were first outlined by the BBC in 2022. Two years later, the broadcaster removed Radio 4's dedicated long wave schedule as part of the transition towards permanently ending the service. According to the BBC, maintaining the long wave network is no longer sustainable because the technology has reached the end of its operational lifespan. The corporation said replacing and maintaining the equipment would require substantial investment despite only a relatively small audience still relying on the platform.
Instead, the BBC says it is prioritising services that better reflect modern listening habits, with audiences increasingly tuning in via FM, DAB and digital platforms. The BBC also stressed that it has been working with organisations supporting vulnerable listeners to help ensure those affected by the closure have sufficient guidance and alternative ways to access programmes.
Impact on Programmes and Criticism
Popular Radio 4 staples, including The Archers and Desert Island Discs, will remain available across FM, DAB, television and online services, with the BBC confirming that no programmes have been axed because of the change. Despite the move, the decision has attracted criticism from campaigners, who argued long wave remains an essential backup communications network, particularly for people living in isolated rural areas and those working at sea, including fishermen and mariners.
