Posted Jun 27, 2026 at 6:44 PM UTCTQuoteThe BBC shuts down its longwave radio service.The oldest service in the BBC’s portfolio has sent its last broadcast. Keeping the longwave signals flowing has become increasingly expensive, and very few rely on the tech now that streaming is widely available, and VHF radio and satellites have largely replaced longwave.On June 27th the BBC will stop broadcasting Radio 4 Long Wave. It blames the cost of maintaining out-of-date technology. Droitwich uses two metre-high ceramic and metal valves, which are no longer made. Almost no one in Britain will notice. But it is the first nick in what the broadcaster hopes will eventually be a slashing of expensive radio and TV transmissions. - The EconomistFollow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.Terrence O'BrienLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...The Verge DailyA free daily digest of the news that matters most.Email (required)
The BBC shuts down its longwave radio service.
The oldest service in the BBC’s portfolio has sent its last broadcast. Keeping the longwave signals flowing has become increasingly expensive, and very few rely on the tech now that streaming is widely available, and VHF radio and satellites have largely replaced longwave. > On June 27th the BBC will stop broadcasting Radio 4 Long Wave. It blames the cost of maintaining out-of-date technology. Droitwich uses two metre-high ceramic and metal valves, which are no longer made. Almost no one in Britain will notice. But it is the first nick in what the broadcaster hopes will eventually be a slashing of expensive radio and TV transmissions. - The Economist
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