The BBC has permanently ceased its long wave radio service, marking the end of a broadcasting legacy that began in 1934 and played a vital role during WWII.
BBC shut down BBC Radio 4 long wave service June 28, marking 92 years on-air. Closure signals technological obsolescence and capex reallocation; digital platforms (FM/DAB/streaming) now serve audience at lower operational cost, forcing infrastructure modernization decisions.
The service was operational since 1934
Jun 28, 2026
11:02 am
What's the storyThe British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has shut down its long wave radio service, a platform that has been in operation for nearly a century.
The last surviving long wave station in the UK, BBC Radio 4, switched off its service at 1:00am on Saturday (local time).
Service has been shut down as long wave technology is ‘coming to the end of its life’
BBC Radio 4 was the last long wave radio station in the UK and the service was permanently switched off at 1am on Saturday,…
Aging infrastructure shuts down tomorrow after almost a century
The oldest service in the BBC’s portfolio has sent its last broadcast. Keeping the longwave signals flowing has become…
Something happened this morning which will have been unnoticed by many, but which for a certain breed of radio enthusiast marks…
The groundbreaking broadcasting service which brought joy to millions for over 90 years not least for its Test Match cricket…
End of era as the BBC switches off Radio 4 Long Wave service
