BBC shuts down long wave radio service after almost a century

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, June 28, 2026

The BBC has permanently ended its long wave radio broadcast, with BBC Radio 4 ceasing transmission on this frequency after nearly 90 years of service. This closure signals a shift away from aging radio technology toward digital platforms, as the BBC aims to focus on more modern and widely used methods of reaching listeners while ensuring continued access to Radio 4 programming through other channels.

The BBC has discontinued its long wave radio broadcast after nearly a century of service. BBC Radio 4, the United Kingdom’s last remaining long wave station, ceased transmission on the frequency at 1 a.m. on Saturday.

Long wave radio has been in use since 1934, playing a crucial role during World War II for message transmission. Radio 4 began utilizing the long wave frequency in 1978 and had remained on it until this recent shutdown. The BBC initially signaled its intent to retire long wave services in 2022 and ended the separate scheduling of Radio 4’s long wave broadcasts in 2024 as a step toward the transition.

The corporation attributed the closure to the aging long wave infrastructure, describing it as “coming to the end of its life” and noting that maintaining the service would require significant investment for a platform that reaches a diminishing audience. Instead, the BBC emphasized its commitment to investing in platforms that “best serve audiences” and offer more resilient coverage amid a substantial increase in digital listening.

In a statement, the BBC highlighted its collaboration with organizations supporting vulnerable listeners to ensure a smooth adjustment period following the platform’s closure. Despite the long wave shutdown, Radio 4 will remain accessible on other platforms, including FM, digital audio broadcasting (DAB), television services, and online streaming. The BBC also confirmed that no programming from Radio 4, including popular shows like “The Archers” and “Desert Island Discs,” will be discontinued as a result.

Long wave radio remains an important medium for remote and rural communities, as well as maritime users such as fishermen and mariners, due to its wide coverage and reliability in areas with limited digital connectivity. Efforts by campaigners to preserve the long wave service underscored its significance as a non-digital national communication network, though these appeals were ultimately unsuccessful.

The shutdown marks the end of an era in British broadcasting, reflecting broader shifts in technology and audience behavior toward digital platforms.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.