Radio 4 Long Wave (LW)
Radio 4’s Long Wave (LW) service will be closing later this year. Before the service ends, listeners will receive at least two months’ notice. We will also broadcast daily on-air reminders to help everyone switch to other ways of listening.
Why the LW service is closing
The company that owns and operates the LW broadcast equipment has confirmed that the system is reaching the end of its life. As LW is an older broadcasting technology, recent years have seen a decline in listener numbers, with the majority now opting for FM and DAB digital platforms. Given these factors, investing in upgrading the LW equipment is not considered a cost-effective solution for licence fee-funded services. You can verify the services available at your location by visiting our transmitter checker.
Supporting listeners through the change
To facilitate this transition away from LW and ensure it is as smooth as possible, we will be producing comprehensive guidance on alternative ways to listen through our website and helpline, outlining alternative methods for accessing BBC Radio 4 content. Visit our new factsheet for advice on how to keep listening, How to Continue Listening to Radio 4 after the Closure of LW.
Information for users of RTS electricity meters
Some older electricity meters use a system called the Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) that is carried within the LW signal. This service is run by the energy industry, not the BBC. If you need advice about replacing or upgrading an RTS meter, please contact your energy supplier or the relevant energy regulator. The BBC does not manage or control the RTS system.