A "valuable" radio service is set to shut down after nearly a century in a move that fans have labelled "criminal".
The BBC has confirmed that its Radio 4 Long Wave (LW) service will be closing later this year.
It has used LW radio for more than 100 years, with the BBC Radio 4 Long Wave service transmitted from the Droitwich Transmitting Station, which has covered the UK for just over 90 years.
Now it is set to shut down this year, in a move due to a "decline in listener numbers".
BBC Radio 4 long wave service will close later this year after confirmation of shutdown plans for the 198 frequency. https://t.co/0zLFdew4BK pic.twitter.com/MmtZOlHP2f
— RadioToday UK (@RadioToday) April 16, 2026
What is Long Wave Radio?
AM, which stands for Amplitude Modulation is the oldest radio broadcasting system in the UK, the BBC explains.
AM covers both Medium Wave (MW) and Long Wave (LW), with the BBC broadcasting various radio services on AM.
In radio, LW is the part of the radio spectrum with wavelengths longer than what was originally called the MW broadcasting band.
These wavelengths travel longer distances and generally use much higher power than medium wave, or FM and DAB.
BBC Radio 4 launched in 1967 and is transmitted on 198 kHz Long Wave.
Whilst BBC Radio 4 continues to operate on FM, DAB and BBC Sounds, this shutdown of the long wave broadcast may leave some areas without a radio broadcast.
BBC confirms Radio 4 Long Wave to shut down after 90 years
The BBC has confirmed that Radio 4’s Long Wave (LW) service will be closing later in 2026.
Explaining the move, it said that the system that operated the LW technology is "reaching the end of its life".
A statement added: "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."
Before the service ends, Radio 4 listeners will receive at least two months’ notice.
On-air reminders will also be broadcast daily to "help everyone switch to other ways of listening".
Following the decision, a petition has been launched in an attempt to save the service, which already has thousands of signatures.
It said: "BBC Radio has been broadcasting on longwave for over a century, covering most of the UK and northern Europe from a single transmitter in Droitwich for 91 years.
"This radio frequency uniquely travels practically unimpeded across the country and provides a vital radio link in areas where reception of other signals and internet coverage is poor.
"Because only one transmitter is needed, the cost of providing this service is tiny.
"Not everyone is able to access digital or internet radio and longwave remains the most reliable way of receiving the BBC in any place at any time.
"It is also much better for the environment, as longwave receivers require far less power than digital radios, computers and mobile phones."
"We call upon the BBC to cancel these plans to scrap Radio 4 longwave, and to continue to provide this essential and historic radio lifeline for as long as possible."
One supported who signed said the decision to close down the service is "criminal".
They added: "not everyone can receive DAB as clearly as LW. It is a very spiteful move by the BBC who clearly have not done any proper research into how valuable this service is to many, many people.
"Any valve radio enthusiast such as myself will be left with nothing other than ornaments."
How to listen to Radio 4 after Long Wave service shuts down
There are several ways to continue listening to Radio 4 after its Long Wave (LW) service close.
The first is to retune your radio from LW to FM if there is an option, and once on FM, re-scan to search for available stations.
If you cannot find the station you want, you can manually tune by turning the tuning dial or using the + / – buttons to move to a specific frequency.
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Radio 4 can also be listened to on DAB Radio, where you can look for the Radio 4 station.
Alternatively, you may have to Scan, AutoTune or Update Stations.
You can find Radio 4 on FM or DAB on your car radio, on your TV via Freeview, Satellite and Cable, and on BBC Sounds.
Most smart/connected TVs that support BBC iPlayer support the BBC Sounds app.
Will you miss BBC Radio 4 Long Wave when it shuts down? Let us know in the comments.
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