Less than 100 stations across Europe still broadcast services on AM
The latest wave of BBC local radio medium wave transmitter closures will take place at the end of this month.
The shut down will affect BBC Radio Guernsey and BBC Radio Jersey, though both stations will continue to be available on FM, DAB and via BBC Sounds.
The BBC says the latest shut downs follow declining audience numbers on Medium Wave, with listeners preferring the audio quality of other services.
Manx Radio continues to offer medium wave transmissions, though the station has been running a DAB pilot over the past three years.Â
AM or medium wave services have been in steady decline across Europe for nearly two decades, with the UK and countries in Eastern Europe among relatively few to still provide medium wave options.
It’s thought less than 100 stations across the Continent still broadcast services on AM.
The wavelength has been used since the 1950s and medium wave audiences are generally among older age groups.
But it seems the frequency that’s crackled, popped and faded across the airwaves since the arrival of rock and pop may soon die on the altar of digital clarity.
Manx Radio’s Programme Controller Alex Brindley says the trial of DAB services has proven successful, and may even prove vital:
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