June 2026, BBC shuts down long wave radio service after almost a century

The BBC permanently switched off its long wave radio service (used by Radio 4) after nearly 100 years, citing aging technology and the high cost of maintaining a platform used by a shrinking audience. The corporation says programming will continue on FM, DAB and digital platforms and that it will work with organisations supporting vulnerable listeners to ease the transition. Campaigners warned the closure removes a resilient national broadcast channel relied upon by remote communities, mariners and some older listeners; the move reflects a broader strategy to prioritise digital services and to reallocate investment toward modern platforms.