Long wave: closed

BBC Radio 4's long wave service on 198 kHz closed on 27 June 2026, as announced (RSGB); a retune message ran until the final switch-off on 30 June (Wikipedia). For decades it was the fallback many people relied on in emergencies. If your radio only has long wave, it no longer brings BBC news.

Local medium wave: ending in 2026

The BBC began closing local medium wave transmitters in 2011. The last five English services, in Cumbria, Derby, Gloucestershire, Norfolk and Somerset, close by the end of 2026 (WorldDAB, 29 September 2026). Most local listening is now on FM, DAB, BBC Sounds and smart speakers.

Station	Medium wave still listed	Status
BBC Radio Cumbria	756 and 837 kHz	Closing by end of 2026
BBC Radio Derby	1116 kHz	Closing by end of 2026
BBC Radio Gloucestershire	1413 kHz	Closing by end of 2026
BBC Radio Norfolk (West Norfolk)	873 kHz	Closing by end of 2026
BBC Radio Somerset	1566 kHz	Closing by end of 2026

Frequencies from each station's published details and the British DX Club's UK medium wave list.

Radio 5 Live and the nations

BBC Radio 5 Live's medium wave transmitters (693, 909 and 990 kHz) are being switched off one by one, with several closed in 2026 (Wikipedia). BBC Radio Scotland (810 kHz) and BBC Radio Wales (882 kHz) were still on medium wave when we checked.

What to do

If your radio has FM, you are fine: retune to your local FM frequency. If it has only long or medium wave, it is time for a new set with FM; see what to look for.