BBC Breakfast presenters Ben Thompson and Luxmy Gopal delivered the news on Saturday, June 27, marking the end of an era for BBC Radio 4's Long Wave service. The show included a segment on the historic final transmission, which prompted an appeal for viewers to share their memories.
Historic Final Broadcast
Luxmy Gopal introduced the segment: "We are marking a piece of broadcasting history now because early this morning after more than 90 years in operation BBC Radio 4 was transmitted on Long Wave for the last time." Ben Thompson, 44, added: "It was revolutionary technology because of the vast distances that that signal could reach. It carried things like important war messages, it brought remote listeners everywhere from things like Shipping Forecast to Test Match Special."
Video Package and Emotional Farewell
A video package featured the final Shipping Forecast on Radio 4 Long Wave, where the announcer told audiences: "I just wanted to take a moment to mark the end of an era. For almost a century, the Long Wave transmitters have carried the BBC across the airwaves. Although the Long Wave signal is fading into history this morning, the memories and connection it created will endure forever." After the video, Luxmy remarked: "Yeah, end of an era."
Viewer Appeal and Personal Memories
Ben then appealed to viewers: "It really is. Send us your thoughts if you remember particularly listening to longwave radio, as we said particularly because it carries such long distances." He shared his own memories: "We were just talking about Long Wave radio 252. I wasn't listening to the Shipping Forecast when I was younger but I was listening to pop music on 252 because it was European stations that could then broadcast really long distances, it then became various different things, but it was late 80s to the early 2000s." When Luxmy asked about his earliest recollections, he said: "With headphones on with a little Walkman in bed when I was supposed to be asleep! Long Wave radio 252 - it was great."
Historical Significance of the Transmitters
The Long Wave transmitters tower 700ft (213m) above the Worcestershire landscape and have been operational since 1934. They broadcast the signal nationwide and relayed crucial communications during World War Two. The Wychbold Masts are visible for miles and are used as a reference point for motorists on the M5 near Droitwich. Heritage specialists and the Twentieth Century Society have campaigned for listed status, citing their "historical importance." Droitwich was chosen as a central site so Long Wave could reach every corner of the UK.
