The BBC has permanently closed its long-wave radio service, ending almost 100 years of broadcasting. Presenter Al Ryan delivered an emotional farewell during the final shipping forecast on June 27, 2026, marking the end of an era for listeners who relied on the iconic technology.
Final sign-off marks end of an era
Ryan addressed listeners at the end of the broadcast: "Well, before we leave you tonight, I just wanted to take a moment to mark the end of an era. For almost a century, long-wave transmitters have carried the BBC across the airwaves, from the iconic Droitwich transmitting station in Worcestershire to Westerglen in Falkirk in Scotland. Although the long-wave signal is fading into history this morning, the memories and connections it created will endure forever. We shall miss your warmth and crackle."
He concluded: "Well that's it from me, Al Ryan, and all of us here at Broadcasting House. If you have been, thanks for listening. Have a safe, quiet and peaceful night. Goodnight." The national anthem played before the signal fell silent permanently.
Technology reaches end of life
The BBC confirmed the long-wave service was closing because the technology powering it had "reached the end of its life". Listeners who depended on long-wave transmission were urged to switch to alternative methods, such as digital radio or online streaming. The Droitwich transmitting station, which had been in operation for nearly a century, was one of the key sites affected.
Emotional reaction from listeners
Following the broadcast, Ryan took to X/Twitter, posting: "The end of an era - After almost a century we said goodbye this morning to our great companion of the airwaves Radio 4 198 LW. I shall miss her warmth and crackle." Listeners shared their memories online. One wrote: "A sad day in the history of analogue radio. It was listening to BBC Radio 4 on LW as a child that gave me my love of radio. The warm tones and the odd crackle will be missed by many. RIP Radio 4 LW." Another recalled: "I remember tuning into Radio 4 on LW on my old radio (only had SW, MW & LW channels) while searching for European and Pirate Radio stations. Such poor quality sound but the best I could get at that time."
Legacy of long-wave broadcasting
The BBC's long-wave service began in the 1920s and became a staple for listeners across the UK, particularly for the shipping forecast, which provided vital weather information for mariners. The service's closure marks the end of an era in British broadcasting, as the BBC continues to transition to digital platforms. The final moments of the broadcast were captured by cameras, showing a visibly moved Ryan in the studio after the signal went silent.
