FM\MW\LW Radio

What is Medium Wave (MW) & Long Wave (LW) Radio?

Jane.Frydenlund — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 14:04:20 +0000

What is Medium Wave (MW) & Long Wave (LW) Radio? Jane.Frydenlund 30 January 2019

AM, which stands for Amplitude Modulation (AM) is the oldest radio broadcasting system in the UK. The term AM is commonly used to cover both Medium Wave (MW) and Long Wave (LW). All AM radio stations broadcast in mono.

The �鶹�� broadcasts various radio services on AM, including Radio 5 Live and many local and nations radio services. It only broadcasts Radio 4 on LW.

Receiving MW and LW services

Radio 4 LW can be received across most of the UK on 198kHz. To see what MW services are available where you live, you will need to use our Transmitter Checker tool.

All AM radio services are broadcast in mono and, unlike FM services, they do not carry travel or programme information.

MW and LW aerials

If you are using a portable radio, you do not need to extend the telescopic aerial, as that is only for FM services. For AM and LW the aerial is normally built in to the radio itself. To improve reception, the whole radio needs to be rotated to get the best signal. If you have a hi-fi, wire loop aerials can normally be attached.

Night-time reception

Owing to the physics of how AM signals travel, reception is often worse at night.

What is FM Radio?

Vivien.Stuart-Mossop — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 08:25:38 +0000

What is FM Radio? Vivien.Stuart-Mossop 24 October 2018

FM, which stands for Frequency Modulation, is one of the radio broadcasting systems in the UK. FM uses frequencies from 87.5 MHz to 108MHz.

The �鶹�� broadcasts a number of UK-wide network services e.g. Radio 1 and Radio 4. We also broadcast Nations' services, e.g. Radio Scotland, as well as local services, such as Radio Bristol in FM. All FM services are broadcast in stereo and we can carry additional service data within the broadcast.

Receiving FM Services

The �鶹�� network services are available to about 99% of the UK population. Nations and local services are broadcast to relevant areas. To see which FM services are available where you live, use our Transmitter checker tool.

Portable FM Radios

If you are using a portable FM radio it is likely to have a built-in telescopic aerial. Extend the aerial as much as possible for the best reception. If you are experiencing difficulties with your FM radio, see our FM radio help guide.

Hi-fi Systems

Hi-fi systems with an FM tuner usually have a wire or T-shaped ribbon cable as an aerial.

Outside Aerials

A normal television aerial can, to some extent, be used to receive FM radio signals. Most people will not need an outside aerial. For those who do, a specific FM aerial will be the best answer. See our page on aerials for more information.

Travel information

With FM radio, you have the option to listen to local travel reports from other �鶹�� radio services as and when they are broadcast. Only car radios normally give this option.

What type of radio aerial do I need?

Jane.Frydenlund — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 13:00:15 +0000

What type of radio aerial do I need? Jane.Frydenlund 19 March 2019

To access most radio services you need an aerial. These can vary between built-in, indoor and external and they are different depending on the platform. This guide gives a simple overview of the different aerials available.

FM Radio

The most common FM radio aerial on a portable radio is a telescopic one. To get the best reception extend the aerial fully and move the aerial and radio around until you get the best reception. If using a hi-fi with a wire aerial, again extend as much as possible to get the best signal.

External aerials are also available for FM radio and will significantly improve reception. The aerial and cables need to be well maintained and you will need a radio that has an option to connect an external aerial.

AM Radio

A radio which can tune to medium and long wave services usually has an aerial built in, which you cannot see. As the aerial is directional, by simply turning the radio you will be able to get the best reception. AM does not use the telescopic aerial.

Some hi-fi’s have external AM aerials that tend to look like many wires wound around a plastic loop. This needs to be rotated to find the best signal.

DAB radio

You need to have a suitable DAB aerial to receive DAB services. Portable DAB radios will usually have a telescopic one, but if you are retro-fitting a DAB radio into a car, you may need to add a DAB aerial.

External aerials are also available for DAB and will significantly improve reception. The aerial and cables need to be well maintained and you need a radio with the option to connect an external aerial. Unlike the other services, all the predictions of DAB coverage are for indoor coverage.

DAB, FM and AM aerial examples

What is a good FM radio installation?

Vivien.Stuart-Mossop — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:01:54 +0000

What is a good FM radio installation? Vivien.Stuart-Mossop 18 January 2019

FM (frequency modulation) is one method used to broadcast radio. It is also sometimes called VHF (Very High Frequency). It uses frequencies from 87.5 MHz to 108MHz and these are the numbers you tune your radio into.

Many things can affect your reception so it is important to have a good installation or, if using a portable radio, the best possible positioning.

Location

A portable radio should be positioned near a window and it is important to keep the radio away from radiators and refrigerators.

Aerials

If using a telescopic aerial make sure it is pulled up fully and try moving the aerial around to get the best signal.

If using a loft aerial it will only work well if you have a good signal and the loft is free of clutter.

For the best reception mount an aerial outdoors, as high as possible. Keep the aerial away from other aerials and at least 30 inches away from any metal. Avoid pointing towards nearby trees.

Qualified Installer

The �鶹�� cannot recommend individual installers. The CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) is a recognised trade body which will be able to put you in touch with one of its members in your area.

Effect of tropospheric ducting on radio

Jane.Frydenlund — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 13:17:15 +0000

Effect of tropospheric ducting on radio Jane.Frydenlund 28 March 2019

When a radio signal is broadcast from a transmitter, some of it disappears upwards into space and is lost. However, during certain weather conditions, the “lost” signal can be bent back towards earth and received much further away than normal. Potentially, this signal can travel great distances - up to many hundreds of miles.

This is known as tropospheric ducting and it can distort, or prevent radio reception.

What causes tropospheric ducting?

Normally, the higher you go into the atmosphere, the colder it is. However, high pressure can cause a temperature inversion. This is where a layer of air in the troposphere will be at a higher temperature than the layer below it. Some of the radio signals from a transmitter bounce back towards the ground and potentially up again. The inversion effectively creates a duct for signals to travel along.

Example showing tropospheric ducting

When does it happen?

Tropospheric ducting is relatively common during summer months and especially during evenings in periods of stable and fine weather. It tends to happen when we have very hot days followed by rapid cooling at night. This is why it is common near the coast.

When we are aware of this happening, we will put up a news item on Works and Warnings.

What effect does it have?

As the signals can travel further afield it can become possible to receive services you can’t normally get. Your aerial can pick up the signals from distant transmitters as well as signals from your local one or, if the signal is very strong, you will pick up the more distant radio service.

If they are on the same frequency, it can cause co-channel interference. This will cause a temporary loss of reception or two radio services to be heard at the same time. These additional signals can sometimes cause problems with relay transmitters in our network.

How long does it last?

This is hard to estimate as there are many variables that cause tropospheric ducting. It often appears at the same time on consecutive days and then can disappear for several months at a time.

What should you do?

When this happens there is nothing you can do but to wait until the weather changes. You should not re-tune your radio.

Troubleshooting FM radio

Vivien.Stuart-Mossop — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:04:59 +0000

Troubleshooting FM radio Vivien.Stuart-Mossop 18 January 2019

FM Radio reception problems can be caused by many things. It is often a process of elimination to find the cause.

First, check whether it is a reception problem by checking your own installation, or whether there are any external problems such as faults in the network or weather.

Certain sounds, such as sibilance, whistling, twittering, popping, hissing, buzzing or clicking can point to a particular problem. Some may indicate the problem is being caused by an interfering signal.

Basic Installation
It is important to check your installation is working properly and that your radio is in the best possible position. We have a basic installation guide to help you with this.
Works and warnings
Check whether there are any known works or warnings that may be causing the problem.
Transmitter faults and frequencies
Use our Transmitter Checker to check the transmitter is not undergoing any work and to see which FM radio services you can receive from your location.
Hi-Fi radios
If you are using a Hi-Fi tuner and stereo reception is hissy, but mono is fine, your aerial may not be powerful enough. You may need to consider a loft or external aerial to solve your reception problem.
Weather
FM radio signals can be affected by fine weather including high pressure and the only solution is to wait for the weather to change, you should not re-tune during this time. Our information on how clear skies and fine weather can affect your radio reception may be useful, please see our Weather Guide.
Pirate Radio
In some urban areas Pirate Radio can be a problem. The regulator, Ofcom, deals with Pirate Radio and you can report it using the Pirate Radio form on the Ofcom website.
Distorted S and Z sounds (sibilance)
This can happen when your radio receives more than one signal. The second signal is picked up by the radio moments after the first. For example you receive one signal directly from the transmitter and another is being reflected off a nearby hill. Try moving the radio or tuning to a different frequency.
Twittering and whistling
This often sounds like birds tweeting and happens if there is another frequency being transmitted near the one you are listening to. This can commonly be caused by high pressure when, during fine weather, radio signals can travel much further than normal. These signals can be both UK and foreign stations. There is nothing that can be done and the problem will go away when the weather changes.
Hissing and fading
This normally means that the signal you are receiving is not strong enough. See our guide on Hissing and Fading.
Buzzing, clicking and pops
This may mean an electrical item in your home or nearby, is interfering with the reception of your FM radio and is causing the buzzing, clicking or pops you can hear. See our guide on Buzzing and Clicking. If you are still having problems see our sister site Radio and Television Investigation Service (RTIS) for further information.
Distortion - fuzzy, gritty, scratchy sound
This is commonly caused by the FM signals being bounced off objects or hillsides and reaching your radio by different paths. Its technical name is multipath distortion. It is often worst in hilly or heavily built-up areas. Indoor portables are especially susceptible.
Distorted sound can also occur if your radio is off-tune. This can increasingly happen if your batteries are beginning to fail. Ensure your radio is correctly tuned-in, and check that your batteries are in good condition, or use mains power.
Humming
If you are hearing a hum it is often linked to an issue with your mains adapter. You may need to check that all parts of your receiving system are fully earthed.

What to do
If your radio is a portable, try moving the aerial to different angles. You could also try a different position in the room. Window sills and high shelves are good places for radios; avoid putting them close to radiators or electronic equipment such as computers, mobile/cordless phones or TV sets.

The telescopic aerial fitted to stereo portables is a compromise and the radio will often only give really good results if connected to an external aerial. If that’s not possible, switch to mono as it will usually sound better. Some sets do this automatically.
Make sure you are tuned to the best frequency for your area, as you can often pick up more than one signal. Use our Transmitter Checker to find the best frequencies for your location.
Qualified Installer
The �鶹�� cannot recommend individual installers. The CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) is a recognised trade body which can put you in touch with one of its members in your area.

FM and AM Radio Frequencies

Jane.Frydenlund — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 14:00:32 +0000

FM and AM Radio Frequencies Jane.Frydenlund 02 June 2020

Below is a list of all the �鶹��'s radio services that are available on FM and AM. We have listed the frequency ranges, if you want to know the exact frequency for your location then use our transmitter checker tool.

All these radio services are can also be found on �鶹�� Sounds along with �鶹��'s digital-only radio services.

National

Radio station	Frequency
Radio 1	97-99 FM
Radio 2	88-91 FM
Radio 3	90-93 FM
Radio 4	92-95 FM, 103-105 FM (with local variations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) 198 LW
Radio 5 Live	909/693 MW
Asian Network	East Midlands - 837 MW West Midlands - 1458/828 MW Derbyshire - 1116 MW (7pm-1am) Peterborough/North Cambridgeshire - 1449 MW

Nations

Radio Station	Frequencies
�鶹�� Radio Scotland	92-95 FM, 810 MW
Radio nan Gàidheal	103-105 FM
Radio Ulster	92-95 FM
Radio Foyle	93.1 FM
Radio Wales	93-104 FM
Radio Cymru	92-105 FM

Local Radio

Radio Station	Frequencies
�鶹�� Radio Berkshire	Henley-on-Thames - 94.6 FM Windsor - 95.4 FM Hannington - 104.1 FM Reading - 104.4 FM
�鶹�� Radio Bristol	Dundry - 94.9 FM Bath - 104.6 FM Weston-Super-Mare - 103.6 FM
�鶹�� Radio Cambridgeshire	Peterborough - 95.7 FM Cambridge - 96.0 FM
�鶹�� Radio Cornwall	East Cornwall - 95.2 FM Isles of Scilly - 96.0 FM West Cornwall - 103.9 FM
�鶹�� Coventry & Warwickshire	94.8 FM, 103.7 FM, 104 FM
�鶹�� Radio Cumbria	North, East and West Cumbria - 95.6 FM South Cumbria - 96.1 FM Whitehaven, Keswick - 104.1 FM Kendal - 95.2 FM Windermere - 104.2 FM
�鶹�� Radio Derby	95.3 FM, 96 FM, 104.5 FM
�鶹�� Radio Devon	North Hessary Tor - 103.4 FM Barnstaple - 94.8 FM Plymouth - 95.7 FM Exeter - 95.8 FM Okehampton - 96.0 FM 104.3 FM in Torbay and the South Hams
�鶹�� Essex	95.3 FM, 103.5 FM
�鶹�� Radio Gloucestershire	Gloucester - 104.7 FM Stroud - 95.0 FM Cirencester - 95.8 FM
�鶹�� Radio Guernsey	93.2 FM, 99.0 FM 1116 MW
�鶹�� Hereford & Worcester	Herefordshire - 94.7 FM Worcestershire - 104 FM Redditch - 104.4 FM Wyre Forest - 104.6 FM
�鶹�� Radio Humberside	95.9 FM
�鶹�� Radio Jersey	88.8 FM
�鶹�� Radio Kent	West Kent - 96.7 FM Folkestone - 97.6 FM East Kent - 104.2 FM
�鶹�� Radio Lancashire	95.5 FM, 103.9 FM, 104.5 FM
�鶹�� Radio Leeds	92.4 FM, 95.3 FM, 102.7 FM, 103.9 FM
�鶹�� Radio Leicester	104.9 FM
�鶹�� Radio Lincolnshire	Belmont - 94.9 FM Grantham - 104.7 FM
�鶹�� London	94.9 FM
�鶹�� Radio Manchester	95.1 FM, 104.6 FM
�鶹�� Radio Merseyside	95.8 FM
�鶹�� Newcastle	95.4 FM, 96 FM, 103.7 FM, 104.4 FM
�鶹�� Radio Norfolk	East Norfolk - 95.1 FM North Norfolk - 95.6 FM West Norfolk - 104.4 FM
�鶹�� Radio Northampton	104.2 FM, 103.6 FM
�鶹�� Radio Nottingham	95.1 FM, 95.5 FM, 103.8 FM 1584 MW
�鶹�� Radio Oxford	95.2 FM
�鶹�� Radio Sheffield	88.6 FM, 94.7 FM, 104.1 FM
�鶹�� Radio Shropshire	Shropshire - 96 FM Ludlow - 95 FM Clun - 104.1 FM Church Stretton - 90 FM
�鶹�� Radio Solent	Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and East Dorset - 96.1 FM West Dorset - 103.8 FM
�鶹�� Somerset	95.5 FM
�鶹�� Radio Stoke	94.6 FM, 104.1 FM
�鶹�� Radio Suffolk	Ipswich - 103.9 FM West Suffolk - 104.6 FM Lowestoft - 95.5 FM Aldeburgh - 95.9 FM
�鶹�� Surrey	104 FM, 104.6 FM
�鶹�� Sussex	95.3 FM, 104.5 FM, 104.8 FM
�鶹�� Radio Tees	95 FM, 95.8 FM
�鶹�� Three Counties Radio	90.4FM, 92.1FM, 94.7FM, 95.5 FM, 98FM, 103.8 FM, 104.5 FM
�鶹�� Wiltshire	103.5 FM, 104.3 FM, 104.9 FM
�鶹�� WM 95.6	95.6 FM
�鶹�� Radio York	95.5 FM, 103.7 FM, 104.3FM

All FM frequencies displayed are in MHz. MW frequencies are in kHz.

FM Radio in the car

Vivien.Stuart-Mossop — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:23:15 +0000

FM Radio in the car Vivien.Stuart-Mossop 18 January 2019

The FM radio reception in your car can be affected while travelling.  When driving through an area with a poor signal, the reception can deteriorate. Once you have moved away from that area, your signal strength should return. 

Turning the Radio Data System (RDS) on will help your car radio find the best signal for the service you are listening to.

Fading and Hissing

If you normally can receive a service, but you are now finding it is fading in and out, or you can hear hissing, this could be down to one of three things. The first is a fault with the local FM transmitter. Secondly, if you know your location, you can use our transmitter checker to see whether there is a problem. Thirdly, if not, then you will need to check the radio and aerial to confirm they are both working properly.

Interference

Poor FM reception can also be caused by equipment used in the vehicle. For example, phone chargers or dash cams sometimes cause interference and affect your radio signal. Try unplugging the items to see if one of them is causing any interference.

Reception in Tunnels

Depending on the specific tunnel and station, Radio reception can cut out or be lost when driving through tunnels. If the tunnel is deep, the radio waves will not reach into the centre, so your radio cuts out. Some tunnels are fitted with signal distribution systems both for FM and DAB so the signal will not be lost while in the tunnel. Or it could be “To help maintain the radio signals within the tunnel”

Tuning

Most FM car radios have a Radio Data System (RDS) built in. We use the RDS to ‘tell’ your radio if there is a better or stronger frequency for the radio service you are listening to, as you travel around. However, if you are using a frequency, you have preset and there is no radio service on that frequency in your location, then the RDS may not work. At that point you will need to tune your radio until you find a signal.

Aerials

If you are having continuous reception problems, check your car aerial for damage. If you have an extendable aerial, make sure it is fully extended to give the best possible reception.

Local Radio Travel News

The RDS system is set up to detect local radio travel news. The way to turn traffic announcements on and off on varies between radios. Check your car manual for yours.

How to Retune Your Radio & How to Keep Listening After MW closures

Jane.Frydenlund — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:45:03 +0000

How to Retune Your Radio & How to Keep Listening After MW closures Jane.Frydenlund 12 February 2026

Medium Wave (MW) services are closing in many areas, but you can still enjoy your favourite stations in several easy ways. This helpguide explains how to retune your radio and the best alternatives to MW listening.

1. Retuning Your Radio

Listening on FM and Retuning

If the scan doesn’t find the station you want, you can manually tune by turning the tuning dial or using the + / – buttons to move to a specific frequency.
FM radios have a Scan or Auto‑Tune button. Pressing it will search for all available stations and store them automatically.

Listening on DAB and Retuning

On DAB radios, retuning is often called Rescan.
Look for a menu option such as Rescan, Auto‑Tune, or Update Stations.
Select it, and the radio will search for all available DAB stations again.
Once complete, choose your station from the updated alphabetical list.

Car Radios

Many modern car radios update automatically.
If yours doesn’t, look for Auto‑Tune, Scan, or Update Stations in the radio menu.
If you’ve travelled far from home, a fresh scan helps pick up local transmitters.

2. Alternatives to MW Listening

There are several reliable ways to keep listening without MW.

FM Radio

Available on most radios and in all cars.
Offers clearer sound than MW and better coverage across the UK.

DAB/DAB+ Digital Radio

Provides more stations, clearer audio, and easy station selection by name.
Portable DAB radios are widely available for home and car use.

Radio on TV

You can listen to all �鶹�� network radio stations (e.g., �鶹�� Radio 2) on your television.
Digital‑only stations such as �鶹�� Radio 4 Extra are also available.
Depending on your TV platform, you may also find �鶹�� local or nations stations relevant to your area.
Simply select the channel number for the station you want.
- For example: �鶹�� Radio 4 Extra is on Freeview channel 708.

�鶹�� Sounds Website

Access �鶹�� Sounds through your computer, smartphone, or tablet web browser.
Offers live radio, catch‑up programmes, and exclusive content.

Smart Speakers

Ask your smart speaker to play your favourite �鶹�� radio station by name.
For more details, see the FAQ: Can I use �鶹�� Sounds on my Smart Speaker?

�鶹�� Sounds App for Your Television

Most connected TVs that support �鶹�� iPlayer also support the �鶹�� Sounds app.
For guidance, see the FAQ: How do I use �鶹�� Sounds on my TV?

Online Listening

Visit your station’s website and select Listen Live.
Works on computers, tablets, and smartphones.

What is a good Medium Wave & Long Wave Installation?

Vivien.Stuart-Mossop — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:32:12 +0000

What is a good Medium Wave & Long Wave Installation? Vivien.Stuart-Mossop 18 January 2019

AM (Amplitude Modulation) is a method of broadcasting radio and covers both Medium Wave (MW) and Long Wave (LW). Most AM radios have in-built aerials so the location of the radio is often the most critical factor for a good AM installation.

AM is the oldest method of broadcasting radio in use in the UK and is commonly used to describe both the medium wave (MW) and long wave (LW) bands.

AM reception is straightforward and no external aerials are needed; you can usually get some form of signal wherever you live.

Most AM radios are portable and reception is governed by its location in your home. Portable radios usually have the AM aerial built in; it is directional, so you need to turn the radio to get the best reception.

Hi-fi systems often have a plastic loop with a wire that you plug into a socket, or connect via terminals on the back of the system. Move the loop around until you find the best reception.

A portable radio should be positioned near a window and it is important to keep the radio away from radiators and refrigerators.

FM\MW\LW Radio

What is Medium Wave (MW) & Long Wave (LW) Radio?

What is FM Radio?

What type of radio aerial do I need?

FM Radio

What is a good FM radio installation?

Effect of tropospheric ducting on radio

Troubleshooting FM radio

Basic Installation

Works and warnings

Transmitter faults and frequencies

Hi-Fi radios

Weather

Pirate Radio

Distorted S and Z sounds (sibilance)

Twittering and whistling

Hissing and fading

Buzzing, clicking and pops

Distortion - fuzzy, gritty, scratchy sound

Humming

What to do

Qualified Installer

FM and AM Radio Frequencies

FM Radio in the car

Fading and Hissing

Interference

Reception in Tunnels

Tuning

Aerials

Local Radio Travel News

How to Retune Your Radio & How to Keep Listening After MW closures

What is a good Medium Wave & Long Wave Installation?