As dedicated radio enthusiasts, we have witnessed the slow disappearance of medium-wave (MW) transmitters across Europe, which has been a deeply unsettling trend. On April 1, the BBC made a significant move by shutting down the last nine transmitters. That had carried BBC Radio 4 on AM, marking a poignant moment in broadcasting history. This decision is part of a broader strategy that began in January 2018, aimed at phasing out AM transmitters for local stations, with plans to abandon the band entirely by 2027. Let's delve into the story; Medium Wave Radio in Europe is Quite desperate to discover more.

The BBC and Beyond: A Broad Trend

The BBC's decision is not an isolated case. British commercial broadcasters have also been turning off their AM transmitters. Bauer Media, for instance, no longer operates any AM stations. The United Kingdom remains the last stronghold of AM transmission in Europe, yet its days seem numbered.

In the last 15 years, many European countries have disconnected their AM services: Austria in 2008 and Switzerland in 2010. And also Ireland in 2012, Germany in 2015, Belarus in 2016, Albania in 2017, and Belgium in 2018. Today, fewer than 100 AM services remain active across the continent.

The Legacy and Decline of Medium Wave in Europe

Medium-wave radio is known for its ability to cover vast distances. It was the dominant way Europeans listened to radio until the 1980s. But the landscape has dramatically changed. In Spain, AM was overtaken by FM in 1985, online radio in 2013, and radio through TV sets in 2021. Currently, only half a million Spaniards listen to AM daily, accounting for just 1.2% of the population over 13 years old.

A significant factor in this decline is that AM often served as a simulcast channel for FM services, making it less attractive. FM and digital platforms offer a broader array of content with better sound quality, leaving AM behind.

Moreover, fewer new radios come equipped with AM tuners, and electric vehicles often exclude AM receivers due to interference issues. AM’s high-power transmitters also lead to expensive energy bills, making the cost per listener unsustainable as the audience shrinks. Additionally, there are growing concerns about the carbon footprint of AM transmitters.

A Glimmer of Resistance

Despite these challenges, AM radio persists in some European markets, such as Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Spain. However, even in these regions, major broadcasters have reduced transmission power, indicating a decline in listener interest.

A Global Perspective

While Europe leads the exodus from AM, the band still holds significance in other parts of the world. In Australia, AM radio remains crucial due to its broad coverage, particularly in rural areas. Argentina’s top radio stars continue to broadcast on AM, and the United States had 4,427 licensed AM services as of March 31, serving over 82 million listeners monthly.

However, the signs of decline are evident even in these strongholds. Argentina's AM station ratings are falling. In Australia, many regional stations have switched to FM, reducing AM's weekly reach from 30% in 2019 to 23% in 2023. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission's 2015 AM Revitalization Plan aimed to sustain AM licensees rather than enhance the network itself. The Senate is currently debating a bill to require all new vehicles to include an AM tuner, highlighting ongoing concerns about the band’s future.

Medium Wave Radio in Europe Is The End of an Era?

Despite AM's enduring importance in some regions, Europe's abandonment of the band suggests a global trend: AM radio is slowly fading into the background after nearly a century of use. As a radio enthusiast, I believe this shift is not just a technical evolution but a cultural one. The medium that once connected millions across vast distances is now becoming a relic of the past.

The quiet demise of medium-wave radio in Europe marks the end of an era. As we bid farewell to this once-dominant broadcasting medium, we must also acknowledge the new radio and digital broadcasting frontiers that continue to shape our listening experiences.

References

Medium wave’s sunset in Europe By David Fernández Quijada on July 08, 2024, on RedTech Web Portal

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