RTE Radio 1 Medium Wave - Important Changes from 24 March 2008
RTÉ's Medium Wave service will close on the 24th of March 2008.
Medium Wave listeners will need to retune their radios to FM or LW.
What is happening to Medium Wave (MW)?
- On March 24, 2008 RTÉ's MW broadcast will close down.
- RTÉ Radio 1 will no longer be available on Medium Wave from this date.
- Medium Wave listeners should retune to RTÉ Radio 1 on FM.
- MW programme options such as sport and religious services will still be available on alternative platforms, including Long Wave 252.
What does this mean for me?
If you're a Medium Wave listener, you will need to retune to FM or LW 252.
How do I know which band I am currently listening on?
Check the band switch or letters on the display on your radio. It will be marked with frequency options including some of the following: FM, LW, MW.
Why not retune during a programme you know - That way you'll be sure you have found the right station.
What if I have a MW only radio?
While some older radios may only be able to receive medium wave, the vast majority will also be able to pick up FM or LW frequencies. However, if you only have access to a medium wave only radio, please contact NCBI for assistance on 1850 33 43 53.
Remember, there may be a friend or neighbour who could use your help in retuning their radio.
Why is this service closing?
- RTÉ's Medium Wave (MW) service has given great service and brought the world into homes all over the country since 1926.
- Listeners first began to leave Medium Wave when the dynamic sound of FM was introduced in the 1970s.
- More than 90% of listeners now listen to RTÉ Radio 1 on FM.
- There is currently, considerable duplication across RTÉ Radio 1's three national platforms, FM, LW, and MW.
- As technology has changed, MW broadcasting has become increasingly inefficient and out of date; with poor quality reception and audio. Today, Medium Wave is inconsistent with environmental best practice and represents poor value for money.
RTÉ Radio1 is available on nationwide stereo FM and Long Wave (LW) 252 and on a variety of other platforms such as satellite television. These services are not affected by this closure.