UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Absolute Radio to end AM transmissions on 23/01/23

hamid_1 · 8th Jan 2023, 9:13 pm

A few years back, Absolute Radio got permission from Ofcom to reduce the power of their AM transmitters. This was supposed to save money and keep the service commercially viable. Absolute Radio said at the time that the change would only affect a small number of listeners (<10%) so Ofcom approved it.

In May 2021 Absolute Radio stopped broadcasting on 105.8FM in London. It was replaced by Greatest Hits Radio on the same frequency, another station owned by the same group. In the weeks leading up to the switchover, Absolute Radio told affected listeners to get a DAB radio or listen online. There was no mention about being able to listen on 1215 AM despite the relatively strong signal in north London. It's clear they didn't want to promote their AM service.

Now I guess the AM audience has dwindled to the point where Absolute Radio don't consider it worth continuing.

It's sad news. Absolute Radio is one of the few AM stations I tune into, albeit only occasionally. At night it becomes difficult to listen to, due to an echo effect from multiple transmitters on the same frequency. This doesn't help to keep people listening on AM.

With BBC Radio 5 Live planning to cease AM transmissions soon, it's looking bleak for vintage radio enthusiasts.

8th Jan 2023, 9:13 pm	#18
hamid_1 Heptode Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: High Wycombe, Bucks. UK. Posts: 811	Re: Absolute Radio to end AM transmissions on 23/01/23 A few years back, Absolute Radio got permission from Ofcom to reduce the power of their AM transmitters. This was supposed to save money and keep the service commercially viable. Absolute Radio said at the time that the change would only affect a small number of listeners (<10%) so Ofcom approved it. In May 2021 Absolute Radio stopped broadcasting on 105.8FM in London. It was replaced by Greatest Hits Radio on the same frequency, another station owned by the same group. In the weeks leading up to the switchover, Absolute Radio told affected listeners to get a DAB radio or listen online. There was no mention about being able to listen on 1215 AM despite the relatively strong signal in north London. It's clear they didn't want to promote their AM service. Now I guess the AM audience has dwindled to the point where Absolute Radio don't consider it worth continuing. It's sad news. Absolute Radio is one of the few AM stations I tune into, albeit only occasionally. At night it becomes difficult to listen to, due to an echo effect from multiple transmitters on the same frequency. This doesn't help to keep people listening on AM. With BBC Radio 5 Live planning to cease AM transmissions soon, it's looking bleak for vintage radio enthusiasts.