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This was BBC Radio 4's last transmission on 198 kHz long wave, recorded on a Stella ST-458 in the early hours of 27th June 2026. This was a major event in broadcasting history as the transmitters at Droitwich, Westerglen and Burghead were being shut down.
This was received from a Sony XO-D3 with its headphone output going out into a Stella ST-458 tape recorder at 3.75 ips. The tape I used was 1800ft polyester on a 5 inch reel. I then digitised the tape into my computer via Audacity, and snipped a segment from it. There is a much more complete 1½ hour version of the recording in my files, which I shall upload to the Internet Archive.
Time flow: 0:00 - Shipping Forecast 10:33 - Closedown message 11:07 - National Anthem 11:49 - Greenwich Time Signal "pips" (NOTE: The sixth one is cut off) 11:59 - Looping announcement (this went on until approximately midday on 30th June 2026, when they shut the transmitters down)
BBC RADIO LONG WAVE 1925-2026 FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
