The UK’s Greatest Hits Radio, operated by Bauer, is set to turn off more AM signals as part of the broadcaster’s ongoing shift to digital broadcasting. The AM transmitters in Newcastle and South Yorkshire, along with Downtown Radio in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, and seven more northern cities will be shut down by year’s end.
Listeners are currently being informed through messages broadcast after each top-of-hour news bulletin, advising them to retune to digital platforms to continue accessing the service. Bauer’s digital transformation strategy has led to the shutting down of other AM frequencies previously carrying Absolute Radio, a move which resulted in a £25,000 fine. Despite these changes, all services will remain accessible via digital platforms.
This trend of transitioning from AM broadcasting in the UK is not exclusive to Bauer. Global is also in the process of shutting down its AM services, while the BBC plans to soon discontinue BBC Radio 5 Live on AM and BBC Radio 4 on Long Wave.
