Dear all,

Thank you for signing the petition to Keep BBC Radio 4 Longwave. In recent weeks there have been further developments, with both good and bad news.

On a positive note, the BBC has delayed its planned closure of longwave transmissions until at least March 2025. This is because the 'radio teleswitching' signal broadcast inaudibly on longwave is still required to switch heaters on and off, due to a delay in the role out of 'smart meters'. The BBC has said that it is likely that Radio 4 Longwave will continue to broadcast during this time.

This is great news, and means that we may have longer than we thought to continue the campaign to keep longwave, and gather support. Please continue to spread the word and encourage others to sign the petition.

However, the BBC still plans to withdraw longwave transmissions in the near future, and for that reason is ceasing the separate longwave schedule from Monday, 1st April. 'Daily Service' and 'Yesterday in Parliament' have until now been longwave-only, and will be moved to digital-only, not available on Radio 4 LW or FM.  The final longwave 'opt-out' will take place tomorrow, Sunday 31st March, with the midday Shipping Forecast at 12.00. This Shipping Forecast will be scrapped entirely on weekdays from 1st April. You may wish to tune in to a longwave-only programme for the last time!

With best wishes for the coming Easter season,

Tobias