Absolute Radio To Reduce Its Medium Wave (AM) Coverage In The UK

Ofcom has today published a consultation on a proposed variation to Absolute Radio’s national analogue radio licence.

Absolute Radio is seeking to reduce its medium wave (AM) coverage across the UK, from 90% to 85%.

The station would continue to be available to listeners in the affected areas via DAB digital radio, via television on the Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media platforms, and via the internet.

Through a combination of closing some transmitter sites and reducing the transmitting
power at others, Absolute Radio has proposed a reduction in the coverage of its AM
network from 90.5% of the UK adult population to 85.4%, which would take effect from
May 2018.

Absolute Radio has made these proposals in the context of declining listening to AM radio
and increasing transmission costs and noted that, if it is not able to make these changes, it
may have to consider shutting down Absolute Radio’s entire AM network and surrendering
its national licence.

Ofcom are now seeking views from interested or affected parties which must be submitted by 26 February 2018. We will take all responses into account before reaching a final decision.