Only a handful of the specially-crafted glass valves needed to keep the BBC transmitting station in Worcestershire operational remain in working order. The Government wants the BBC to push ahead with AM switch-off to save licence fee-payers money on transmission costs. “It also has a rather unique place in Britain’s creative arts, and has inspired music, poetry and artworks of all kinds.” Its utility might fade but the BBC will retain the Shipping Forecast, famed for its musical introduction “Sailing By” and evocative list of locations such as Dogger and German Bight, because of its soothing presence for landlubbers.Ī spokesman said: “The Shipping Forecast has long been a much loved part of the regular Radio 4 schedule, giving listeners moments of calm in their day.” The planned information campaign will tell seafarers how to access the broadcasts. International law requires mariners to have a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) terminal capable of receiving Maritime Safety Information (MSI), such as navigational and meteorological warnings, throughout their voyage.Ī new satellite service called Iridium Safet圜astSM, that can broadcast weather warnings and send and receive distress signals from vessels anywhere in the world, has been approved for use in the UK’s maritime area by the MCA. BBC Four and CBBC TV channels to end in 'digital-first' plan that will cut 1,000 jobs 26 May, 2022 Ofcom threaten to rewrite BBC operating licence over local radio cuts 30 November, 2022 Threat to BBC future as viewers ditch licence fee and children flock to streaming rivals 12 July, 2022Ī date for long wave switch off is being discussed with the MCA, which is responsible for the safety of seafarers off the UK mainland.Īlthough the UK is one of the last countries in the world to still operate a long wave service, and most ships now carry digital GPS technology, an unknown number of vessels, ranging from older fishing boats and small pleasure ships, still rely on long wave signals.

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