Absolute Radio threaten AM shutdown

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Philip
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The latest RAJAR radio ratings survey says that 49.9% of radio listening is digital, just under the 50% threshold to begin plans for a digital radio switchover. (Though in the current political climate it'd probably be far down any politican's list)

On the back of that Absolute Radio have threatened to shut down their entire AM service unless Ofcom meet their demands, which I doubt will be refused.
Absolute Radio proposes two steps – the first to reduce the power at 5 major AM sites by 3dB, and step two, to close 12 small AM sites, and thereafter to operate a 20 site network.

In a document to Ofcom to support its request, Absolute Radio points out the BBC is closing 13 of its 50 local AM transmitters carrying BBC local radio, and that the radio scene has changed dramatically since the national AM music licence was awarded to (Virgin) them 25 years ago. Some of the equipment in use at transmitter sites is also 25 years old and to maintain the network could be commercially unviable.
https://radiotoday.co.uk/2018/02/absolu ... -shutdown/

Chris Morris was making fun of the fact that Virgin Radio was launching on AM back in 1993:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLwMLkMLfOc
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WillPS
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I presume that'll mean most of the 'fill in' frequencies like 1197 AM will stop?
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Nick Harvey
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Yes, as I understand it, they will hand back 1197, 1233, 1242 and 1260.
Martin Phillp
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Are the four transmitters being reduced on 1215?
TVF's London Lite.
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Nick Harvey
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Martin Phillp wrote: Are the four transmitters being reduced on 1215?
Yes.
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