Mediumwave transmitters shut in Belgium and Ireland

Several mediumwave transmitters have signed off in Europe. In Belgium, Flemish public broadcaster VRT closed down its transmitters on 540 and 1512 kHz on March 30, and a day later also 1188 kHz, while only 927 kHz remains on the air. VRT wanted to shut down old mediumwave transmitters because of soaring energy expenses, and the proposal was approved by the Flemish government on February 29. Another reason for closure was said to be poor quality of reception when compared to FM, internet, satellite radio and digital radio.
     In Ireland, public service broadcaster Raidió Teilifís Eireann (RTÉ) closed its mediumwave transmitters on 567 (500 kW in Tullamore) and 729 kHz (10 kW in Cork) on March 31. Listeners have been advised to switch to FM frequencies, and RTÉ wants to point out that longwave service on 252 kHz will continue, airing Radio 1 for areas without adequate FM coverage. RTE research has found out that roughly 10% of its audience has relied on the AM service.
(DXing.info, April 2, 2008)

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