Why broadcast the shipping forecast on VHF FM?

[elton]

The BBC has recently started doing this. As everyone knows, Long Wave AM has far greater coverage than VHF FM, and can be received way offshore. I don't know if they're now transmitting the forecast on both, but if so, they have fart too much spectrum.

 

[MarkCX]

For as long ago as I can recall, the shipping forecast has been broadcast on Radio 4 FM at 0048 and 0520. It is also broadcast on R4 long wave at these times in addition to 1201 and 1754

There have been extra broadcasts on FM recently as a result of C19 programme rescheduling.

Plenty of people who have no connection with the sea enjoy the shipping forecast and complaints have been received when dropping it from FM has been suggested.

 

[Sharky34]

The BBC has recently started doing this. As everyone knows, Long Wave AM has far greater coverage than VHF FM, and can be received way offshore. I don't know if they're now transmitting the forecast on both, but if so, they have fart too much spectrum.

Its only local areas, which FM seems to reach without any problem.

 

[PhillM]

I think they are getting ready for the failure of 198LW. They are down to the last pair of valves and no plans to replace the transmitter or make new values for the old one.

Radio 4's long wave goodbye

 

[jwilson]

If I remember correctly (I once worked for the BBC) at one point Droitwich LW was radiating 400 Kw of power: yes it gave range but was a bit of a brute force approach to long distance reception. I think power has now reduced (and also range). So few people still have LW receivers that it's a bit of an antique kept on mostly for sentiment.

 

[Topcat47]

Basically that'll be me b^$$£&£d as I don't have a VHF radio on board (other than my marine band) and anyway VHF doesn't reach across the channel. I suppose I'll have to keep an ear open for the coastguard repeats on the ship/shore but that's NBG once you're out of range.

 

[PilotWolf]

I was just thinking the other night how much I missed the shipping forecast.

I think the lunchtime one was either followed or preceded by Woman’s Hour.

W.

 

[oldgit]

A plus point ..................it annoys the hell out of my wife when I switch on the radio at 05.30.

 

[SaltIre]

I was just thinking the other night how much I missed the shipping forecast.

I think the lunchtime one was either followed or preceded by Woman’s Hour.

W.

Here you go. It'll keep you busy for a wee while.

 

[Deleted member 36384]

The BBC has recently started doing this. As everyone knows, Long Wave AM has far greater coverage than VHF FM, and can be received way offshore. I don't know if they're now transmitting the forecast on both, but if so, they have fart too much spectrum.

What could the frequencies be used for (or what is being restricted) by the BBC using multiple frequencies to transmit identical data?