CZECH REPUBLIC: MW SWITCH-OFF BY 2021

The image published on the public radio site shows a detail of the mediumwave facility in Libice
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Czech public radio ‘Český Rozhlas‘ is stepping up its information campaign for listeners receiving mediumwave programmes, ahead of the planned switch-off of transmitters by the end of 2021. Since 1 November, more announcements have been broadcast to warn users and a call centre has been set up to explain the possible listening alternatives (from FM to DAB). In the run-up to Christmas, public radio will launch an intensive advertising campaign in the print media and online magazines on 22 November to promote the purchase of digital DAB receivers to replace analogue radio. The shift away from medium-wave has been underway since the 2000s, affecting countries that have an alternative FM network or are in the process of creating one in DAB. But AM (amplitude modulation) still remains a resource for countries with large territorial coverage that can reach the entire population with a few installations.

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3 Replies to “CZECH REPUBLIC: MW SWITCH-OFF BY 2021”

  1. Are the AM Hi-power radio broadcasters being urged to shut-down to reduce EMF ‘interference’ to the biosphere? As in part of the UN’s ‘clean up the planet by 2030’ green agenda? EM is now being degraded as another pollutant! Which is wrong, if this what’s happening. And the politicians (who are not scientifically educated), just go along for the influence and power-mongering offered them!

  2. No, I think this represents a cost-saving strategy for the national broadcasters. FM has won the broadcasting battle, in terms of technical quality and numbers of listeners, to the extent that maintaining a network of MW stations is just redundant and a waste of real estate. R.I.P.

    1. Certainly. Medium Wave systems have very high operating costs. But we must also consider that the listening of these wave ranges has decreased a lot. Over the years we have become accustomed to the better listening quality of FM stereo, then the digital sound of DAB and streaming via the web. While the audio of the Medium Waves (analog) is not only monophonic, but the receiver is increasingly subject to noise caused by the increased density of electronic equipment in homes and offices (from burglar alarms to LED lights).

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