After 30 years of broadcasting on AM, Absolute Radio is turning off all AM frequencies from Jan. 23.
Launched as an AM-only as Virgin Radio in 1993, the Bauer Media station will be digital-only. Absolute Radio says that one of the reasons for the switch off is environmental as only a small percentage of listeners get the station over traditional AM delivery.
“We think we sound better on digital, as it offers a much stronger signal and cuts out background noise,” the station says in a statement on its website. “Lots of you agree, which is why nearly all our audience listen to us digitally. Broadcasting on AM requires running an additional transmitter which is environmentally unfriendly and not cost-efficient given the small numbers of those listening here.”
According to the Rajar results from October 2022, the Absolute Radio Network has grown to 5.3 million, up 1.3% year on year.
The company made the decision to reallocate its FM frequencies to Greatest Hits Radio in 2021. It will continue to be available via DAB and online channels.
The broadcaster has published a guide to how to tune in on its website.