During almost the entire 20th century, the medium waveused by the classical radio AMhas kept millions of Spaniards informed and entertained. Little by little, it goes out. After 88 years, one of the most emblematic radio networks, Radio Nacional de España (RNE), will stop broadcasting on medium wave before December 31.
Except from a nostalgic point of view, it is not bad news: medium wave is an outdated technology, with high energy consumption, and used by less than 1% of the population. RNE is committed to DAB+, the digital radio of the future.
The medium wave occupies the frequency range of 300 kilohertz to 3 megahertz. Within this range, radio stations transmit in AM (Amplitude Modulated).
AM radio, a technology anchored in the 20th century
The first medium wave radio transmissions began in the 1920s. In Spain, Radio Nacional de España, a public entity, began broadcasting in 1937.
For half a century they were the most used frequencies, but in the 80s of the last century, they began to be replaced by FM (Frequency Modulation), which offers better audio quality (something essential for music stations), and more possibilities.
If the medium wave is still used, it is because of its long range. AM transmissions can reach hundreds of kilometers, much further than FM. That is why AM radio reaches remote areas that FM does not reach.
But today there are so many different ways to listen to the radio, including the Internet and DTT, that medium wave is no longer sustainable. As RNE explains in the press release, less than 1% of Spaniards use it. Since our country has 49 million inhabitants, there should be no more than 490,000 people.
The main problem is that Almost no AM receivers or car radios are manufactured anymore.. In Europe alone, it has already been withdrawn in 26 countries, Spain is one of the last.
By transmitting with so much power, the medium wave consumes a lot of electricity, and its carbon footprint is too high, as well as the maintenance of the antennas, for so few users.
DAB+ is the future of radio
For all these reasons, After 88 years, Radio Nacional de España will stop broadcasting Radio Nacional and Radio 5 on medium wavebefore December 31. It will also start an advertising campaign to inform users. Of course, it will continue to broadcast on FM, DTT, Internet, DAB, etc. It will also reinforce FM transmissions in areas that could be affected by the end of AM.
RNE’s bet is DBA+which wants to become the DTT of radio. A digital technology, with higher audio quality than FM, more efficient, and the option to also transmit text and images, which offers more possibilities.
After almost a century bringing news and music to listeners throughout Spain, medium wave turns off. It is the end of an era, although the alternatives are very numerous.