Last updated September 2007
Printable version
Transmission
BBC World Service is broadcast around the world on short wave and on the internet.
It can also be heard in an increasing number of locations on medium wave and FM.
BBC World Service is available on FM in 151 capital cities around the world, part of a strategy to broadcast BBC programmes, where possible, in every capital city worldwide.
In addition, more than 1,200 independent radio broadcasters worldwide carry selected BBC World Service output in their local programme schedule.
The majority of BBC World Service listeners still tune in on short wave and this will remain the mainstay of international broadcasting well into the 21st century.
FM and medium wave
The increasing availability of BBC World Service on FM means that millions of radio listeners around the world are now able to tune into the BBC on FM.
This has created rapid audience growth amongst listeners who enjoy the easier reception and improved sound quality.
Almost 2,000 FM and medium wave radio stations around the world bring selected BBC World Service programmes in 33 different languages to their local FM audiences.
BBC World Service is also broadcast on its own FM and MW frequencies in a number of major world cities, from Accra to Auckland.
FM is more reliable than short wave and offers a higher reception quality, but transmitters can only cover relatively restricted areas and it is only appropriate for cities and urban areas.
Availability of FM licences are restricted by national government policy in individual countries and are more vulnerable in times of political upheaval.
The strategic location of the BBC's transmitters means that BBC World Service can be heard on medium wave in western Europe and the Near East and western South Asia.
Short wave reception
Short wave transmissions are capable of covering huge distances, reaching communities all over the world.
The BBC broadcasts on several frequencies simultaneously but the quality of each frequency is likely to vary, as short wave reception conditions can change from day to day, and sometimes from hour to hour.
Higher frequencies are more effective during the day (those above 15 MHz) and lower frequencies after dark.
The latest radios with digital tuning make it possible to call up BBC frequencies precisely and store the best ones in a memory.
Up-to-date frequency information can be found on the BBC World Service website.
Like other international broadcasters, BBC World Service has been adjusting its short wave provisions in line with global demand changes.
At the same time BBC World Service has been investing in new delivery methods, all with the improved audibility now preferred by audiences, such as FM, cable, satellite and online.
BBC World Service is committed to making the best use of the money it receives from the government and has had considerable success in attracting audiences to these new methods of delivery.
The website has in-depth news and information, programmes are available streamed both live and on demand at the convenience of the listener.
