Analogue radio
Information and advice about problems with receiving FM and AM (medium, long and short wave) radio.
Reception problems
Quick fixes
- Make sure the aerial is extended fully, and try moving the radio around.
- Use our reception problems tool to see if your local transmitter is currently being affected by maintenance work.
Otherwise, see
- FM reception problems - hissing, fading, crackling, interference
- AM reception problems - fading, crackling, interference
- Radio aerials
About analogue radio
Analogue radio is either FM (frequency modulation) or AM (amplitude modulation). FM is also known as VHF (very high frequency). AM radio is broadcast on long wave (LW), medium wave (MW) and short wave (SW).
In the UK, most analogue radio stations (including the BBC's) broadcast on FM and/or MW, with BBC Radio 4 also on LW. BBC World Service broadcasts on SW around the world.
Related BBC link
bbc.co.uk navigation
BBC links
BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.