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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.
- Check today's transmitter work to see if your local transmitter is affected by a fault or 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 links
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