Analogue radio – Around the world

To listen on SW you need a radio that covers the appropriate frequencies - many radios sold in the UK do not.

Reception can vary a lot from place to place. In some parts of the world there are many stations using frequencies that are quite close together, so it can be difficult to tune to the one you want. Reception can also vary from summer to winter, with different atmospheric conditions, and from day to night. In general, higher frequencies are better in daylight, while lower frequencies are better after dark.

• BBC World Service broadcasts on many SW frequencies simultaneously. Try tuning to all those available to find the best reception, and repeat this if the signal fades on the one you are listening to.
• Tuning accurately can be tricky with a tuning dial, so it can help to use a radio with a digital display that shows the exact frequency in numerals and has pre-set buttons to store the frequencies you use most.
• For the best reception, make sure the telescopic aerial is extended fully, and place the radio by a window. To boost a weak signal you can buy a clip-on wire aerial, though this may also pick up unwanted signals that produce more interference.

In some parts of the world, selected World Service programmes can be heard on local FM and AM radio stations. In western Europe, the full service is broadcast on medium wave on 648kHz.

BBC World Service is available via satellite in many parts of the world, including Europe, the Middle East and the Gulf, Africa, South Asia, South East Asia, the USA and Australasia. In some European countries it can be also heard on cable FM frequencies.

In the UK, you can listen to BBC World Service on all the digital platforms: DAB digital radio, digital terrestrial TV (Freeview), satellite, cable and broadband. See Digital radio for more information.

The BBC's English for Europe service broadcasts on digital radio in parts of Europe. This uses the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) system, which allows digital broadcasting on AM (long, medium and short wave). To listen, you need a DRM digital radio.