In an increasing number of locations, it is possible to hear BBC World Service programmes on local FM or AM frequencies (visit our frequency pages for information). However, in many regions we continue to broadcast primarily on short-wave radio.

Short-wave radio
To listen to BBC world Service on short wave, your radio receiver must cover the broadcast bands listed below. If you have a receiver with a dial, these bands may be shown either as frequencies or as wavelengths. A radio with an electronic display shows frequencies.

BBC World Service frequency information is usually given in kilohertz (kHz) unless otherwise stated. Some radios show frequencies in Megahertz; to convert kilohertz to Megahertz, just divide by 1000 (e.g. 5950 kHz becomes 5.950 MHz).

The BBC World Service broadcasts in the following metre (m) bands. The frequencies in each band are shown in kilohertz (kHz) and Megahertz (MHz):

90 m: 3000 kHz (3 MHz)
49 m: 6000 kHz (6 MHz)
41 m: 7000 kHz (7 MHz)
31 m: 9000 kHz (9 MHz)
25 m: 11000 kHz (11 MHz)
22 m: 13000 kHz (13 MHz)
19 m: 15000 kHz (15 MHz)
16 m: 17000 kHz (17 MHz)
13 m: 21000 kHz (21 MHz)
11 m: 26000 kHz (26 MHz)

Short-wave charts and tables

Visit our Listening Tips page to find information about listening in different parts of the world.