Downtown Radio leaves Medium Wave

TAFKAlawhec

Downtown Radio NI ceased transmitting on 1026 kHz at some point in the morning or early afternoon on Thursday 7th December 2023, it's now broadcasting a closedown loop advising listeners to retune to either DAB or FM where available. (Link below for a recording of the loop featuring a couple of old Downtown jingles).

https://vocaroo.com/14gbEUBeYxmt

tinytobe

FM Reception of Downtown Radio isn't that great in Belfast.

TAFKAlawhec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121474687#Comment_121474687

The 10 watt relay on Carnmoney Hill is able to cover a surprisingly good part of the city but struggles in its western parts.

There's historical reasons for Downtown's FM coverage being what it is, a lot of places not too far from Belfast also have poor FM coverage, meaning terrestrial reception was either via DAB or the now gone 1026 MW outlet.

The closedown's part of a wider section of further shutdowns of Bauer MW outlets in the current period, also affecting Greatest Hits Radio outlets on MW in Scotland & NE England. At least Downtown's closedown message gives a nod to the frequency's local radio heritage.

waywill1966

Great reception on Dab driving from Belfast to south of Enniskillen town yesterday! The Fm on 96.6 faded out near Sligo!

TAFKAlawhec

Retune loop & 1026 kHz TX at Knock Breckan was switched off this afternoon, reported to be at 2.36pm.