Smooth ends AM transmission in Luton and Bedford

Global has handed back the AM licence for Smooth Radio’s frequencies in Luton and Bedford.

It follows Network Rail taking over one of the transmitter sites.

The two frequencies – 792 and 828 AM were originally home to Chiltern Radio and the Supergold brand, and more recently broadcast Gold then Smooth.

The transmitters were officially launched in October 1981 and the station had five years left on its Ofcom licence.

Smooth continues to be available on DAB digital radio in the area.

It’s just the latest AM transmitter to be turned off by the industry, with the BBC and Bauer giving up many medium wave services in recent years.