The past ten years have seen a significant growth in the number of radio stations in the UK, with over a hundred new analogue (MW and FM) stations coming on air.
| Type of station | Analogue MW (AM) | Analogue FM (VHF) | Total analogue* | DAB Digital Radio | Total analogue and DAB* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local commercial | 59 | 213 | 272** | 159 | 289 |
| UK-wide commercial | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 8 |
| BBC UK-wide networks | 1 | 4 | 5 | 11 | 11 |
| BBC Local and Nations | 36 | 46 | 46 | 32 | 46 |
| Total | 98 | 264 | 326 | 210 | 354 |
* excludes double-counting of stations simulcasting on more than one platform or waveband
** There are 272 analogue licences, but five of the licences each broadcast two separate services (Trent FM / Ram FM, Chiltern Luton / Chiltern Bedford, Ocean FM / Power FM, Wirral’s Buzz 97.1 / MFM 103.4, Radio Carmarthenshire / Scarlet FM)
Source: Ofcom, December 2004
Of the 159 local digital commercial radio stations on DAB digital radio, 17 are only on digital and 14 broadcast existing local analogue services to new areas.
In addition to DAB, there are 85 digital radio stations on digital satellite television and 30 digital radio stations on digital terrestrial television. There are also 122 long-term RSL analogue radio services and community radio is about to launch on a permanent basis.
The BBC
The BBC The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is perhaps the most famous radio broadcaster in the world. Its five national networks (Radios 1,2,3,4 and 5-Live), five digital national networks (Asian Network, 6music, BBC7, 5-Live Sports Extra, 1Xtra), combined with its three 'nations' services (Radio Scotland, Ulster and Wales) and 43 local radio stations in England, make up over 50% of all radio listening. The BBC's domestic radio services are funded by the television licence, which is (February 2005) charged at £121 (€175, $229) per year. The BBC does not broadcast advertisements.
The BBC World Service is audible through much of the UK on medium-wave, and also broadcasts via satellite and short-wave throughout the world. It is funded by the British Government, but retains editorial impartiality.