Woofferton Transmitting Station celebrated its 80th anniversary on Tuesday, Oct. 17.
Encompass Digital Media, the current owner/operator of the site, said Woofferton is the only remaining shortwave radio transmitter site in the United Kingdom. It carries news and information for the BBC and other international broadcasters.
Encompass held a party Tuesday with around 100 people.
“Built by the BBC during the Second World War, Woofferton Transmitting Station, near Ludlow, made its first broadcasts overseas on Oct. 17, 1943,” according to the event summary.
“During the event, local dignitaries unveiled an original architect’s drawing of the site and switched on a special anniversary broadcast celebrating the site’s rich history. The frequency for North America used the oldest transmitter at the site, a British-designed and built Marconi BD272 dating from 1963, which is maintained in working condition.”
Click on the photo to toggle between pictures of the anniversary celebration.
[Read more about the site in our earlier profile story.]
Commercial Director, Radio Services Paul Firth was quoted: “We are proud to continue to sustain Woofferton’s vital work in transmitting shortwave around the world whilst also developing its capabilities to ensure it can keep pace with technological developments in radio and satellite distribution.”
Encompass invited shortwave listeners to submit reception reports and said it received hundreds of responses.
