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Ashton Moss transmitting stations

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The Ashton Moss transmitting stations are two independent facilities for medium wave broadcasting near Ashton Moss, an area of Tameside in Greater Manchester. They are approximately 34 mile (1.2 km) apart.

Original BBC station

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Ashton Moss (West)
Ashton Moss transmitting stations is located in Greater Manchester
Ashton Moss transmitting stations
Ashton Moss transmitting stations (Greater Manchester)
LocationAshton Moss, Tameside, Greater Manchester
Coordinates53°28′59″N 2°07′43″W / 53.483056°N 2.128611°W / 53.483056; -2.128611
Grid referenceSJ9146698517

Originally constructed by the BBC for its local radio service, BBC Radio Manchester, located at 53°28′59″N 2°7′43″W / 53.48306°N 2.12861°W / 53.48306; -2.12861 (Ashton Moss West MF station)

The facility has, from 1994 to 2024, been used for transmitting Gold on 1458 kHz with a power of 5 kW. It consists of 3 free-standing lattice towers, arranged as a directional array, insulated against ground.

It is one of the few broadcasting stations in Europe using free-standing tower radiators.

It is designated "Ashton Moss (West) MF" by owners Arqiva.

The transmitter broadcasting Gold on 1458 kHz was switched off on 27 April 2024.[1] What will happen to the towers and the transmitter is yet to be confirmed.

Original IBA station

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Ashton Moss (East)
Ashton Moss transmitting stations is located in Greater Manchester
Ashton Moss transmitting stations
Ashton Moss transmitting stations (Greater Manchester)
LocationAshton Moss, Tameside, Greater Manchester
Coordinates53°29′28″N 2°06′55″W / 53.491111°N 2.115278°W / 53.491111; -2.115278
Grid referenceSJ9235299412
Built1974

Originally constructed in 1974 for the IBA for its local radio contractor, Piccadilly Radio, located at 53°29′28″N 2°6′55″W / 53.49111°N 2.11528°W / 53.49111; -2.11528 (Ashton Moss East MF station)

This facility was used for transmitting Greatest Hits Manchester on 1152 kHz. It uses a directional antenna consisting of 4 guyed masts, insulated against ground. This antenna has a maximum output toward 250°. In this direction the ERP is 1.5 kW, whereby the transmitter output is 350 Watts.

The antenna of this transmitter has therefore a highly directional pattern, in order not to interfere with other nearby transmitters on the same frequency.

The 1152 kHz service ceased operation on the 26th April 2021, following the service becoming available on 96.2 MHz FM in the local area.[2]

Additionally, Asian Sound operated from this site on 1377 kHz. On 22 April 2024, Asian Sound has been renamed to Lyca Radio Greater Manchester.[3]

It is designated "Ashton Moss (East) MF" by owners Arqiva.

Arqiva

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The stations were constructed and owned by the BBC and IBA as indicated above. Over time, (1974-2007), by a series of asset sell offs, and mergers, both sites are now owned and operated by Arqiva

Analogue radio services available

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Frequency kW[4] Service Site
1377 kHz 0.08 Lyca Radio Greater Manchester East

Former

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Frequency kW[4] Service Site Switch-off date
1458 kHz 5 Gold West 27 April 2024

References

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  1. ^ mw (12 April 2024). "United Kingdom". Ydun's Medium Wave Info. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  2. ^ "Bauer to turn off four AM transmitters in the North". RadioToday. 25 February 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  3. ^ "Date set for Lyca Radio Greater Manchester to replace Asian Sound Radio". RadioToday. 11 April 2024. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  4. ^ a b Radio Listeners Guide 2010
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