Woofferton as it looks today. This transmitter site was originally opened in 1943 and was owned by the BBC, but by the 1960s it was also a prime VOA (Voice of America) relay. This partnership continued until BBC transmission was privatised in 1997. A management buyout created Merlin Communications, which was later sold to Vosper Thornicroft (VT) and renamed to VT Merlin Communications, then VT Communications, before being sold once again in 2010 to Babcock International PLC the current owners.
The site has 10 transmitters and 37 arrays covering 4 MHz to 26 MHz HF Short Wave Broadcast bands. The Transmitters (known as Senders) are two Marconi BD272 250kW fitted in the early 60s, four Marconi B6124 300kW transmitters fitted in the early 80s, three Riz 250kW and one 500kW DRM capable transmitters fitted between 2006 & 2007. The arrays are a mixture of single, dual and quad band capable.
Woofferton is used to broadcast programmes to Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North/South Americas for the BBC World service, Deutsche Welle, Voice of America as well as a large number of other international broadcasters.
The site also downlinks and monitors programme off satellites, while additionally providing a home for the local BBC Hereford & Worcester 1584 kHz 300W MF service (the antenna having recently moved to a new mast) and amateur radio repeater GB3VM.
Most recently a local Ludlow commercial radio station 'Sunshine Radio' will begin broadcasting on FM from Woofferton in the spring of 2013. Sunshine Radio 855 from Ludlow have wanted to get on FM for some time. Woofferton was chosen for its coverage to Tenbury Wells, Ludlow, Cravern Arms, Leominster, and mid-west Wales. |
