The BBC will switch off its Long Wave service at the historic Wychbold Masts in Droitwich this weekend, marking the end of nearly nine decades of broadcasting. The 700ft towers, constructed in 1934 for £200,000 (roughly £20m today), have been a landmark for drivers on the M5 and served as crucial wartime communication infrastructure.

During World War Two, the masts blocked Luftwaffe radar transmissions and coordinated covert messages to the French Resistance. Former BBC engineer John Phillips donated original equipment to the Droitwich Spa Heritage Centre for their exhibition 'Droitwich Calling,' which preserves this broadcasting legacy. Manager Rebecca Butler emphasized keeping these artifacts alive for future generations.

Local history expert Alastair Moseley from the Bromsgrove Society supports listing the masts for their historical importance, noting that just 10 riggers built them, including Derek Pigeon who worked on Sydney's Harbour Bridge. The Twentieth Century Society argues the masts deserve protection due to their role broadcasting national staples like the Shipping Forecast and Test Match Special.

Historic England declined listing in 2025 because most original buildings were demolished. However, campaigners envision a national broadcasting history museum on the site. The switch-off occurs as the BBC deems upgrading aging LW equipment not cost-effective given declining listener numbers favoring FM and DAB platforms.