Ashton Moss transmitting stations

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 3/4 mi apart.

Original BBC station
Originally constructed by the BBC for its local radio service, BBC Radio Manchester, located at 53.48306°N, -2.12861°W

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. What will happen to the towers and the transmitter is yet to be confirmed.

Original IBA station
Originally constructed in 1974 for the IBA for its local radio contractor, Piccadilly Radio, located at 53.49111°N, -2.11528°W

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.

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

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

Arqiva
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