Pirate Radio Interference

Pirate radio is a serious problem in parts of Essex. These stations interfere with licensed broadcasters and make listening to Heart in some areas almost intolerable. The law offers harsh sanctions for those convicted of illegal broadcasting.

Taking action against the perpetrators is a job for OFCOM. If you experience pirate interference, get in touch.

Call the Ofcom contact number on: 0300 123 3333

Or complete an online form:

https://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/tell-us/pirate-radio-interference-report

There are other possible causes of interference. The solution is to try a different radio and possibly a better aerial. Some listeners receive interference from taxi or minicab radios. No taxi companies are licensed to use frequencies that should interfere with Heart so OFCOM should be notified.

Heart Essex is broadcast on 96.1FM (Colchester), 96.3FM (south Essex), 97.5FM (Southend), 101.7FM (Harlow and west Essex) and 102.6FM (Chelmsford and north Essex). As a guide, the target transmission area is contained within the Essex although in some cases reception is possible further away. If you listen outside this area, then good reception cannot be expected.

If you suffer from interference, do report it. You may find that fiddling with your aerial may help, or try tuning to one of our alternative FM frequencies. Sometimes, knocking Heart Essex slightly off frequency may work. Strange, but true. Reception on Digital is also worth trying. For more information on Digital Radio, go to http://www.getdigitalradio.com.