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Radio Luxembourg facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Radio Luxembourg usually refers to a group of famous radio stations that broadcast from the small country of Luxembourg. These stations were very popular, especially in Europe, because they often played music and shows that other national radio stations didn't.

The original Radio Luxembourg started broadcasting in 1933. It became well-known for playing popular music and having commercials, which was different from many government-owned radio stations at the time. Over the years, different versions of Radio Luxembourg broadcast in several languages, reaching millions of listeners.

The English Service: A Popular Voice

One of the most famous versions was Radio Luxembourg (English). It broadcast from 1933 until 1992. This station was especially popular in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It was often called "The Mighty 208" because it broadcast on 208 metres on the medium wave radio band.

During its time, Radio Luxembourg played a huge role in introducing new pop and rock music to young people. Many British and Irish teenagers tuned in to hear the latest hits, especially on Sunday nights. This was because the official British radio station, the BBC, didn't play much pop music back then. Radio Luxembourg also had famous presenters and exciting shows.

Other European Broadcasts

Radio Luxembourg also had services in other languages:

  • Radio Luxembourg (French): This was the French-language service that also started in 1933. It became very popular in France and other French-speaking areas.
  • Radio Luxembourg (German): After World War II, a German-language service began broadcasting from Luxembourg. It has continued to broadcast to German-speaking audiences.
  • Radio Luxembourg (DRM): Since 2005, a new digital radio station called Radio Luxembourg (DRM) has been broadcasting in many languages using modern digital technology.

Radio 1212: A Secret Station

During World War II, there was a special radio station called Radio 1212. It broadcast from 1944 to 1945. This station was a "black propaganda" station. This means it pretended to be a German station but was actually run by the Allies (the countries fighting against Germany). Its goal was to spread information that would make German soldiers and citizens lose hope and trust in their leaders.

Images for kids

  • English visitors to Radio Luxembourg 1939 (cropped)

    A group of holiday-making English Radio Luxembourg fans, pictured in front of the main entrance to the Transmitting Station. The date is Wednesday 9 August 1939, three weeks before the declaration of war.

  • Dandare

    March 1952 advertising for the Dan Dare Monday to Friday serial as it appeared in 208, the programme listing guide to Radio Luxembourg in English.

  • Expo58 radio luxembourg

    Radio Luxembourg at Expo 58 in Brussels, Belgium. July 1958.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Radio Luxembourg para niños

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