Established the internationally agreed LF/MF frequency plan for radio broadcasting across Regions 1 and 3, replacing the widely ignored 1948 Copenhagen plan.
Key Facts
- Conference location
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Entered into force
- 23 November 1978
- Replaced plan
- 1948 Copenhagen Plan
- Intended lifespan
- Until 1989 (still in effect today)
- Frequency grid standard
- Exact multiples of 9 kHz for mediumwave stations
- Administering body
- ITU World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 1948 Copenhagen Plan governing LF/MF broadcasting frequencies had become ineffective due to a large number of broadcasting stations causing mutual interference. Many countries refused to ratify it, and compliance among signatories was inconsistent, making a replacement agreement necessary.
Under the auspices of the ITU's World Administrative Radio Conference, with assistance from the European Broadcasting Union, delegates convened in Geneva in 1975 to draw up a new internationally agreed frequency plan covering long- and medium-wave radio broadcasting for Regions 1 and 3, excluding the Americas.
The plan entered into force on 23 November 1978, requiring most European stations to change frequencies. Compliance was far more widespread than under the Copenhagen Plan, and mediumwave stations outside the Americas were standardized to exact 9 kHz multiples, substantially reducing interference especially at night.
Political Outcome
A binding international frequency plan for LF/MF broadcasting in Regions 1 and 3 was adopted, entering into force in 1978 and replacing the largely non-compliant 1948 Copenhagen Plan.