Radio Marie-José, Belgium

Radio Marie-José was a former medium wave radio broadcasting station in Belgium. It was owned and run by a large radio and television broadcasting network, which was set-up in the 1930’s. A range of Flemish programs would have broadcast from this radio station, in a variety of languages, via medium wave transmissions.

As technology has moved on over recent years, broadcasters are moving away from short and medium wave transmission. These technologies are relatively costly in terms of electricity, and personnel. The network operator finally ceased medium wave broadcasts recently, making the switch to satellite-based technology which can reach wider audiences in a more cost-effective way. The transmitting pylons were eventually dynamited and lay nearby, in several twisted ribbons of red and white-painted metal. Radio Marie-José is apparently under new ownership, but its future is uncertain and it is unlikely transmission will ever resume now the pylons have been demolished.

The main control room features a horseshoe-shaped console, with many dials and controls. A phone sits to one side of the console. Old pieces of radio equipment lay on the desks of the adjacent workshop. There are many pieces of old and redundant radio technology scattered throughout the rooms.