a radio receiver having rf , frequency converter , demodulator and audio stages , in which the frequency converter stage is connected to a local oscillator composed of a phase locked loop . the radio receiver includes a variable frequency divider inserted into the phase locked loop , a memory circuit for variably controlling the frequency dividing ratio of the frequency divider in accordance with a signal to be received , a scanning counter for supplying a read - out control signal to the memory circuit , a clock signal source for generating a clock signal , a counter control circuit for controlling supply and supply - terminating of the clock signal fed to the scanning counter , a level detecting circuit for detecting if a signal supplied to the rf stage has a level higher than a predetermined level , a switching circuit for switching a received channel , and a circuit for cutting off the clock signal fed to the scanning counter when outputs of the switching circuit and level detecting circuit are fed thereto .