Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 10 hrs ago
BBC plans emergency FM broadcasts for prolonged UK blackouts
The BBC says it has a plan to keep people informed if a prolonged blackout disrupts the UK.
The plan uses FM radio because the 2015 Lancaster floods showed that FM and copper landlines stayed available when power and many digital services failed.
The BBC would have around 100 people operating a dedicated emergency studio, with supplies to last at least 72 hours.
Secure communications and generators would support broadcasts, including government announcements and practical guidance on water and waste.
The government says severe weather and cyberattacks could disrupt essential services, but there is no specific threat to the electricity grid.
It advises households to keep three days of food and drinking water and a battery-powered FM radio, while the BBC's plan is designed to provide information during a major emergency.
The BBC plans to use emergency FM radio to keep people informed during prolonged UK blackouts.
Its contingency plan includes a self-sufficient emergency studio designed to operate for at least 72 hours.
Around 100 people would run the studio, which would have secure communications independent of the internet.
The plan draws on the 2015 Lancaster floods, when FM radio and copper landlines remained operational after power was cut.
Government advice says households should keep at least three days of food and drinking water and have a battery-powered FM radio.
- Who
- The BBC plans the emergency broadcasts. Around 100 people would operate the studio.
- What
- The BBC plans to use FM radio to share information during prolonged blackouts.
- When
- The plan is intended for a major emergency; no specific date for its use is stated.
- Where
- The broadcasts would serve the UK.
- Why
- The plan is intended to keep people informed if electricity and digital communications fail.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The River Lune flooded Lancaster, cutting electricity to 61,500 people.
Reports by Telesatellite and Open described the BBC’s self-contained emergency studio plan.
Security Affairs published an account of the BBC’s plan to use FM radio during prolonged blackouts.
- People without electricity in Lancaster
- 61,500
- Emergency studio staffing
- Around 100 people
- Planned studio operating period
- At least 72 hours
- Lancaster flood date
- December 5, 2015
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