In the UK, the government and public broadcaster BBC are preparing to strengthen emergency broadcasting capacity against potential nationwide power outages and communication disruptions. The BBC's plan involves establishing a radio studio capable of broadcasting for at least three days without an internet connection.
According to the BBC, the preparations are based on a scenario called "Black Sky." This scenario addresses the possibility of large-scale power grid failures and disruptions to essential services due to cyberattacks, severe weather events, or similar crises.
The studio planned for emergency broadcasts is intended to be staffed by approximately 100 personnel. It is designed to operate independently of the internet, utilize secure communication lines, and be supported by fuel, water, and food stocks to remain operational for at least three days without external supplies.
PRIORITY IN EMERGENCY BROADCASTS IS PUBLIC INFORMATION
Under the plan, the broadcasts are expected to primarily deliver government emergency announcements to the public. It is also envisioned that practical information needed during crises, such as daily water consumption and how to dispose of waste when toilets are unusable, will be provided.
Reporters stationed at the BBC's emergency centers in different regions are also planned to report developments using satellite vehicles. It is also stated that diesel fuel sufficient for three days will be stored for generators that will power radio transmitter towers.
The report also recalled the major outage following the 2015 floods in Lancashire, where approximately 62 thousand people were left without electricity. At that time, copper-wired landline telephones and FM radios stood out as communication tools unaffected by the outage, and a local radio station called The Bay was able to continue its broadcast by activating generators.
The UK government has also invested 70 million pounds in the development of flying platforms that will act like satellites to ensure the continuity of mobile phone and internet connections during emergencies. Rico Chanda, program director at Enduring Atmospheric Platforms, which is working on High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), told the BBC, "There is a limit to what satellites can provide as a backup system when ground-based communication networks go down."
Toby Harris, chair of the UK's National Preparedness Commission, also emphasized that a large-scale outage could affect not only lighting and communications but also water and sewage systems. Harris stated, "We live in a complex, electrified world. But as everything becomes interconnected, the consequences of these systems going down become more devastating."
News Source: 12punto
