Linear broadcasts on terrestrial networks provide safer communication in emergencies
In an increasingly digital world where information is mostly disseminated via the internet, social networks or mobile apps, a proven technology is proving to be indispensable in times of crisis: FM radio. The recent power outages in Spain, Portugal and parts of France have impressively shown that in the event of a major power outage, only linear broadcasts continue to function reliably – a result with far-reaching implications for disaster management.
The power outage on the Iberian Peninsula confirmed that broadcast radio is “the only medium that can ensure fast and reliable communication in such a crisis”. While internet connections and mobile phone networks stopped working, terrestrial radio stations such as FM (and DAB) continued to broadcast thanks to backup power.
In Austria, the broadcast provider ORS also points to the high resilience of traditional broadcasting systems. These TV and radio broadcasting systems remained active and ensured the supply of information to the population, ORS says. While mobile phone networks collapsed after their backup batteries failed, independent transmitters with emergency power continued to enable the stable dissemination of warning and information messages.
In Spain, many citizens resorted to a supposedly outdated technology during the blackout: the battery-powered transistor radio. People gathered in the streets around small devices to receive up-to-date information. Thanks to its own diesel generators, public broadcaster RTVE was able to continue broadcasting without interruption. Three generators supply the production centers in Madrid, enough to "broadcast for two to three days without problems.
The political importance of the issue is growing: the German association for commercial broadcasters APR explicitly welcomes the fact that the new federal government, according to the coalition agreement, plans to protect terrestrial broadcasting as "critical infrastructure". In light of the growing threat of natural disasters, cyberattacks or power shortages, FM is once again seen as the backbone of public crisis communication.
Technologically, 5G Broadcast is also coming into focus as a complementary solution. This technology enables the direct transmission of warning messages via television and radio transmitters in the terrestrial network (DTT) - independent of mobile phone networks. "Europe needs a resilient, independent and comprehensive infrastructure for public warning," demands ORS CEO Michael Wagenhofer. Tests in Estonia and other countries show that the standard would be easy to integrate on many mobile devices.
Whether via FM, DAB+, shortwave or 5G Broadcast transmissions – the ability to reliably transmit information to the population, even in the event of a disaster, must be part of every national security strategy. The current blackout in Southern Europe has made it clear: FM radio is not a technical relic, but an important part of modern emergency preparedness, writes the German trade magazine Radioszene.
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Radio bleibt beim Blackout die letzte Informationsquelle (Radioszene.de)
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