Gaza Daily is an emergency radio service launched by BBC News Arabic in response to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Hamas War to "provide listeners in Gaza with the latest information and developments as well as safety advice on where to access shelter, food and water supplies".[1]
| Frequency | 639 kHz mediumwave |
|---|---|
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | Arabic |
| Format |
|
| Ownership | |
| Owner | BBC World Service |
| Operator | BBC News Arabic |
| History | |
First air date | November 3, 2023 |
| Technical information | |
| Power | 500 kW |
Transmitter coordinates | 34°37′9″N 33°0′5″E / 34.61917°N 33.00139°E |
| Translator(s) | British East Mediterranean Relay Station, Akrotiri and Dhekelia |
Background
editIsrael–Hamas War
editThe Gaza Strip, a densely populated Palestinian territory, has faced significant challenges due to the conflict. Communication infrastructure disruptions caused by air strikes have left civilians without reliable access to essential information. In this context, the BBC World Service urgently produced a dedicated radio service that could deliver timely updates and safety advice to the affected population despite internet and phone infrastructure collapse.[2][3][4]
BBC World Service
editThe BBC World Service is the world's largest external broadcaster in terms of reception area, language selection and audience reach. The World Service has responded to emergency situations in the past. Notably:[2][5]
- In May 2023, during the War in Sudan, BBC News Arabic initiated an emergency radio service.
- In February 2022, BBC News Ukrainian extended TV bulletins following the Russo-Ukrainian War.
- In 2014, BBC Media Action launched a service for Gaza during the 2014 Gaza War.
Broadcasting
editGaza Daily launched on 3 November 2023, broadcasting on mediumwave AM radio at a frequency of 639 kHz from the British East Mediterranean Relay Station, situated by Lady's Mile Beach, Western Sovereign Base Area, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which had remained unused by the BBC since April 2015.[5][6]
Programming
edit| External videos | |
|---|---|
 BBC Emergency Radio Service for Gaza first broadcast opening[7] |
Since November 10, 2023 Gaza Daily has run two daily programmes with content produced in Cairo and London.[8] The programming consists of one daily programme at 1500 GMT and a daily update at 0500 GMT.[9][10]
Between November 3, 2023 and November 10, 2023 Gaza Daily ran a single daily programme at 1500 GMT.[9]
Response
editLiliane Landor, Director of BBC World Service, reported "BBC News Arabic are extremely well-placed to offer this vital service for the people of Gaza at a time of greatest need. Their expertise and specialist knowledge of the region, coupled with the BBC’s standing as the most trusted news source, ensures we can provide the essential information to Gaza’s civilians."[4]
References
edit- ^ "BBC World Service announces Emergency Radio Service for Gaza". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
- ^ a b Potter, Simon (2023-11-03). "BBC's emergency Gaza radio broadcasts show why World Service mustn't rely on digital technology". The Conversation. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
- ^ "BBC News Arabic launches emergency radio service for Gaza". The Independent. 2023-11-01. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
- ^ a b Goldbart, Max (2023-11-01). "BBC Launches Emergency Radio Service For Gaza". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
- ^ a b Sacks, Benjamin (2023-11-28). "BBC's Gaza Service Demonstrates Power of Radio During Conflict". RAND.
- ^ Greenway, Chris (2023-11-01). "Chris Greenway".
- ^ https://twitter.com/shortwaveberlin/status/1720457619742064689
- ^ "BBC World Service to launch emergency radio service for Gaza | Cyprus Mail". cyprus-mail.com/. 2023-11-01. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
- ^ a b "BBC News Arabic launches emergency radio service for Gaza". BreakingNews.ie. 2023-11-01. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
- ^ Agencies, The New Arab Staff & (2023-11-01). "BBC to launch Gaza emergency radio service amid Israel war". www.newarab.com/. Retrieved 2024-03-13.