The key facts

  • The BBC is preparing for the code scenario 'Black Sky' — a shutdown of water, electricity and communications, and the closure of shops.
  • The emergency radio studio would be staffed by around 100 employees; its communication channels do not depend on the internet.
  • Pre-prepared government messages are to be transmitted through isolated radio masts with diesel tanks holding from 5,000 to 40,000 liters.

The plan for a 'Black Sky' scenario

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has drawn up a plan of operation in the event of a large-scale attack on national infrastructure or a natural disaster, Gazeta.Ru reported. The corporation will prepare for a code event called 'Black Sky': in this scenario, water and electricity are cut off, shops close, and communications cease to function.

How emergency broadcasting will be organized

In such a situation, approximately 100 BBC staff would be required to keep an emergency radio studio running. It is equipped with secure communication channels that do not depend on the internet. This would allow the corporation to broadcast pre-prepared government messages through isolated radio masts fitted with diesel fuel tanks ranging from 5,000 to 40,000 liters — meaning the masts could operate even if the power supply is cut off.

Context: statements about readiness for war

The report comes amid recent discussions about the United Kingdom's readiness for conflicts. In October, the country's Defense Secretary John Healey expressed the view that it was necessary to prepare for war within a thousand days, since by 2030 the United Kingdom's 'adversaries' would be able to 'go on the offensive.' He did not specify whom exactly he meant, but journalists linked his words to Russia. Meanwhile, as Gazeta.Ru notes in a separate article, the British Army has, over the past several years, demonstrated what the outlet describes as 'a complete loss of combat capability.' Healey's remarks were also previously covered in connection with the reaction of Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who mocked the British defense secretary after his statement about preparing for war.