Gaza Daily

Gaza Daily

Gaza Strip
Frequency	639 kHz mediumwave
Programming
Language(s)	Arabic
Format	Emergency radio service News bulletin
Ownership
Owner	BBC World Service
Operator	BBC News Arabic
History
First air date	November 3, 2023 (2023-11-03)
Technical information
Power	500 kW
Transmitter coordinates	34°37′9″N 33°0′5″E
Translator(s)	British East Mediterranean Relay Station, Akrotiri and Dhekelia

Transmitter

Gaza

Production

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Radio transmitter location in Akrotiri and Dhekelia, relative to Gaza and main production site in Cairo

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".

Background

Israel–Hamas War

Main article: Israel–Hamas War

The 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.

BBC World Service

The 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:

• 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

Gaza 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.

Programming

External videos
BBC Emergency Radio Service for Gaza first broadcast opening

Since November 10, 2023 (2023-11-10) Gaza Daily has run two daily programmes with content produced in Cairo and London. The programming consists of one daily programme at 1500 GMT and a daily update at 0500 GMT.

Between November 3, 2023 (2023-11-03) and November 10, 2023 (2023-11-10) Gaza Daily ran a single daily programme at 1500 GMT.

Response

Liliane 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."