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 (2023-11-03) |
| Technical information | |
| Power | 500 kW |
Transmitter coordinates | 34°37′9″N 33°0′5″E / 34.61917°N 33.00139°E / 34.61917; 33.00139 |
| Translator(s) | British East Mediterranean Relay Station, Akrotiri and Dhekelia |
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.[2][3][4]
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:[2][5]
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.[5][6]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 BBC Emergency Radio Service for Gaza first broadcast opening[7] |
Since November 10, 2023 (2023-11-10) 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 (2023-11-03) and November 10, 2023 (2023-11-10) Gaza Daily ran a single daily programme at 1500 GMT.[9]
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."[4]
