We aim to improve the health, security and wellbeing of individuals and communities caught in crisis situations. We work in partnership with relief operations, governments and international and national non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to:
- Create, repair or enhance the infrastructure that local broadcasters need to deliver public-service broadcasting
- Produce and broadcast programmes that save lives and improve health, livelihoods and governance and human rights
Our approach
We work before, during and after a crisis to reduce its impact on people's lives.
Reducing the risk of disasterWe reduce the impact of predictable disasters through:
- Programming that raises awareness of potential dangers and how to prepare for them
- Working with local organisations to develop continuity plans
- Supporting the development and implementation of early-warning systems
Rapid response
We restore broadcasting infrastructure immediately after a disaster occurs by:
- Providing broadcasting equipment
- Identifying the kind of information that people affected by disasters need and ensuring that key messages reach those affected
Ongoing support
We continue to provide up-to-date information and support through:
- Programming which provides critical, life-saving advice in areas hit by disasters
- Training and support for local broadcasters
- Extending the reach and impact of programming through face-to-face work, including, ‘radio clubs' where audiences come together to discuss the programmes, often with the aid of a trained facilitator
Examples of our work
In Sudan, we work in partnership with Sudanese media professionals and the World Service to broadcast life-saving information to 6.5 million people in Darfur, including two million people living in the region's 85 camps for people displaced by the conflict. More
In Afghanistan we work in partnership with local NGOs, UN agencies and the donor community to provide educational programming that helps affected communities prepare for disasters, and provides critical information for adults and children over the airwaves when emergencies happen. More
After a decade of civil war in Nepal, we are working in partnership with Nepali broadcasters, NGOs and the BBC World Service to produce weekly radio drama and discussion programmes to support the peace process. More
In Bangladesh, two special editions of our debate programme, Bangladesh Sanglap (dialogue) were broadcast after Cyclone Sidr hit the country in November 2007. The programmes gave people in the affected areas an opportunity to engage directly with the relief effort. More