The BBC is developing a contingency plan known as “Black Sky” that would establish a dedicated emergency radio studio to broadcast government messages if major infrastructure failures disrupted normal communications across the United Kingdom.

The proposed operation would employ approximately 100 staff and rely on FM radio and satellite connections to continue broadcasting during extended blackouts or cyberattacks. By maintaining an independent broadcasting capability, the BBC would be able to distribute official information even if internet services and other communications networks became unavailable.

The facility would also have secure communications systems that do not depend on the internet, allowing staff to maintain contact with government officials and other essential services during an emergency. It would be stocked with enough supplies and resources to operate independently for at least three days.

The planning reflects concerns about how long it could take to restore electricity following a widespread failure. Guidance from the National Energy System Operator (NESO), which oversees Britain's electricity system, reportedly indicates that power could take between two and three days to restore after a major outage.

The emergency studio would provide a means for authorities to communicate instructions, public safety information, and other essential updates throughout that period. The plan is intended to preserve access to reliable information if a major blackout or cyberattack prevents the public from using normal communication channels.