Swedish Radio’s emergency broadcasting responsibility

There are several reasons why Swedish Radio has an emergency broadcasting remit. One reason is that the analogue radio network, the FM network, continues to function even if the electricity, telephone or internet networks are down. Another is that Swedish Radio has the capacity to broadcast from several different locations across the country. So, for example, if P4 Gävleborg is down, programmes can be broadcast from another town. Furthermore, you can listen to the radio even during a power cut. You can then use a radio powered by batteries, a hand-crank or solar cells.

P4 is the emergency channel

With its 25 local stations, Swedish Radio P4 is Sweden’s emergency channel. P4 must always be able to broadcast and provide the public with important information should society be hit by a crisis or serious disruption. P4 is also the channel to which local authorities, county councils and other public authorities refer for crisis information.

Swedish Radio can broadcast Important public announcements (IPA), official announcements, traffic updates and service announcements. A IPA is followed up as soon as possible by the relevant local P4 channel with further information.

You can find your local P4 station in the Sveriges Radio app or on an FM radio.

Teracom: Find the right radio frequency (in Swedish)