The UK Government’s “Be Ready” campaign is recommending that we all buy wind-up FM radios to stay informed in the event of an emergency. Just how helpful will broadcast radio be in a crisis?
If the mobile network and/or broadband is down, where are we going to get real-time updates, or be able to stay in contact?
Receiving FM radio broadcast stations is handy for national news updates, but is that enough?
Amateur Radio may be a useful and vital skill in an emergency, as we explore on this page.
Local Radio?
Here’s the problem. Even with a wind-up radio, you might find that listening to your local radio station doesn’t give you the information that you need. Due to various cutbacks over the years, many “local radio” stations transmit programming that comes from a central location, typically London, so they’re no longer truly local. If there’s a power cut in your village, will BBC Radio 4, LBC, or Heart London let you know what’s going on?
What about community radio stations? Yes, they’re local, but they’ll be relying on the Internet for their news and information, and many use broadband to feed their transmitters and live streams. Plus, most don’t have generators at both studio and transmitter sites.
With the phones down, a wind-up radio helps you to receive national updates, but not to talk to anyone. And that’s where amateur radio comes in.
Ham Radio?
Using a cheap handheld radio, or a battery-powered base station, you can make contact either locally or around the country, exchanging messages with other radio amateurs.
The amateur radio licence is free – you need to take a straightforward multiple-choice exam. Essex Ham runs a free online training course and has trained over 15,000 people since the 2020 lockdown. If you’re interested in staying in touch should the networks go down… join the community of thousands of radio hams and stay prepared.
What is amateur radio?
A worldwide hobby that lets you use a range of radio frequencies and equipment to communicate with other licenced radio hams. No subscriptions, no Internet, and no mains power needed. It’s also a community, with on-air and in-person meet-ups, help and support.
How do I get a licence?
By passing a 26-question multiple-choice online exam from home. The Radio Society of Great Britian runs these exams (not us) and they charge a small fee for taking the exam (£35.50 as of Oct 2026). Once you pass, you’ll get a pass certificate and can apply for your free Ofcom licence and callsign (no charges or subscriptions).
The course?
Free and online. There’s an optional course book (paperback or Kindle), plus loads of video guides and quizzes to help you study. There’s some radio theory and there are a couple of questions on electronics, which might seem intimidating, but it’s basic O-level physics. You’ll also learn about setting up antennas, sending data as well as voice, using a radio, and some safety stuff. In an emergency, the people who know how to communicate and how to use a radio will be key!
How do I join your course?
Go to courses.essexham.co.uk and sign up for free. We run free monthly courses, or a paid “on demand” if you’re in a rush.
What radio do I get?
Many like to start with a Baofeng UV-5R Mini. Around £20, with VHF/UHF. They can be charged from a USB-C power bank, have a colour display, and have an FM broadcast radio receiver and a built-in torch. With the standard antenna, the range of this little radio is limited, but local amateur radio repeaters can help extend your coverage. With other radios and antennas, you can transmit locally, nationally and internationally.
By taking a course, you’ll find out more about just how powerful amateur radio can be. Be prepared, and get your comms skills up to scratch, as you never know when you might need it.
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