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Nestled in a region prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, the Caribbean is no stranger to natural disasters. In such moments of crisis, the media becomes vital. Organizations such as community and public broadcasters serve as lifelines, delivering early warnings, real-time updates, and critical preparedness information, often to remote communities with limited internet access.

At the heart of this effort in Antigua and Barbuda is the Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Service (ABS), the national public broadcaster serving a population of just over 100,000. With more than four decades of experience in radio, Alex Nicholas, a senior manager at ABS, has witnessed firsthand the power of emergency-resilient and trusted communication in times of emergency.

Recently, Nicholas participated in a UNESCO-led training initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of national broadcasters across the Caribbean. Supported by the Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, the training brought together 30 media outlets from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to enhance their skills in crisis communication, disaster risk assessment, AI-driven reporting, and investigative journalism.

In this interview, we speak with Alex Nicholas about the evolving role of public broadcasters in disaster resilience, the impact of the training, and how ABS continues to serve as “the people’s station” in times of need.

1. Why is radio essential in providing emergency communication and keeping communities informed during disasters?

Radio is essential in providing emergency communication and keeping communities informed during disasters because it is one of the most accessible tools available to everyone. Whether you're in the countryside or in town, almost every household has a radio. When storms hit and other services like TV stations and the internet go down, the radio often remains the only reliable source of information.

With just batteries and a radio, people can receive vital updates from disaster officials—what to do, where to go, and what to expect. This makes radio a lifeline during emergencies, especially in areas with limited infrastructure.

For Small Island Developing States, where resources are often limited, radio plays a critical part in disaster and climate reporting. It ensures that the public stays informed about disaster preparedness and understands the causes and effects of climate change. This kind of communication shouldn't be limited to hurricane season. It needs to happen year-round to build resilient communities.

2. Can you describe how your station was impacted during the hurricanes, and what challenges you encountered in keeping your broadcasts on air?

In the past, our station faced significant challenges during hurricanes. Our transmitter site is located at Muggie Peak, the highest point in Antigua, and it would often go down during disasters. Without broadcasting capabilities, we couldn’t inform the public when they needed us most. We also lacked the proper equipment to report from the field after the storm passed.

During blackouts, we had to improvise—our command center became our conference room. Despite the limitations, we managed to stay on air for the most part thanks to our generators. We maintained communication with key partners like disaster officials, the police, and the Red Cross, which helped us relay critical information to the public.

But we’ve made improvements. We now have the capability to report live from affected areas, which has made a big difference. During the last hurricane, I was overseas and was able to listen to ABS radio broadcasting online throughout the event. That was a proud moment.

However, challenges remain. We still need more resources and trained personnel to effectively manage disaster coverage. Our building, for instance, is vulnerable—it floods during heavy rain, which puts our operations at risk. Upgrading our infrastructure is essential to ensure we can continue serving the public during emergencies.

3. In 2024, your organization received broadcasting equipment and capacity-building support from UNESCO to improve disaster resilience. Has the support helped improve the quality, timeliness, and reach of your environmental and disaster reporting?

Staying on air during disasters used to be our biggest challenge. But in 2024, with the support from UNESCO, we’ve seen a major transformation in how we operate. One of the most impactful tools we received was an alert system that allows us to broadcast emergency notices directly from the National Office of Disaster Services. This has significantly improved the timeliness and reliability of our communication with the public.

UNESCO also provided capacity-building support through training workshops. I personally attended one in Jamaica, and it was truly eye-opening. We learned how to report effectively before, during, and after disasters—skills that have become essential to our work.

Another game-changer was the Radio in a Box kit, which includes microphones, mixers, and other portable equipment. This allows us to report live from anywhere on the island. The kit is now used to broadcast emergency messages from our national Disaster Agency. These broadcasts can interrupt any on-air program to deliver life-saving information, such as evacuation orders for low-lying areas, emergency contact numbers, and preparedness tips like stocking up on nonperishable goods.

Thanks to this support, we can now go into the most affected areas and provide real-time, on-the-ground reporting. During the last major flood, we had reporters knee-deep in water sending live updates. That moment really showed how far we’ve come. The quality, timeliness, and reach of our disaster reporting have all improved dramatically.

4. How has your station improved its ability to serve at-risk communities in preparing for and responding to disasters?

Our station has significantly improved its ability to serve at-risk communities, especially those in coastal and low-lying areas that are highly prone to flooding, such as Jennings (West Palm Beach) and Pickets on the eastern side. In the last disaster, water levels in Pickets reached rooftops, highlighting just how vulnerable these communities are.

One of the most impactful tools we've implemented is the alert system. It’s truly a lifesaver. When the alert beep sounds, people stop and listen because they know it is trusted information coming directly from disaster officials. This system warns residents in flood-prone areas about rising water levels and evacuation orders in real time.

We’ve also focused on educating these communities about the importance of preparedness—knowing where the nearest shelters are, what supplies to have on hand, and how to respond when a storm is approaching. Our broadcasts emphasize that preparedness is key, especially for those living in flood zones.

Additionally, we’ve strengthened our network by linking with other stations across the island. This ensures that no matter where someone is, they can receive timely and accurate information about pending storms and emergency measures. It’s all about maximizing coverage and making sure no one is left behind.

5. Since receiving disaster preparedness trainings, how have you improved collaboration with emergency responders, humanitarian organizations and media?

Since receiving disaster preparedness training, our collaboration with emergency responders, humanitarian organizations, and media partners has improved significantly. We now have direct contact numbers for key personnel within organizations like the Red Cross and other media houses, which allows for faster, more efficient communication during emergencies. We also have designated resource persons who are available to speak with the media, ensuring accurate and timely information is shared with the public.

One of the biggest improvements is our real-time communication with the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), the Red Cross, the police, and the defense force. We meet regularly to coordinate efforts, and this ongoing engagement has helped us build a strong, responsive network. Everyone is accessible, and we’re all working together more effectively than ever before.

Regionally, we’ve also strengthened our ties with media organizations in other Caribbean countries. Our relationship with Dominica’s DBS, for example, grew stronger after their recent hurricane. We’re also in contact with stations in Montserrat and St. Vincent. These connections are vital, and we believe the Caribbean should develop a regional platform for disaster agencies and media to collaborate and share best practices.

UNESCO’s partnership with the Caribbean Broadcasting Union has already laid the groundwork for this kind of transboundary collaboration, and it’s been incredibly beneficial. Expanding on that model could help all Caribbean stations improve their disaster preparedness and response.

6. How is ABS Radio positioned for future hurricane seasons?

Our past experiences, combined with support and training, have equipped us to report effectively. We know what to say, how to say it, and how to communicate clearly with the public. Thanks to UNESCO support, ABS Radio has changed the way it reports on disasters. The alert system allows us to inform listeners immediately about what to do, where to go, and what not to do. It’s made real-time interaction possible.