Spanish Blackout: How a Power Outage Rekindled the Power of Radio

In the aftermath of the widespread power outage that plunged Spain into darkness on April 28th, 2025, an unexpected phenomenon emerged: the resurgence of community through radio. Cadena SER's recent documentary, "La Radio Nunca Se Apaga," highlights this unexpected consequence of the blackout, showcasing how families turned to their radios for information and companionship during the crisis. One interviewee, an elderly man, reflects, "Some parents, if they had the radio, it was better; it brought the whole family together to listen." This sentiment is echoed by another interviewee who noted the contrast with modern media habits: "Now, everyone is in their room, with their computer or phone." The documentary serves as a timely reminder of the power of collective experience and the enduring importance of community in times of crisis, offering a poignant counterpoint to the increasingly fragmented nature of modern media consumption. The event, while disruptive, unexpectedly fostered a sense of shared experience and reliance on traditional forms of communication.