Radio Silence: Barcelona Power Outage Sparks Listener Outpouring

Radio Silence: Barcelona Station's Power Outage Sparks Listener Outpouring On May 29th, 2025, a widespread power outage plunged parts of Spain into darkness, including the studios of Radio Barcelona, a flagship station of Cadena SER. For four to five hours, the station was off the air, a significant event in a city where radio remains a vital source of information and connection. The resulting silence sparked an immediate and visible reaction from listeners. "Barcelona was one of the most severely affected areas because the main repeater went down," explained Carles Francino, director of 'La Ventana,' a popular program on Radio Barcelona. The outage left many feeling isolated and uncertain. A crowd of loyal listeners spontaneously gathered outside the station's studios, expressing their concern and waiting for updates. Augusto Molina, Cadena SER's technical director, described the situation: "We experienced problems, and our equipment shut down. We're trying to improve things, to extend the autonomy of what we have." This highlights the station's commitment to its listeners and the challenges of maintaining broadcast continuity in the face of unexpected events. The incident underscores the importance of reliable infrastructure and the strong bond between local radio stations and their communities. The outpouring of support from listeners outside the Radio Barcelona studios, despite the lack of broadcast, is a testament to the power of local radio and its enduring relevance in the digital age.