An open source radio platform in Canada – for any community however remote
This case study belongs to a compendium of good practices and success stories in disaster risk reduction shared during the 2025 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025). These stories reflect the real-world progress being made by governments, communities, and organizations around the world to reduce risk and build resilience.
A free, open-source platform developed by telecommunications expert Robert G. Hopkins is helping remote areas set up local radio stations that broadcast real-time emergency alerts and community programming.
These radio stations provide life-saving information during emergencies such as wildfires and floods. Alerts are broadcast in Indigenous languages first, then followed by French and English. This ensures that everyone receives critical information in a language they understand.
The system operates 24 hours a day. Even during the night, automated alerts can be triggered to warn residents of immediate dangers. This has proven especially important for isolated communities that do not have access to fast or reliable internet or mobile service.
How radio saves lives and preserves Indigenous languages
Beyond emergency use, the radio stations play an important cultural role. They air local programming, share traditional stories, and promote the use of Indigenous languages. For communities working to preserve their heritage, this technology provides a platform to keep languages alive and strengthen cultural identity.
The radio software is free and adaptable, allowing any community with basic equipment to set up and manage its own station. This makes it a practical solution for areas with limited infrastructure or funding.
Community radio in Canada is showing how simple, accessible technology can support both safety and cultural resilience. By combining local knowledge with open-source tools, communities are creating their own solutions to meet local needs.
Source: As shared by Robert Hopkins at the GP2025 Media Hub