A time of uncertainty
It’s 1960, and relations between the United States and the USSR are growing increasingly tense. The world watches as two superpowers stand on the brink of nuclear war, each side preparing for the worst. Canada, as a close ally of the United States, finds itself caught in the middle of this geopolitical struggle. Determined to ensure the survival of its government and citizens, Canada takes extensive measures to prepare for a potential nuclear attack.
One of the most critical tools in these preparations? Radio.
The lifeline of communication
In honour of World Radio Day, we’re exploring radio’s crucial role in emergency preparedness — both in the past and its continued importance today.
During the Cold War, radio wasn’t just for entertainment — it was a vital tool for communication, public information, and national security. The Canadian government relied on radio broadcasts to relay urgent messages, from civil defense instructions to news updates in the event of an emergency. Unlike newspapers or television, radio could reach people instantly and regardless of location — a crucial advantage in a time when every second could mean the difference between survival and catastrophe.
Inside the CBC Broadcasting Studio
Step inside the CBC Radio Broadcasting Studio at the museum, and you’re transported back to an era where every word broadcasted could be a matter of life or death. The room is a preserved piece of history, filled with vintage equipment that once stood ready to inform Canadians in a time of crisis.
This room would have been manned by trained CBC radio personnel and government officials, who had the critical responsibility of keeping the public informed in the event of an attack. In a time when nuclear sirens and drills were common, the radio personnel were keenly aware of their immense responsibility.
The broadcast that could have changed everything
The Diefenbunker Museum holds an artifact that highlights the role of radio in a chilling way: a tape recording that was prepared to be broadcast in the event of a nuclear attack. Today, this recording plays in the CBC Radio Broadcasting Studio, serving as a reminder of what might have been.
The broadcast would have reached millions of people in their homes, cars, offices, and public spaces — every Canadian with access to a radio — warning citizens of an impending or ongoing nuclear strike. Citizens would have relied on their radios to receive timely updates or instructions from government officials and emergency response teams.
Imagine sitting in your living room, turning on the radio, and hearing a voice calmly announcing that a nuclear attack was underway. The weight of such a moment is difficult to comprehend, but it was a real possibility during the Cold War.
Then vs. now
During the Cold War, radio was the fastest means of mass communication in a crisis. Fast forward to today, and our world is filled with new ways to receive emergency alerts — text messages, social media notifications, or push notifications from news apps. But despite these advancements, radio remains a critical tool in disaster communication.
Why? Because radio doesn’t rely on the internet or cellular networks, both of which can fail during a crisis. In natural disasters and blackouts, radio is still used worldwide to provide lifesaving updates when modern technology fails. The Cold War taught us that having a reliable communication system is essential, a lesson that remains true today.
Why this matters today
The Cold War may be history, but the need for preparedness and clear communication in times of crisis is as relevant as ever. Heritage sites like the Diefenbunker play a crucial role in preserving these lessons from our past, so that we can prepare for the future.
Whether it’s a natural disaster, a cyberattack, or another unforeseen crisis, the principles of needing clear and immediate communication remain the same.
For World Radio Day, we honor the radio volunteers at the Diefenbunker who work tirelessly to keep this history alive. Whether demonstrating to visitors how the radio equipment works or maintaining their skills by contacting ham radio operators around the world, our volunteers are ensuring that these lessons in communication are never forgotten.