The Queen Dies | Broadcasters disrupt output for Queen’s death coverage

Broadcasters across the UK suspended normal programming after learning the news about the death of the Queen on Thursday evening.

News about the Queen’s deteriorating health became apparent shortly after lunchtime. Her family gathered around her at her Balmoral Castle residence.

Around 18:00, when news surfaced about the Queen’s demise, major broadcasters BBC One, ITV1 and Sky switched to rolling news coverage. TV rules have taken affect as period of national mourning begins, which includes comedy shows have been suspended on the BBC during the ten-day period.

Asian TV broadcasters did not make any such changes, except for tribute cards for the Queen flashed during ad breaks on Sony channels in the evening. Aaj Tak switched to rolling news coverage, while NDTV 24×7 covered a few updates.

On radio, most Asian radio stations including Lyca Radio, Lyca Gold, Sunrise Radio switched to somber music and half-hourly news bulletins from Sky News. Other local stations like Sabras Radio, Radio XL, Asian Sound Radio and others followed suit. Lyca Media suspended all commercials from 18:30 until 06:00 on Friday.

Watch BBC News announce Queen Elizabeth II’s passing