Hackers Hijack Local ESPN & NPR Radio Stations’ Signals, Issue Emergency Alerts & Broadcast “Obscene” Material

Signal Hijack: Hackers Disrupt ESPN and NPR Broadcasts with Disturbing Content

In an alarming breach of broadcast security, hackers commandeered the signals of ESPN and NPR affiliates, replacing programming with offensive material during prime broadcasts.

The Breaking Point

Listeners of ESPN 97.5 in Houston were caught off guard during the high-stakes Eagles-Cowboys game when the broadcast was hijacked. Fans expecting riveting sports commentary were instead subjected to a barrage of fake emergency alerts, offensive music, and a strange social media call to action by the hackers.

Beneath the Surface

This was not an isolated incident. Just days earlier, Richmond's NPR station, Radio IQ, fell victim to a similar attack, highlighting vulnerabilities in the backup audio systems used when primary feeds fail. These breaches reveal the critical gaps in the security of the studio-transmitter link system, often targeted by cybercriminals exploiting weakly secured equipment.

The Ripple Effect

With the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) acknowledging the flaw in broadcast defenses, the industry faces pressing questions about cybersecurity and the safety of public communication channels. These incidents raise concerns about the potential for future attacks that could disrupt more than just entertainment, triggering emergency alert systems without cause.