17 Mysterious Broadcast Interruptions That Still Can’t Be Explained
These 17 broadcast interruptions happened without warning, caused confusion or fear, and still don’t have clear answers today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Broadcast interruptions are rare, but when they happen without explanation, they tend to stick in people’s memory. Some were strange, others were disturbing, and a few remain completely unsolved. This list covers moments when the signal broke — and no one ever figured out exactly why.
1. Max Headroom Incident (Chicago, 1987)
Magnus Manske on Wikimedia Commons
Two TV stations in Chicago were hijacked by someone in a Max Headroom mask. One was during the news, the other during Doctor Who. The person responsible was never caught, but it’s still one of the most famous broadcast intrusions.
2. Captain Midnight Hijack (HBO, 1986)
John R. MacDougall on Wikimedia Commons
John MacDougall interrupted HBO’s satellite signal to protest high cable fees. He broadcast a text message for several minutes. He was later fined and sentenced. This was the first major known satellite signal hijack.
3. Southern Television Interruption (UK, 1977)
Rcasula on Wikimedia Commons
A voice calling itself “Vrillon” interrupted the local evening news with a message about peace and humanity. The interruption lasted nearly six minutes. Authorities couldn’t trace the source, and the case remains unsolved.
4. Montana Emergency Alert System Zombie Warning (2013)
Infrogmation of New Orleans on Wikimedia Commons
A warning aired on TV saying the dead were rising and attacking the living. It was traced to hackers accessing the Emergency Alert System through default passwords. Several stations were affected. No arrests were made.
5. Greenpeace Nuclear Explosion Video During Weather Forecast (Czech Republic, 2007)
National Nuclear Security Administration on Wikimedia Commons
During a live weather report, a fake nuclear explosion was shown in the background. Greenpeace later admitted responsibility. It was part of a climate awareness campaign. The incident raised concerns about broadcast security.
6. TV Martí Broadcast Jamming (Cuba, multiple years)
Broadcasting Board of Governors on Wikimedia Commons
U.S. broadcasts into Cuba have been blocked by counter-broadcasts or noise from Cuban authorities. Some signals were hijacked or overridden in mid-broadcast. The full extent of signal interference is unknown. U.S. officials have confirmed jamming, but many details remain classified.
7. UVB-76 (Russia, ongoing since the 1970s)
Janm67 on Wikimedia Commons
This shortwave radio station emits buzzing noises and occasional unexplained broadcasts, including voices and odd sounds. It is believed to be military, but no agency has confirmed its purpose. Some broadcasts have been interrupted by strange transmissions. Its true function remains unknown.
8. Soviet “Woodpecker” Signal Interference (Cold War, 1976–1989)
Hayward on Wikimedia Commons
Shortwave radio users around the world picked up a loud tapping signal nicknamed “the Russian Woodpecker.” It disrupted communications across frequencies. It was later traced to a Soviet over-the-horizon radar system. The broadcasts stopped in 1989.
9. North Korea Signal Jamming (Multiple Incidents)
イココ on Wikimedia Commons
South Korean radio and TV programs broadcast toward the North have been frequently jammed. In some cases, white noise or propaganda replaced the original programming. It’s a known tactic used by the North Korean government. It’s difficult to trace the exact sources.
10. Argentina Radio Hijack by Anti-Government Group (1980s)
Amitbalani on Wikimedia Commons
During the military dictatorship, dissidents hijacked AM radio frequencies to broadcast anti-regime messages. Some were aired without being immediately stopped, and the identities of the hijackers were never confirmed. The acts were part of wider underground resistance.
11. Philippines Military Radio Signal Hijack (1986)
Milkteaislife on Wikimedia Commons
During the People Power Revolution, pro-democracy activists temporarily took control of state radio. They broadcast messages supporting the uprising. Some broadcasts were reportedly cut off by loyalist forces. The hijacks helped spread information during media blackouts.
12. Pirate Radio Hijack of BBC Frequencies (UK, 1970s)
Steve Bowbrick on Wikimedia Commons
Several unlicensed stations managed to broadcast over BBC signals using ship-based transmitters. Radio Caroline and others operated in international waters. The British government eventually cracked down, but some broadcasts interrupted official ones. These cases are well-documented.
13. Al-Manar Signal Hijack (Lebanon, 2006)
Alhamedmoh on Wikimedia Commons
During the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, broadcasts from Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV were overridden with anti-Hezbollah messages. The source was suspected to be Israeli forces. The hijacks lasted a few minutes each. Neither side officially confirmed full responsibility.
14. U.S. EAS System Override with Anti-Trump Message (2017, California)
Federal Communications Commission on Wikimedia Commons
Some viewers in Orange County heard an emergency alert followed by a voice stating apocalyptic warnings and a political message. It turned out to be a radio program bleeding into the alert system. It wasn’t a hack but a failure in equipment shielding. Still, it caused confusion.
15. 9/11 TV Broadcast Delay (U.S., 2001)
U. A. Saarinen on Wikimedia Commons
After the first plane hit, some networks experienced unexplained audio dropouts or video freezes before the second strike. While most of this can be explained by signal overload or infrastructure damage, some parts remain unclear. Viewers at the time noted strange timing gaps. It’s still debated by broadcast engineers.
16. Portuguese TV Hijack (1975 Revolution)
Pedro Ribeiro Simões on Wikimedia Commons
During Portugal’s Carnation Revolution, rebels took over the national broadcaster RTP. They aired anti-regime messages and footage supporting the peaceful coup. It was not a technical hack but a physical takeover of the broadcast center. It marked a turning point in the country’s history.
17. Syrian TV Signal Interference (Ongoing)
Halab Today TV on Wikimedia Commons
During the Syrian civil war, government and rebel forces have fought for control of the media. There have been confirmed cases of signal hijacking and disinformation aired over state channels. Exact sources are often anonymous or military. The conflict around information continues.