Potterwatch

• Type: Pirate Wireless Programme, Magical Broadcast
• Owners: Members of the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore's Army
• Maker: The programme was founded and operated by members of the anti-Voldemort resistance, primarily Lee Jordan, Fred Weasley, and George Weasley.

Potterwatch was not a physical object but an illegal, underground Wireless programme broadcast to the wizarding community during the height of the Second Wizarding War. It had no physical appearance, but its on-air format was structured to resemble a professional news and commentary show. The programme was hosted by Lee Jordan under the code name “River”. It featured several regular segments, including news updates from correspondents like Kingsley Shacklebolt (“Royal”) and special commentary from guests such as Remus Lupin (“Romulus”) and Fred Weasley (“Rapier”). To ensure security and prevent infiltration by Death Eaters or the Ministry of Magic, access to the broadcast was protected by a password that changed with each episode. Listeners had to speak the correct password to their Wireless set to be able to tune in.

The primary purpose of Potterwatch was to counteract the propaganda being spread by the Voldemort-controlled Ministry of Magic and the Daily Prophet. It functioned as a vital source of truthful information, hope, and morale for those opposing the Dark Lord's regime.

• Information Dissemination: Potterwatch reported on news that the official channels suppressed, such as the true number of casualties, disappearances, and the identities of those murdered by Voldemort's followers.
• Password Protection: The programme used a magical enchantment that required a password for access. Known passwords included “Albus” and “Mad-Eye,” both chosen to honour fallen leaders of the resistance.
• Morale and Unity: By sharing stories of defiance and reminding listeners that they were not alone, Potterwatch helped maintain the spirit of the resistance movement.
• Practical Advice: The hosts provided crucial survival advice, such as how to help and protect Muggle-borns and a critical warning about the Taboo curse placed on Voldemort's name, which allowed the speaker's location to be instantly tracked.

Potterwatch was established in late 1997, following Voldemort's successful coup of the Ministry of Magic. With all official lines of communication compromised, members of the Order of the Phoenix created the secret broadcast to keep the wizarding public informed. The broadcasters were constantly on the move, changing their location to avoid being captured by Snatchers or Death Eaters. In March of 1998, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger successfully tuned into a broadcast while hiding in the Forest of Dean. During this episode, they learned of the murders of Ted Tonks, Dirk Cresswell, and the goblin Gornuk. The hosts also discussed the importance of supporting Harry Potter and explicitly warned listeners not to say Voldemort's name due to the Taboo.

Potterwatch plays a crucial and symbolic role in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It represents the “voice of the opposition” and the enduring power of truth in a time of tyranny. For Harry, Ron, and Hermione, it was a lifeline to the outside world, assuring them that the fight against Voldemort continued and that they were part of a larger movement. The programme directly triggers a turning point in the trio's journey. Immediately after listening to the broadcast and being filled with a renewed sense of purpose, Harry accidentally speaks Voldemort's name aloud. This breaks the Taboo, instantly revealing their location to a group of Snatchers led by Fenrir Greyback. Their subsequent capture leads them to Malfoy Manor, setting in motion the events that result in the death of Dobby and their eventual discovery of the location of another Horcrux.

In the film adaptation, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, Potterwatch is visually depicted. The film shows Lee Jordan broadcasting from a hidden, cramped room, and it includes scenes of various characters, such as Remus Lupin and Arthur Weasley, listening in secret, emphasizing the broadcast's wide reach and its importance to the resistance. (film)