Potterwatch

"Listeners, that brings us to the end of another Potterwatch. We don’t know when it will be possible to broadcast again, but you can be sure we shall be back. Keep twiddling those dials: the next password will be ‘Mad-Eye.’ Keep each other safe. Keep faith. Good night."

- Lee Jordan finishes a 1998 broadcast of Potterwatch

Potterwatch was a radio show hosted by Lee Jordan for those who rebelled against Lord Voldemort and supported Harry Potter during the Second Wizarding War.

Purpose and Activities
Potterwatch supplied information to the wizarding community about recent events that were not reported by the Wizard Wireless Network or the Daily Prophet, both of which had fallen under the influence of the Voldemort-controlled Ministry of Magic. The show broadcasted supportive messages to Harry Potter and others actively opposing Voldemort's activities, announced the deaths caused by Voldemort's Death Eaters and Snatchers, and encouraged wizards to help defend Muggle neighbours from Death Eater attacks by casting a few simple spells.

They also tried to discourage the "climate of panic" being promoted by the Ministry by spreading the truth and dispelling rumours, such as one that Voldemort could kill people with only a glance. In this, Potterwatch emulated the underground radio broadcasts that were transmitted in occupied countries during wartime in the Muggle world.

Safety measures were taken before each broadcast, including switching locations regularly and using codenames to avoid Death Eaters.

Contributor codenames
Each contributor to the show used a codename while on air to protect their identity, but those who knew the individuals could generally tell who was speaking. Every known codename starts with the letter 'R'.


 * Lee Jordan was codenamed River, a reference to both the Jordan River and also the River Lee, in Ireland. It could also mean he is a "river" of information, since he always knows what is happening.
 * Kingsley Shacklebolt was named Royal in reference to the "King" in his first name.
 * Remus Lupin was named Romulus in reference to the mythological twin orphans Remus and Romulus who were raised by wolves and founded Rome.
 * Fred Weasley was initially named Rodent because of the "weasel" in Weasley, but named himself Rapier, probably in reference to his "rapier wit" or simply because he thought it sounded better then Rodent. A rapier is a type of sword, relatively light, with an extremely sharp tip and very fast and deadly if used properly.

Passwords
Passwords were required to tune into every show. By tapping a wand on the wireless and saying the password, a Wizard could access the broadcast. A new password was announced at the end of each broadcast. It is not entirely clear how this should prevent unauthorized access for a long time, as only one password would have to be guessed in order to gain knowledge of the next. However, both known passwords are the names of members of the Order of the Phoenix. It is possible that all passwords to access Potterwatch were related to the Order; presumably, however, only names of deceased members would be used as to not further condemn known living members.

If one missed a show, the only means to be able to hear the next would be to ask someone working closely with the broadcast crew - a feat not easily accomplished in the times of war and terror, or to guess the password.

Known passwords

 * Albus
 * Mad-Eye

Appearances

 * Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows