Barrett Media produces over 20 stories per day on the music, news, and sports media industries. To make sure you’re updated on the latest happenings across the media business, sign up for our newsletters to get the news delivered straight to your inbox.
Radio Has Stepped Up In North Carolina
Radio has a long history of providing information and sometimes comfort in times of disaster.
North Carolina radio stations answered the call with wall-to-wall coverage after Hurricane Helene.
iHeartMedia’s six Asheville stations joined together in the aftermath and simulcast coverage across the cluster footprint.
WWNC host Mark Starling told CNN that his marathon broadcast ended at 11 pm Sunday, and he was back at Monday 6 am.
During WWNC’s marathon live broadcast, listeners were encouraged to maintain hope and be patient, as the recovery process is expected to take several weeks.
The stations are using SpaceX’s satellite service to stay online.
Eddie Fox, host on 99.9 KISS Country, reminded listeners of the mindset of COVID-19, “We’re all in this together, and we’re all going to make it through this together.”
The hosts provided updates on the locations of ice and bottled water, instructions for accessing cellular and WiFi connections, and estimated time for power restoration.
Ashley Wilson joined the broadcast from iHeartMedia Charlotte and told listeners she could not get ahead of her father after the storm hit.
According to Wilson’s statement to CNN, “We’ve been receiving calls throughout the day from individuals trying to locate their loved ones.”
Foxx said time will now be measured differently, “It will now be known as pre- and post-Helene.”
