If you think it’s expensive to mount continuous coverage in the wake of a disaster, think of what it would cost you – in money AND reputation – if you didn’t. Or couldn’t.
It’s been high season for disaster in the US – has been high season, really, since the winter – when stations in the Northeast were taxed by snowstorm after snowstorm.
The good news – if there is any in these tragedies – is that broadcast stations rise to the challenge in ways other media can’t.
Sure, the bloggers will pick up a moving story or two, and pass it along – if their broadband connection is still working.
And the newspapers will have gripping tales of despair, rescue and recovery – if they can still publish. Or deliver.
But a well-prepared broadcaster will always be there with coverage, comfort and assistance no one else can match.
And our audiences have come to rely on us. So, we pose the question again: Will your station be there with the necessary resources to bring information and hope to your coverage area?
This blog features observations from Randy Turner, a former teacher, newspaper reporter and editor. Send news items or comments to rturner229@hotmail.com
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Article examines Zimmer Radio wall-to-wall Joplin tornado coverage
An article in Radio Business Report examines the wall-to-wall coverage the Joplin Zimmer Radio stations gave to the tornado beginning even before it hit Sunday, May 22, and continuing up to this week. The column examines what other stations should do in case of an emergency:
I listened to one of the stations through the Missouri Southern tv station. It was really amazing to hear so many people calling in to help others, to find their loved ones, ask how to help out. It sure beat Facebook. I really felt like I was part of a community.
ReplyDeleteThis is nice to hear. My area had flooding (Branson area) and coverage was spotty. I would have thought for about 24 hours they would have cut away from the twangy whangy music for a while to keep citizens abreast of what was about to happen.
ReplyDeleteI hope the Joplin tornado was a once in a lifetime thing, and we never have to go through that again. So many families were practically wiped out from the effects.
My heart goes out to them.