This week's tornado devastation in Alabama not only brought a huge death toll, it destroyed the homes and livelihoods of thousands of Americans. As the media coverage comes out, we're learning of many stories of bravery -- and many of the local heroes are radio broadcasters.
Imagine for a moment the devastation if something like this were to hit your town. There is mass hysteria. People not knowing where to turn, having no way to contact others, not knowing if family is alive, not knowing where to go or what to do next. The power is down, the phones are out, the cell towers are not operating. There is no Internet or mobile Internet, no streaming radio or television, and the ONLY means of communication are the local radio and television stations, operating off generators. But most consumers don't own battery-powered televisions. So their battery-operated or in-car radio is the only lifeline to learn where to go, what to do.
The broadcasters in these markets are working impossible hours. They've put the needs of their own families aside, have put revenue generation and their normal formats aside, in the interest of serving their local communities. City officials have no way to communicate with consumers other than radio.
Radio broadcasters in these communities are true heroes. We as an industry should applaud the efforts of our fellow broadcasters, and every radio station in the U.S. should volunteer airtime and efforts to point consumers to the RED CROSS or others raising money for the victims.
Times like these reinforce radio's value in every community to Congress and local officials. Imagine if every cellphone had an FM chip during this time when almost everyone has to rely on radio. Those phones would have provided extra radios, and even more consumers would have had access to critical information.
Join me in giving recognition to our fellow broadcasters for their heroic efforts.
Here is a great spot created by Jim Kipping of Emmis in Austin. It says it all.
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