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When Radio Really Proves Its Worth
Residents of Florida are about to be reminded how important it is to have a portable radio and some batteries. With Hurricane Helene about to hit as a possible Category 4 - the second worst on the Saffir-Simpson scale - officials expect widespread flooding and power outages.
It's time like this where radio - if the stations can stay on the air - really prove their worth. Phones may go down, TVs may not work, computers may not have electricity to power their WiFi, but radio is somehow always there. I wish our friends down south a lot of luck during the next few days.
Radio is ready.
"In Tampa, the storm team will remain on-site Thursday, with engineers working remotely to manage any issues that arise. All stations will stay in format with weather updates from ABC News meteorologist Denis Phillips. If the hurricane reaches life-threatening levels, the stations will break format for local television broadcasts, a decision to be made by Operations Manager Rick Thomas."
I hope residents all bought a portable set and some Duracells. Sounds like they're going to need them.
Radio Is Ready As The Gulf Coast Braces For Hurricane Helene
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Re: When Radio Really Proves Its Worth
Fascinating to listen to WFLA, the all news station in Tampa, Florida, as the hurricane approaches. I wonder where the studios are and if the place is well enough fortified to keep them on the air during the worst of the storm.
Have to say the two guys, who have been on the air for hours now, are doing yeoman's work keeping the audience updated. I can't help but think they're going to be broadcasting for a very long time, unless there's someone who can get there to relieve them. Perhaps they're doing it all remotely.
Amazingly, they're still doing traffic and weather together and playing all the spots. But who's left in the evacuated city to listen?
WFLA Live
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Thread Starter- Shorty Wave
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Re: When Radio Really Proves Its Worth
In 2003 and 2013 when Toronto experienced black outs both times, our radio was our only source of info. I always have at least one and a stash of batteries for such occasions, like many members of this board I imagine!
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Re: When Radio Really Proves Its Worth
Although Hurricane Helene is long gone, its effects may be felt for a long time down south. The FCC reports that at least 25 radio stations have gone off the air as a result of the storm, and there's no word on when they may be able to go back on the air.
Can't say for sure, but that may be the most broadcasters ever affected by such a weather event.
More Than Two Dozen Radio Stations Go Dark In Southeast From Hurricane Helene
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Thread Starter- RadioActive
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Re: When Radio Really Proves Its Worth
Update: The number of radio stations off air has risen to near 50, with 6 TV stations also blacked out. Cable and Internet is also not working in many areas, so millions of people without power are not only in the dark with hydro but in the dark about what's going on in their area. That would make me crazy.
TV, radio outages increase after Hurricane Helene
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