In the wake of devastation caused by tornadoes this week, many radio stations in Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, North Carolina and other affected areas remained on the air to provide emergency information.
They’re continuing to air vital information as well as organizing fundraisers and other relief efforts to help storm victims. For example, WGNS(AM/FM) in Murfreesboro, Tenn. and KUAR(FM), Little Rock, Ark., are offering emergency information on the air and on their websites.
NAB saluted broadcasters’ efforts. President/CEO Gordon Smith said radio provided breaking news coverage in the affected areas and applauded stations for “galvanizing relief efforts.” He made the point that during a crisis, local broadcasters’ “are a reliable first informer in providing emergency weather coverage that saves lives.”
Amateur radio helped storm victims as well, providing communications support and real-time weather observations, according to the Amateur Radio Relay League.
Radio’s conduct during the storms and ability to stay on the air is likely to be cited in support of NAB’s efforts to get wireless carriers to activate FM chips in cellphones.
