I was shocked a few weeks ago, when on the phone with a HS classmate (trying to makes decisions about cancelling our 25th reunion) she couldn't picture where I live. In exasperation I mention the book and the story of the ponies. She had NO clue what I was talking about.
It's truly remarkable how the media elite, no matter where they live, have no clue how simple it is to make a difference. Just stick by your principles, answer questions, give out information, and the very least, give people a voice.
While this may sound crass, or even guoulish to some, the time I miss being in radio the most is during emergency situations. Because DelMarVa has always been plagued by power problems, radio has always been the most useful medium for information.
Listeners always appreciated it. But aboive all emergency services appreciated it.
One particular snow storm in 1983 comes to mind. We axed all regular AM programing and most of the FM programming and I spent hours upon hours on the phone with all kinds of authorities. After we stayedon the air for 24 hours straight, the food started arriving. The local fire company offered to take any of us who wanted a nap and a shower back to the station to use their facilities, the cops brought us coffee and donuts!!! listeners were bringing us casseroles.
It was amazing. But as long as the information was timely and factual everyone was happy.
That is a beautiful statement, and something that doesn't happen very often.. Timely, true and everybody happy.
What a wonderful story!
During a disaster, especially one that goes on and on, like a hurricane, you broadcast guys are literally the voice of the community.
Yesterday, we didn't get our Washington Times, period, doubt they even printed, and the Washington Post didn't come until late in the afternoon, and appears to have been "put to bed" last in the morning, but I knew all the news I needed from the radio.