As Hurricane Mathew gets ready to bear down on Florida, we checked in with several radio groups that were getting ready to do what they always do, provide vital information to the listening public.
Let’s start with iHeartMedia where Region President Brian Olson and Director of AM Programming for Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Grace Blazer tell us iHeartMedia Miami, iHeartMedia Latino in conjunction with NewsRadio 610, WIOD will be servicing the entire South Florida community before, during, and after Hurricane Matthew. “Operation Stormwatch is in full gear as we prepare our audiences for a potential Category 4 hurricane up and down the Southeastern Florida coast. Our brands are united as a team and it’s all hands on deck. Food is stocked, generators are ready, and transmitters are double checked.” Here’s what iHeart has prepared to do.
- WIOD’s entire staff + many other programming staff are moving into the building beginning at 6 a.m. Thursday.
- WIOD will be in extended hurricane coverage, carrying all live press conferences and an added five hours of live and local programming Wednesday night.
- FM breaking news carts are being updated hourly by WIOD in English and Spanish + additional weather information.
- iHeart has a Hurricane partnership with NBC 6 and Telemundo 51 plus local meteorologists.
- And a WIOD digital billboard is now running on major highways in South Florida.
From CBS Radio in Miami, Rob Morris, VP of programming for the cluster fills us in. “We are providing continuous updates on the storm track and evacuation information. Closings and shelter information is also constantly being provided and updated. On-air and via social we are reminding listeners how to prepare BEFORE the storm – such as supply lists, family plan, securing your property/yard, pets and overall safety during and after the storm. Plus, we will be manning the phones, either via request lines, text or social media. Our sister CBS TV station, WFOR-TV (CBS 4) will be a prime source of information and coverage for us as the storm approaches. After the storm, we will be looking to provide information and support to the South Florida community where needed.”
CBS Radio has also had to move its HUGE Power 96 concert with The Chainsmokers, Daya and Zara Larsson, which was scheduled for Thursday (tomorrow/today) has been postponed until Friday, November 4, 2016.”
Alpha Media West Palm Market Manager Elizabeth Hamma tells us all of her stations are live and local. “We are providing constant weather updates from our TV partner, interacting with listeners and providing on-the-spot information as to where people can still get supplies. We are hosting community leaders on the air as they share information about shelters as well. The morning shows will have extended shows Thursday doing much the same coverage. When conditions dictate, we will take full coverage from our TV partner. When the imminent danger passes, we will go back to acting as a conduit of critical information for our listeners.”
Entercom Miami Market Manager Doug Abernathy says when the storm gets close, all stations will be airing the same storm coverage. “We have a partnership with Ch 10 WPLJ TV. We will have imbedded on-air talent at their studios to give play-by-play hurricane coverage. Currently, all our stations are doing updates at the top and bottom of the hour.” Abernathy says the area has been crazy busy, with lines for gas, and grocery stores having empty shelves.
Cumulus Charleston Market Manager Sherry Dollar have been working around the clock for their listeners and community. “Cumulus Charleston Managers meet every year in early June specifically for preparation for Hurricane Season. We formulate the Cumulus Charleston “Hurricane Procedures” plan. It’s a 3-page plan that outlines strategy in 4 Phases:
1) Hurricane Watch
2) Hurricane Warning
3) Evacuation
4) Recovery
“We outlined who is on the “Crisis Team” – their responsibilities and their contact info. Additionally, we meet with our TV Partner (NBC Affiliate WCBD) and strategize the plan for coverage. For Cumulus Charleston – we focus on LIVE and LOCAL. We also have a plan on each Tower if damage is done for us to keep it on the air and remain live and local for the Charleston Commuity. Additionally, when a disaster occurs communication is often difficult. Many times circuits are “busy” and the only way to communicate is through texting – I experienced this first hand during Katrina and Ike on the Gulf Coast. So we created a short code ALERT for our listeners to receive pertinent updates as they happen. We also implemented four ways of communicating internally to ensure our team is safe and their needs are met. 1) Daily check-ins with Dept. Head; 2) Internal Email; 3) Opt In (Internal Text Updates); and 4) the free App WHATAPP where we create an internal group for updates and support. It’s about having a plan, being prepared and executing. Cumulus Charleston cares about our community and stands ready to deliver.”
