Another report showing why radio is vital as we continue through another hurricane season.  What about fires, major earthquakes or other catastrophes? The latest Katz Radio Group report says radio may be the only media platform available in some instances. Radio, the consulting group says, has a “unique ability to deliver immediate, local and actionable updates, often when other channels become difficult to access”. PREACH!

Folks commuting aren’t going to their social media accounts, unless they’re not driving. But people who are mid-evacuation or at home awaiting their power to come back on can still listen to radio without electricity, or having their eyes glued to a device. Radio delivers weather emergency warnings, storm updates, evacuation information and shelter locations, road closures, flash flood reports and warnings, and traffic updates. We also cover school, business and government closures, updates on power outages and reports directly coming from emergency-management officials.

Katz reminds us community members need radio, and sponsors and advertisers are part of the equation. They are in our communities, and their support helps us bring the programming, hire staff and build out our infrastructure, which keeps that critical information on the air.

Here’s a thought, emergency sponsorships like from a hospital, local utility company, grocer or home improvement store. That could make or break some stations staying on the air when we need them the most. 

This all comes as the US House passes the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. 📻