The recent flood crisis in NSW and Queensland has highlighted the role radio plays in communities during an emergency.
Radio networks, including Nova Entertainment, ARN, and SCA were quick to ramp up coverage of weather updates and emergency warnings for locals.
However, the broadcast teams, many of whom were dealing with the floods themselves, also provided assistance by sharing locals’ stories to provide aid and setting up donations.
SCA’s Sea FM breakfast announcer Ben Hannant was forced to evacuate his home where he provided radio updates about the situation. Hannant, along with his son, also managed to rescue his neighbours from floods in the Gold Coast.
“We had to drive through flood water and as soon as we knew it we couldn’t see any fences and we were up to our necks in water,” Hannant’s neighbour Charlie says.
“If it wasn’t for Ben, my little sister probably wouldn’t be here. Ben threw Jess over his shoulders and carried her out like a little flood rescue mission.”
Meanwhile, Triple M breakfast hosts Marto and Margaux shared the story of Nola, a Milton resident in her late 60s who had been walking three kilometres to the supermarket each day for food. Nola also had no power in her home, and the breakfast hosts were able to put a call out for her and secure a generator from another listener.
Marto and Margaux from Triple M helping Brisbane charge up
“During these times radio is often the only connection people have with what is happening in their communities, particularly after losing power and telecommunications,” says SCA executive general manager for NSW and Canberra Tracy Paterson.
“Having experienced first-hand the bushfire emergency on the South Coast of NSW in January 2020, I know the lifeline that radio provided in a pretty terrifying situation.
“Our commitment and the part we play in the rebuild and recovery of our local communities is just as important, whether that be by promoting fundraising efforts, connecting and supporting people with what and who they need, delivering food and supplies to families in need or even cooking sausages in the main street of town.”
Meanwhile, news bulletins for ARN’s KIIS FM and 4KQ were up by 100% across the day during the peak of the floods. In Ipswich, River 94.9’s on-air team aimed to get as many listeners as possible to share their stories. On the first day of the flood, more than 200 calls were put to air from the regions affected.
“At the start of the COVID pandemic, many local newspapers were forced to close, and as a result, radio is more important than ever, particularly in regional Australia, where people rely on it for connection to the community,” says ARN group content director, regional Ryan Rathbone.
“This week, we've seen the power of our radio stations in places like Gympie, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Wollongong.
"Our ability to work hand-in-hand with government agencies and emergency services to quickly and accurately distribute life-saving information is exceptional. We truly are the life-blood of the community at challenging times like these.”
At Nova Entertainment, the Fitzy & Wippa show also focused on sharing locals’ stories to find them assistance. The team used its ‘We’ve got your back’ segment to provide cash donations to families in Lismore who had lost their homes for the second time, the first being during the 2017 floods.
The network’s Maddy Rowe also took live calls from residents to direct them to local evacuation points and emergency services.
“You can never underestimate the strength and important role radio plays in a crisis,” says Nova Entertainment chief programming and music content officer Paul Jackson.
“Radio is instant, has the ability to connect with what is happening on the ground, provides up to date information on the crisis as it unfolds, allows people directly impacted to share their stories and provides practical advice on how all listeners can help.
“From feedback we have received, when people are displaced and floods damage property and cut power, a battery-operated radio is a helpful way of hearing updates when the mobile phone charge runs out.”
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.