Radio Stations Provide Important Hub for Community Togetherness

July 26, 2020

As stay-at-home practices continue during the COVID-19 pandemic, local radio stations are providing listeners with a valuable connection to the community and to each other even when self-isolating. Stations across the country are not only leading the charge for collecting money and donations for relief funds, but they are also giving their audiences the support and connection they need to maintain their mental health.

Call-in shows have always been an important venue for community conversation. Now, listeners can call their beloved, trusted hosts to talk through the latest news and voice their concerns. Many stations are using their airtime to feature local businesses still open for delivery or curbside pickup or to highlight nonprofits working to provide relief to community members, all services that can help people keep their lives running smoothly.

Radio stations are also providing listeners with an outlet for social energy. KOYY-FM Fargo held a citywide on-air dance party and shared videos of listeners dancing it out at home. WKVT-FM Brattleboro held an online trivia night with prizes supporting local businesses. These are just a few of the many creative ways local radio stations are fulfilling not just the physical needs of their listeners, but their social and emotional needs, too.

With local radio, you’re never alone. This year, radio celebrates 100 years of entertaining, connecting and informing Americans, and we’re looking forward to the next hundred. Share with us on social how your local stations have kept you connected and inspired during the pandemic using the hashtag #Radio100.