Topic: Disaster Relief and Recovery
On Patriot’s Day, when a storm led to flooding and the loss of power for 100,000 people, WGAN-AM in South Portland, Maine, provided its listeners with constant updates. The station sent its "Road Patrol" out into different counties to report back on conditions. Traffic reports were expanded and extended throughout the heavy downpour, as was news on flooding and emergency advisories. Extra staff came in to the station to answer calls and help ensure all information about closings was announced on air. As the station broadcast new information, it updated its Web site as well. "This kind of work is where radio is really important," said WGAN News Director Jeff Wade. "People lost power and needed a place to turn to." When the 24-hour storm subsided, WGAN focused its broadcasts on recovery efforts, directing listeners to resources for aid and providing information on road repairs.
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