The aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene in western North Carolina led to a crisis where residents were struggling to recover from the floodwaters. Live calls broadcast on local radio stations, such as News Radio 570 WWNC, reflected the ongoing challenges faced by the region, including concerns about dam failures and the need for evacuation routes. The voices on the radio became a lifeline for many residents in need of reliable information as communications remained severed for many.
WWNC and six other iHeart-owned stations came together to simulcast their coverage of the weather emergency, providing updates on road closures and reassurances that help was on the way. With ground-based communications compromised from the storm, the stations relied on SpaceX’s satellite internet service Starlink to remain online. Hosts Mark Starling and Eddie Foxx, along with Ashley Wilson, provided live coverage from the station’s Asheville studio, serving as a source of information and support for listeners.
Communities in North Carolina reeled from the disaster caused by the storm, and local news outlets like WWNC produced indispensable service journalism to help residents navigate the aftermath. The hosts provided information on where to find essential supplies, access communication services, and connect with resources for missing persons and power outages. Listeners were urged to have patience and faith as the recovery effort would take weeks to unfold.
Throughout their marathon live broadcast, the hosts emphasized the importance of unity and community resilience in the face of the storm’s devastation. With a public service ethos at the forefront, the hosts assured listeners that they would continue to provide support until the recovery process was complete. Despite the challenges faced by the region, the hosts found moments of levity, such as reconnecting with neighbors and finding humor in shared experiences.
As the hosts shared stories of resilience and neighborly support in the storm’s aftermath, they also looked towards a hopeful future. Despite the hardships faced by the region, there were moments of connection and unity that emerged in the wake of the disaster. With a shared sense of community and a commitment to supporting one another, residents of western North Carolina began to rebuild and recover from the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helene.
