Georgia Broadcasters: The Lifeline During Hurricane Helene

On Thursday, September 26th, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s big-bend as a devastating Category 4 hurricane. Georgia broadcasters jumped into action to do what they know best, serve their communities. From television screens, radio airwaves, and social media channels, local stations provided extensive hurricane coverage. With around-the-clock coverage, broadcasters played a critical role in keeping residents up-to-date on the latest forecasts, emergency alerts, and safety precautions.

In the days before the storm was expected to make landfall, Georgia broadcasters from around the state began warning their communities. For example, WRBL-TV in Columbus and FOX5 in Atlanta, were among many of the stations sharing the possibility of severe flooding and strong winds from Hurricane Helene.

As the storm made its way toward Georgia, stations provided their communities with wall-to-wall coverage. One of these stations is Albany’s WALB-TV, which began its coverage at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, and provided live updates until 4 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27. 

To further expand the coverage of the impact Helene had on Georgia, WALB is accepting photos, videos, and first-hand accounts from viewers. WALB partnered with First Media Services, the owner-operator of five radio stations across Albany. Working together these two organizations provided countless hours of Helene storm coverage to their stations.

Hurricane Helene brought severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, flooding, high winds and even tornadoes to Georgia. Through each development, broadcasters were there to alert viewers and advise preparations. 

With many cell towers being damaged by the storm, communities relied on updates from TV and Radio. As of Tuesday, October 1st, there were 21.9% of cell sites reported as being out of service in the areas of Georgia impacted by Hurricane Helene according to the FCC.

Broadcasters used all types of traditional and digital methods to keep their communities informed. WGAU radio in Athens kept listeners informed on the air and on their website and social media platforms. Viewers could even track ongoing power outages across the state and in their area. 

Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) even shared podcasts with the latest breaking news on the storm.

In the aftermath of the storm, more than a million Georgians had faced power outages. Georgia Power reported Helene as the most destructive hurricane in the organization’s history. As of Oct. 3, Georgia Power has restored power to more than 1.2 million customers. 

The GAB applauds Georgia Power’s workforce for their tireless efforts to restore power to Georgia. Augusta, which was one of the worst areas hit by the storm, has had about 65% of the city’s power restored. 

In addition to Georgia Power’s efforts, GEMA, GA Chamber, the National Guard, and many other state agencies worked seamlessly together to provide updates to broadcasters.

Stations from across Georgia have reported on visits from President Joe Biden, Georgia Governor and First Lady, Brian and Marty Kemp; Vice President Kamala Harris; former President Donald Trump; and Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff.

As of Thursday, October 3rd, more than 200 people have been confirmed dead, with many more remaining unaccounted for, according to The Associated Press. These numbers make Helene the second deadliest Hurricane in the United States in the past 50 years. 

Even in the darkest moments of tragedy, we can often find strength, resilience, and comfort in some stories that remind us of the innate goodness that shines through in humanity.

One of those stories is about Benji Martin, a trained amateur radio operator in Chamblee who used his skills to help people still stranded after Hurricane Helene.

In a clip that has since gone viral on social media, a FOX Weather meteorologist rescued a woman from the rising floodwaters in Atlanta on air.

Broadcasters play a vital role during these types of emergencies, acting as the lifeline for communities by delivering crucial, real-time information. Their commitment to reporting live updates on storm paths, evacuation orders and safety measures helps protect lives and property. The GAB deeply thanks them for their unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe. 

Many other Georgia citizens took to social media to thank the countless broadcasters for their coverage of this storm. 

After the storm, Georgia broadcasters began focusing on post-storm coverage and relief efforts. Many stations and partner organizations have even started their own volunteer and fundraising efforts.

Our partners at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce facilitated interviews with Georgia Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner, John King, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture, Tyler Harper, Georgia Attorney General, Chris Carr, and other leaders about Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Click here to view the interviews. 

In times like these, broadcasters are on the frontlines, working tirelessly around the clock to ensure accurate information reaches those in harm’s way. Afterward, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by emotions such as shock, fear, sadness, or even guilt. These emotions can be difficult to process alone, making mental health resources critical for broadcasters to heal and regain a sense of stability. That’s why the GAB has put together a Mental Health Resources Guide for Georgia Broadcasters. 

To our Georgia Broadcasters, your dedication to public service during emergencies is invaluable. We see you, and we appreciate you. Please contact our office if the GAB can help you or your station in any way during this difficult time. 

Additionally, if you are a broadcaster who has suffered damage to your home or a loss of income due to the storm, you may apply for assistance through the Broadcasters Foundation of America.

Please note that the Georgia Association of Broadcasters may continue to update this story with ongoing coverage of Hurricane Helene.