As we've been reporting, the Zimmer Radio Group was hit hard by the Missouri tornado, some losing everything they owned. There is another radio group that serves the Joplin market that has been getting very little attention and they were hit just as hard. American Media Investment Group owns 8 stations in the Joplin and Pittsburgh, Kansas area and has been providing the local community much needed information although getting very little credit.
KKOW Music Director Ben Woolery tells Radio Ink that "our group of 8 stations had the tornado warning on the air quickly as we are the primary EAS stations in the Joplin MO and Pittsburg KS market. We were tracking the storm for 2 counties before it hit Joplin. Our stations continued getting the additional weather warnings out. Part of the time we were wall to wall coverage as well."
4 employees of American Media were also hit hard by the storm. Three employees lost everything they owned and Woolery suffered major damage to his home and belongings. "I was personally in the path of the storm giving details on the air when the station told me to get out of there as the storm was coming to my location. 3 of us are still trying to find a new home. I am still trying to find a temporary home as well until my home can be repaired. My wife's car was totaled and her work, St. John's Regional Medical Center was destroyed.
Add a Comment Send This Story To A Friend
