12-9-13
Broadcasters that really love this business hope they have an opportunity like Jason Taylor had last week. And when that rare moment arrives, the great ones, like Jason Taylor, thrive. As ice storms barreled through North Texas and Southern Oklahoma, paralyzing the Sherman-Denison, TX, area last week, NextMedia Operations Manager Jason Taylor made plans to hunker down in the studio. In addition to doing his regular morning show shift on KMKT 93.1 Katy Country, all through the chilling weekend Taylor (pictured here) was a lifeline to the community as well as the thousands of truckers and travelers trying to make their way up and down US 75 between Texas and Oklahoma. Many were stranded for over 10 hours in freezing weather. Taylor told Radio Ink it really felt incredible being on the air, helping the community. "When you know that the things that you and your coworkers are telling listeners, and sharing in social media could very well save a life, even just one, it makes everything you do worth it."
General Manager Hank McMonigle says Taylor stayed on the air with updates from local authorities and NextMedia's weather partners at KXII 12 TV. "Jason Taylor leads the staff by example. He understands the responsibility of our radio stations in the communities we serve when we are the front line for communication. The entire staff is proud of his efforts during this critical weather event. Everyone rallied their efforts around him." Listeners were encouraged to post photos and updates of their own on the station Facebook pages and, while power was out, many listeners reported what a lifeline the free phone app was for them. Even with no electricity they could still listen to Taylor on their phone.
Taylor also covered updates on KMAD 102.5 MadRock until morning host Dave Hilton was able to take over that station by remote control. During that same period of time, residents of Texoma and Collin County were also being kept up to date on weather and traffic conditions on 97.5 K-LAKE broadcasting from their studios in McKinney, TX. The combination of terrestrial radio, online streaming, and social media kept everyone more informed and up to date than ever.
Taylor says the outpouring of thanks for what he did has been overwhelming. "I feel that we were just doing our jobs. If someone loses power, or is stranded in their car, what medium are they going to turn to first? Radio. One reason I love this industry so much. We make a difference."
Reach out to Jason Tayloe to congratulate him on a job well done: jason@931kmkt.com
(12/9/2013 11:02:52 PM)
Guess Ryan Seacrest couldn't make it in.
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