The recent storm that brought down a Chicago-area FM tower has left radio listeners in a bind. The tower, which housed the classic alternative station 95.9 The River (WERV), collapsed during a holiday weekend storm, forcing the station to take to social media to urge listeners to switch to their web stream. Now, with a limited signal, WERV is struggling to reach its usual audience.
This incident highlights the fragility of our reliance on physical infrastructure for communication. While temporary solutions like using a single bay antenna and a portable guyed tower can get stations back on the air, they are not ideal. The reduced signal strength means that WERV is now mostly covering only Aurora, leaving surrounding communities without access to the station's usual programming.
This situation raises a deeper question about the resilience of our media infrastructure. How can we ensure that our radio and television stations remain accessible during extreme weather events? What measures can be taken to prevent such disruptions in the future?
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of backup plans and alternative communication methods. While it's essential to have robust physical infrastructure, it's equally important to have contingency plans in place. This could include investing in more resilient towers, implementing backup power systems, and promoting the use of mobile apps and web streams as a secondary means of communication.
In my opinion, this incident serves as a wake-up call for the media industry. It highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness and communication. We must ensure that our stations are not only able to withstand extreme weather events but also have the means to continue broadcasting and serving their communities during such times.
What this really suggests is that we need to rethink our approach to media infrastructure. By investing in more resilient and adaptable systems, we can better protect our stations and ensure that our listeners remain connected during times of crisis.
