Andrew Turner MP welcomes the way in which the Isle of Wight Radio served the community during the recent weather conditions.

Station Changes Programming For Snow Coverage

In response to the worst weather on the Isle of Wight in more than a decade Isle of Wight Radio dropped it’s normal programming to provide back to back coverage of which roads to avoid, details for parents about school closures, accident black spots and public transport information for the Isle of Wight.

Due to the volume of calls the station set up an emergency hotline number, which took over 500 calls in just under six hours. The entire sales and programming team were drafted in to take calls, pass on messages and answer questions from listeners.

The studio received 386 text messages from listeners providing weather and road condition updates as well ask asking questions about schools closures, transport and even if their bin would still be emptied.

Programme Controller and Breakfast show presenter Paul Topping said “I have never seen anything quite like it, it felt like the entire Island was listening to the station. We had an unprecedented 1000 listener interactions in under 6 hours. It just goes to show the huge place local radio still has in peoples lives.’

Following the broadcast the station has been swamped with messages of congratulations and thanks from hundreds of listeners following there coverage of the adverse weather conditions on Tuesday (3rd February).

“We would just like to say a BIG THANK YOU for all your updated information yesterday from Helen, Donna and Sam at Tesco Extra in Ryde. We were on the afternoon shift and worried if we were going to get there in one piece but thanks to Isle of Wight radio, you kept us up to date with all the information we needed.”

"Thank you" iow radio for all your constant information today FIRST CLASS !!!! From Lisa Daish

“Hi guys u r doing a fab job thank u. Sitting at home and
listening to IW radio.” elvie

Dan Bates, Station Manager said “it was an exceptional day both weather wise and with the response we received from our listeners. We have always had an exceptional relationship with our listeners but this level of interaction was the true definition of citizen journalism”.


ENDS.
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Notes to editors:

Isle of Wight radio is the number one station for the Isle of Wight with more listeners than any other commercial or BBC station that broadcasts to the Isle of Wight (RAJAR Q4 2008).

Isle of Wight Radio is part of the Local Radio Company.

Isle of Wight Radio is the local radio station for the Isle of Wight FM107 and 102

For more information please contact Dan Bates or Paul Topping on 01983 822557