A Guiding Light in the Storm: Southern Communications Stays on A - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Weathering the Storm: Southern Communications Guides Listeners Through Disaster

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Southern Communications was a bright light in the storm that rocked Southern West Virginia on June 29.

When more than 600,000 people lost power, the company's stations stayed on air, guiding people in need of emergency assistance to their nearest water supply and shelter.

"We went back to the core nature of what we do, which is to be on the air, to get the information to people. When it came to the team effort, there were no second questions by anybody. In fact, we had non-staff members calling in, saying how can we help? When do you need us? We will be there," said Lola Rizer, with WCIR.

Rizer said WCIR went on air Saturday night following the storm, and never went off, bringing listeners the latest on everything from where to find ice to weather updates.

Rizer credits the stations' sucess to tips from listeners and an outstanding team effort on behalf of staff.