Following the recent weather conditions, it was good to hear IW Radio step into action and change programming to provide Isle of Wight residents with much needed news and information. 

IW Radio Snow Day coverage elevated them to the Islands 4th emergency service.  If batteries are included and electrical power is out, local Radio would be the only way to get any vital information out to the public in a crisis. 

The word from the station on the recent Snow Day coverage says it all:

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 the 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”.

IW Radio