The effects of COVID-19 on the radio industry are only just beginning to be felt, and it’s more than likely that over coming weeks listeners will hear a number of line-up changes as more infections come to light.
Already Alan Jones, Ray Hadley, John & Ross, Fitzy & Wippa are presenting programs remotely, while Richard Wilkins and David Campbell are in isolation
Kyle & Jackie O are the latest big names to be isolated, broadcasting their breakfast program from individual home studios this morning
THE SHOW MUST GO ON!
Listen: https://t.co/mjAPnmUaJj#KJShow #QuarantineLife #Coronavirus #Isolation pic.twitter.com/EVexTjHPc1
— Kyle and Jackie O (@kyleandjackieo) March 16, 2020
Amanda Keller from WSFM’s Jonesy & Amanda is broadcasting from home in self-isolation because she came into contact with Christian Wilkins as part of her role as host of Dancing with the Stars on Sunday.
Amanda will be broadcasting from home until Christian receives the results of his COVID-19 test, and this morning she chatted with him
John Stanley is also expected to begin broadcasting from home while Ben Fordham has relocated to the Melbourne studios of Nine Radio.
SCA is planning to move Dave Hughes and Carrie Bickmore into home studios
RRR offices in Melbourne have closed to the public as they struggle with a skeleton staff
The Triple R office is temporarily closed to the public due to skeleton staff in attendance. We’re still taking calls for the time being – and you can always contact us via email. Thanks for understanding, everyone! https://t.co/mRvrX1RaKe
— Triple R FM (@3RRRFM) March 16, 2020
Canberra FM Radio, Hit104.7 have cancelled their outdoor event, Skyfire 2020, that was expected to be the city’s biggest single day public gathering.
Community Broadcasting stations could be hardest hit if the coronavirus spreads nationwide as many of the volunteers involved are in the age group most affected.
radioinfo spoke with George Frame from Tamworth’s 88.9fm who says his station is preparing for the worst.
George says his station has the ability to set up OB units in private homes, and that they are also looking at how best to utilise their two on-air studios, but for the moment they are concentrating on making sure their audience has the correct information through interviews, on-air messaging, Facebook and website links.
He says, “We’re also in a position to be able to offer help to other stations around us should they require some assistance. In the meantime, our newsroom and on-air team continue to keep the region informed on the latest developments with COVID-19.”
Tony Graham from Binjang Radio, Wellington says, “Our main concern is that most of our team are over the age of 70 and some them have health issues, and this is the age group that appears to be most affected by this disease.
“Worse cast scenario I’ll quarantine myself in the station and use voice tracking to stay on-air.
“The biggest concern would be how to continue to present local news.”
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