The Power of Radio Part 3: ACE Radio Network in for the long haul

The ACE Radio Network has paid tribute to the tireless efforts of its staff during the current flood crisis, as the team continues to update communities through its stations in Wangaratta, Deniliquin and Swan Hill.

ACE Group Content Director Mat Cummins tells Radio Today “In Wangaratta last week our local Content Director Blake Escott, announcer Matt Hobbs and local journalist Mike Humphrey worked around the clock to keep 3NE and Edge FM listeners up to date with the flooding in and around Wangaratta and Benalla.”

“In amongst emergency announcements, for some light relief, Mike managed to check in on Yogi. Legend has it that Yogi is a guide to just how badly Wangaratta is impacted by floods. The situation has eased in those areas now, but there is more rain forecast this weekend which will see rivers maintain their peak.”

ACE’s Deniliquin stations have been working since last week to keep communities along the Campaspe River up to date as Rochester was inundated by floodwaters.

Cummins says “Our Deniliquin team has been in for the long haul as the flood danger moved from Rochester to Echuca.”

“By far, the 2QN and Edge FM team have been the busiest in the network and they really haven’t had any respite since coverage began.”

“Our General Manager Ange Frino should be getting ready for annual leave ahead of her upcoming wedding but she and her team of local journalist Andrew Johnston and announcers Damien Hancock and Leah Wiernik are maintaining our coverage for the locals there.”

Cummins says one of the most significant things being done within the network is motivating members of the community to help each other.

“Lots of volunteers have turned out in support to sandbag and create levies around Echuca.”

“In Swan Hill, local Content Director Len Johns and his team of Sarah Grigg, John Spelling and local journalist Tom English have been preparing the Kerang community for flooding. As locals cross many parts of the Murray in that region we’re doing our best to keep everyone informed.”

In Albury, CD Matt Griffith is preparing for another wet weekend too.

“Our 2AY team is still scheduled to be at Relay For Life on Saturday but will be ready to switch back into coverage for flooding around the border communities if we need to. Kylie and Kev on breakfast for 2AY and 3NE have been closely following the weather and their local government connections have been helpful in bringing other local mayors on air to discuss relief efforts.”

Cummins is also full of praise Group News Director Monique Taylor.

“She’s been supporting our local journalists whilst still writing and reading all the Albury news. One of our team moved on in Albury recently and whilst we wait for our new journalist there to start, Mon is quite literally doing it all!”

“As a team, we’re now positioning staff around the group, ready to help relieve those who’ve worked non stop since last week. Staff from Gippsland, Colac, Warrnambool and Hamilton will help cover stations next week.”

With the network having previously covered the impact of bushfires, earthquakes, flooding and even a tsunami warning, Cummins says the team has learned plenty about the importance of emergency broadcasting in recent years.

“On our Content call earlier in the week, it was wonderful to see our team reach out to help and support each other.”