How to help decimated broadcasters cope with Katrina's aftermath
[NOTE: This blog is in recovery mode with posts exported from another site. I aplologize for broken links/missing files, but plan to have this resolved in the next few weeks.]
We got this in our inbox from Peggy Miles, president of Intervox Communications:
SUBJECT: Hurricane - Helping broadcast assoc/station/journalists
A number of webcasters, www.webcasters.org and companies have access to provide off air stations, broadcasters (terrestrial Radio/TV) or displaced webcasters with live or on-demand webcast programming on the Internet. We have donated call in facilities, studio in Houston with production facilities (and elsewhere) if needed, extra streaming bandwidth, and perhaps anything else they may need to get messages up on the Internet. We can put up podcasts and video blogs. All they would need is a phone line to call in audio, or access to email to send us files. We can take just about anything they can provide. They can physically come to different locations if that is needed. We can probably find a studio in the city/town they may have had to take refuge in at this time. We can also take down satellite feeds. We can assist journalists.
Although phone service is still out for the most part. There are those broadcasters (as you know) that are spread out across the US. Many people only have the Internet to get very local news if displaced. If a broadcaster simply wants to put up a message - or perhaps needs to put up a simple webpage and - of course any audio or video - we can help assist in most, if not all of these manners.
We have a link for live stations as well as messages and programs that is a work in progress - www.webcasters.org and this is the first list of live programming we can find and add to that. We'll be adding fundraisers, and other content regarding the situation. This is an aggregated links to all webcasts and programming we can find related to the disaster. It is hosted under the International Webcasting Association.
If there is anyway we can get this to Mississippi and Alabama association of broadcasters, or anybody else - would be glad to help. This is a help site/cause - no political affiliation or reciprocity expected. These are all top tier companies and individuals donating their services. Many of us are also broadcasters. Please pass along as needed.
I understand Alabama in Mobile area doesn't have an AM stations up at all. I'm from New Orleans. My family - friends - and relatives all live in affected area. Please mark urgent in your reply to me. I prefer email ... If there are fundamental needs to help before they can broadcast - place to stay - etc., we can spread the word.
We also have donated PR newswires services to spread the word, PR Agency - and support from XM radio channel international and worldspace global satellite services broadcasting around the world, just to name a few resources. So - we are trying to handle publicity as well as fundamental services to get the word out. I can't mention everyone here helping - too long. Suggestions - this is a a work in progress.
Thank you, pmiles@intervox.com (alternative - us015676@mindspring.com)
Peggy Miles
For those of you who don't know me.
President - Intervox Communications - founded 1995
Also author for Natl Association of Broadcasters - Internet Age Broadcaster
I and II, RAB selling the Net Series and other books etc. I'm an
ex-broadcaster.
Vice-Chair - International Webcasting Association
Council Member - International Academy of TV Arts and Sciences
Etc.