In the wake of the catastrophic flooding in Texas, words often feel inadequate. Communities from Kerrville to Austin have been devastated by the loss of life, including the unimaginable heartbreak of children taken too soon while at summer camp. As a parent, I can’t begin to fathom the grief. But even in the darkest moments, one thing remained constant: the presence and resilience of local broadcasters.
From the earliest warnings to real-time rescue updates and community relief efforts, local radio and television stations became lifelines. Reporters from stations like WOAI, KSAT, KENS and KRLD didn’t just cover the story, they lived it. They stood in the rain, at riverside command posts and in press rooms, delivering accurate, often urgent information to neighbors, not strangers. And in an age where misinformation spreads faster than storms, these journalists were on the front lines pushing back against rumors, helping families navigate chaos with clarity and compassion.
One of the most powerful stories came from NBC’s Morgan Chesky, reporting not just as a journalist, but as a son of Kerrville. You could hear the heartbreak in his voice as he described the pain unfolding in his own hometown, proof of the emotional weight local reporters carry for the communities they serve.
In the Hill Country, KRLD’s Christopher Fox has been closely following developments between Kerrville and Center Point, sharing critical updates across Texas through the Texas State Network. And in Austin, Talk Radio 1370 has offered steady coverage of press briefings and emergency information, while also launching a community resource page to support first responders and families affected by the floods. These aren’t just broadcasts, they’re acts of service.
Broadcasters don’t do this work for recognition. They do it because public service is at the heart of their mission. When disaster strikes and other systems fail, it’s often a local voice on the radio or TV that delivers the information people need to stay safe, and that will never change.
For more stories of broadcasters’ work during disaster and every day, visit We Are Broadcasters.
