As I write this, my media peers in Houston are still on the air with wall-to-wall coverage of the devastation left behind as Hurricane Harvey moves out of the Texas southeast region. For the better part of 5 days now, the local TV stations in the Houston area have been keeping their viewers informed, and from someone who has been in this business for quite a few years, I am extremely proud of this industry and the job they have done, and continue to do for the Houston region.
This industry is made up of thousands of dedicated individuals who all have one important mission...keeping the people of our communities safe and informed...and no where has that been more evident in recent days than Houston.
I have watched an extensive amount of online coverage, and I can't say enough good things about the quality of the information these local stations are providing for the Houston region. Even when KHOU, the CBS affiliate was forced to evacuate their facility due to flooding, they found a way to keep broadcasting and were back on the air in just a few short hours. KPRC, Graham Media's NBC affiliate and KTRK, the ABC O&O have both been exemplary with their coverage and I find myself glued to their very informative broadcasts.
And I just came across a survey, which further solidifies my point that local TV is a vital part of any local community. TVB conducted the survey and Local TV has been the overwhelming choice for information during the Hurricane, with the stations websites coming in second.
Yes, our industry is changing and continues on that path, but one thing has not changed...when it comes to times of need, communities turn to their local TV stations for information, and it is our duty to be there for them, providing critical information no matter what the circumstance, or who may be against us.
I am praying for Houston, and the hundreds of dedicated broadcast professionals working long hours to keep their community informed...you make me proud to be a broadcaster!!!