Naxi Radio
As Florida deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the residents of western North Carolina are reminded of their own challenges after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in the region. The storm left over a million people without essential services—water, power, and reliable cell service—but there was one source of hope: the radio.
For several days, WWNC host Mark Starling and producer Tank Spencer emerged as a lifeline, facilitating wellness checks and connecting those in need with local resources, CBS News reports. “Our connection to the outside world was solely through our radio station,” Starling shared. “We felt it was our mission to guide people through this storm.”
The Asheville AM radio station became a hub of communication, inundated with calls that ranged from panic to relief.
One particularly heartbreaking call came from a man stranded on the second floor of his flooded home, expressing concern for his family and belongings. Despite Starling’s reassurance, the situation took a tragic turn, with the caller and his loved ones ultimately swept away by the floodwaters—one of the 120 lives lost to Helene.
In stark contrast to that heartbreaking moment, the station also witnessed joyful reunions. Starling received an emotional call from his wife, confirming her safety amidst the chaos.
Since Helene’s landfall, Starling and Spencer have stood as beacons of hope atop their radio tower, providing not just information, but also a sense of community. One caller’s reflection particularly resonated with Starling: “Today was the first day I checked on my neighbors without asking who they voted for first.”
Spencer added, “This is the most genuine connection radio has ever fostered; we’re reaching our audience like never before—because they’re our family.”
