During the COVID-19 situation, everyone has tried to focus on the health of friends, family, colleagues while continuing to support their communities. While responding to community needs in new and unique ways, Extension outreach is evident in the impact we are making locally and area wide. Social distancing has created a challenge in finding new ways to meet the needs of our clientele, but sometimes a great way may be using a local resource that has been readily available all along in our area--WFTM Radio.

Recent surveys have shown that communities are increasingly relying on radio to bring them reliable news, information and tips to help deal with the virus and its effects to escalate.  Listeners are looking for more information from their radio station on health and safety guidelines, as well as tips on how to handle their 'new normal'

Since going on the air in 1948, WFTM has provided local area listeners a capsulized reflection of their lives, covering the people, places and things that make the area unique.  With a listening base of 198,000 people, the station’s mix of music, news and sports attract a large audience. The research-based information available from Extension related to dealing with Covid-19 and its effects on local families, as well as how to deal with short and long term effects on people’s lifestyles, fits in well with the information dispensed on my daily segments aired on WFTM’s “True to the Farm” program.

Whether it’s a message about how 4-H’ers strive for life-long learning and inclusivity, how families can deal with financial stress in uncertain times, or the safest way to use cleaning and sanitation solutions in the home, programming via radio enables me to step right into the room with people who may not have access to other forms of technology.  I have been able to discuss the importance of pollinators in the environment, a carryover from some of my traditional elementary school programming, as well as giving students’ parents information on the best ways to sanitize that cell phone.  And for those interested, I provide up-to-date scheduling of the local Farmers Market business hours.

Listenership for "True to the Farm" is over 100,00. Proof that contact is made becomes evident in the comment I have receive from varied sources, including farmers working outdoors as well a bank vice president eating lunch in his office.  Social distancing is not a concern when your method of delivery is over the airwaves. Sometimes the old ways become “news” during pandemic times, and by collaborating with WFTM, I am able to get Extension’s message across to clientele.