Join the conversation with Brian Haldane every weekday morning from 6am through 9am as he broadcasts live just steps away from the capitol! Connected to the local newsmakers, Brian has some of the biggest names in local politics on the air everyday. Start each hour with news updates from our friends at ABC News, get around the trouble spots in traffic and get the latest weather updates from our partners at WBRZ. Stay up to date on the biggest stories in the city, state and beyond with Top Stories & Trending just past 6am and 7am every morning. We hope you'll join us mornings on TALK 1073!
The 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina brings reflection on the critical role of communication during the disaster. Dave Cohen from WWL recalls how, in the storm’s aftermath, radio became a lifeline for countless people. With New Orleans' radio infrastructure destroyed, WWL remained on air while other stations evacuated. Clear Channel and Entercom (now iHeart and Audacy) collaborated to simulcast WWL’s signal across multiple stations, ensuring vital information reached the public.
As New Orleans became uninhabitable due to catastrophic flooding, Clear Channel offered helicopter evacuation for WWL staff. In exchange, WWL agreed to provide programming from Clear Channel’s Baton Rouge studios. This partnership birthed the United Radio Broadcasters of New Orleans, a joint effort that delivered 24/7 coverage of rescues, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.
Cohen recounts arriving at the Baton Rouge studio exhausted, having just compiled four hours of taped programming to allow staff a brief rest. Upon arrival, he faced initial confusion and resistance but quickly gained access to begin broadcasting. The urgency was real—dead air was not an option.
The broadcasts became more than news—they were a direct line for rescue. People trapped in attics and on rooftops called the station when 911 was unreachable. The team relayed these calls to authorities, saving lives. Cohen even received his first-ever text message from someone stranded atop a grave.
The effort highlighted the importance of accurate, local information, especially as national media often sensationalized the crisis. Despite logistical challenges between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, the broadcasters maintained a steady flow of reliable updates. The United Radio Broadcasters became a symbol of resilience, collaboration, and the power of media to serve and protect communities in crisis.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
