As a new Board of Directors member for Blue Ridge Public Radio, I couldn’t be more proud of how BPR has cemented its place as Western North Carolina’s go-to news source since Hurricane Helene.

After Helene hit the Asheville area on September 27, much of the region was without power and internet for days. Residents would get in their cars to listen to the station’s nonstop coverage. And the 11 a.m. City of Asheville updates on BPR each day were not to be missed, with BPR news director Laura Lee asking city officials the questions everyone was wondering about.

As the area started to move from crisis to recovery, the staff kept going nonstop.

For example, I connected BPR reporter Gerard Albert III with the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a story offering tips for avoiding unscrupulous contractors. As we set up the interview with BABRM’s Megan Carroll, Gerard said most anytime would work for her to visit the station. “After all, I’m sleeping here right now,” he said.

The BPR Board of Directors held an event to thank the staff last week for its storm coverage (the Board is pictured at the event). It was great to see the turnout from the Board of Directors and Community Advisory Board, and to hear from Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and incoming Buncombe County Chair Amanda Edwards about their love of BPR.

In a geographic area where traditional news outlets are shrinking, BPR is filling the void, both through audio reports and its well-read website. I’m excited to find ways to support the station: Public radio is more important than ever, and the Asheville area needs the strong, wide-ranging coverage that BPR offers.