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There & Back Again: WWNO's Katrina Story

WWNO 89.9 FM

A lot changes in 10 years. Here at WWNO, we’ve witnessed many transformations since the summer of 2005: we’ve expanded our format, started a local news department, and even won some awards.

None of that would have been possible without the memorable efforts of WWNO’s staff who kept the radio station running after Hurricane Katrina and the floods that followed.

Whether it was setting up a temporary broadcast post in Atlanta, finding a way back into the city to check on the transmitter, or making sure local folks got the information they needed to begin rebuilding their lives, our staff performed above and beyond. We’ve compiled some recollections from that time to share with you. 

Special thanks to WWNO anchors Diane Mack, Jack Hopke, and Farrar Hudkins; producer Fred Kasten; production manager Jenni Lawson; chief engineer Robert Carroll; and operations manager Ron Curtis for sharing their stories.

Thomas Walsh is an independent radio producer and audio engineer who lives in New Orleans. You'll see him around town recording music, podcasts, short films, live events and radio features. He's practically glued to his headphones. A movie geek to his core, he's seen every film listed on the American Film Institute's 100 Years...100 Movies and would love to talk to you about them.