Record Rainfall In Phoenix; How Radio Is Responding

Phoenix: Under Water

“We’ve had five inches of rain since 2a.”  That’s CLEAR CHANNEL/PHOENIX VP/Programming STEVE GEOFFERIES, giving ALL ACCESS an indication of just how much rain is falling TODAY (9/8) in the PHOENIX area. “As you know, that’s not good when you live in the desert. They say this may be our 100-year flood.”

In fact, that amount of rain in such a short period of time breaks a record for PHOENIX, set in 1933. Obviously, the massive downpour seriously affected today's early commute, submerging vehicles and flooding major freeways, some of which had to be closed for part of the morning.

“The reminder for the staff is that in moments like these, our brands are never more relevant,” said GEOFFERIES, who oversees the eight-station PHOENIX cluster which includes Country KNIX and Top 40 KZZP.  “We’ve been connecting trapped commuters with information and help on the air.  Sharing stories, pictures and videos through social.  And providing up to date traffic information through our Total Traffic Network.  These are the days that develop bonding between audience and talent. “

And that talent became part of the story this morning, as KZZP morning personality JOHNJAY, of the PHOENIX-based, syndicated  “JOHNJAY & RICH” show became stranded on his way to work. After two hours -- part of which he did his show via cellphone -- he was able to climb through an open window of his flooded vehicle. JOHNJAY’s co-host, RICH BERRA, came to bail him out and give him a lift.

In addition to flooding, the area is also dealing with power outages that are affecting an estimated 10,000 people in metro PHOENIX.

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