WFUZ (ALT 92.1)/Wilkes-Barre-Scranton's Tom Ferguson Now Broadcasting From Home

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TIMES-SHAMROCK COMMUNICATIONS Alternative WFUZ (ALT 92.1)/WILKES BARRE-SCRANTON PD/afternooner TOM FERGUSON (a.k.a. FERG) has adjusted his routine this week to keep safe from the CORONAVIRUS with a home set-up to record and broadcast.

"I'm on a wireless connection, via a COMREX, back to the radio station. I have a remote connection into our automation, so I can act as my own board-op when I need to break in for anything. I have a small mixer connected to my laptop, and a borrowed mic hooked up, where I can record directly in case there are any spots or other production that needs to be done. I also have a separate remote connection to my work computer, where I can access my music scheduling software, specific files, or anything else I might otherwise not be able to get on my laptop."

FERGUSON says his sales staff has been working diligently helping clients that are still in business get their messages out. "We have multiple spots we're running, as a free service to our clients, notifying listeners of restaurants, businesses, and more that have altered or changed they way they do business to better assist our listeners and the people of NEPA. As far as the listeners, we make sure to update them, as best we can, with what's happening with the multiple COVID-19 updates coming in, and how it affects us locally. We have reminders running every few hours for our listeners to wash their hands, and we make sure to preach cleanliness and social distancing to keep it top of mind with the audience."

How is FERG coping with the anxiety and stress of the crisis. "I've been pretty okay as far as anxiety or stress, but I've always been pretty easy-going and relaxed. I balance my wife out, who's the complete opposite in times like this haha. I've been keeping up to date with what's happening, but the things that I find therapeutic, believe it or not, has been what I find on social media from listeners/people I follow joking about what's happening. In those moments that I am feeling less than myself, or unsure, or stressed, seeing something like that can take the edge off, and give me a chance to catch my breath, reset myself, and gear up to face whatever is in front of me.

"My thanks to SHAWN ALEXANDER and all the folks at ALL ACCESS for doing this, and giving radio peeps all over the country a chance to share what they're doing, how they're coping, and what's working. I think it can help a lot of people in our industry focus on what they think will resonate with their audience, while also giving us a bit of an outlet to see what others are doing. I think there's a bit of catharsis, as well, in being able to see that we really aren't alone in dealing with this. Be safe, wash your hands, and let's get through this together, y'all."

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