Lean on Us During a Storm [PHIL-OSOPHY]

During potentially dangerous weather, nothing's more important to me than to be on the air, reporting the latest developments along the SouthCoast and making sure the community gets local information that can help keep people safer.

You've heard the word nexus. Well, WBSM is the nexus – the epicenter – of what's what, with ABC6 Storm Tracker Meteorologist Chelsea Priest calling in live with up-to-the-minute weather reports.

Our radio station becomes an intangible triage unit of sorts, assessing the conditions and in touch, at a moment's notice, with Mayor Jon Mitchell, the DPI, area law enforcement, maritime officials and the utility companies. The latest school department instructions and area cancellations are part of our A to Z programming that keep listeners abreast of what's important and assured that their hometown radio station is here for them.

Unlike TV, WBSM talks about what's happening on Union Street and in the South and North Ends of New Bedford. We pride ourselves to be the best go-to source for SouthCoast residents. And that pride in our abilities isn't from ego, but rather from years of experienced, battle-scarred professionals who are skillful, knowledgeable and confident in communicating everything you need to know during an urgent weather crisis.

And for the thousands of residents who live alone, WBSM goes beyond the local statistics and assumes the role of comforter, friend, and that figurative ray of sunshine during the tempest.

Please remember to download our free WBSM app that will send you all of our latest weather alerts and news to your phone.

Whenever I'm asked why I wanted to become a broadcaster, I just point to times like this.

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.