Townsquare Media Leads Coronavirus Fight by Example [OPINION]

About a week ago, our Market President Mark Stachowski advised us that, with all of the coronavirus concerns, big changes were in the works to protect the air staff at WBSM and Fun 107 and the many folks who work in the background. He wasn't kidding.

Our parent company, Townsquare Media, has made every effort to see that its employees, interns and clients are as safe as possible by suspending operations at our Fairhaven location for all but the most essential personnel. The company has taken measures to ensure that members of our air staff, so vital in disseminating information during times of crisis, remain healthy. To that end, all regularly scheduled programming on both WBSM and Fun 107 will originate from new remote broadcast studios in our homes.

Our national, state and local leaders have emplored the American people to practice social distancing as a way of helping to flatten the curve or slow the progress of the virus. Townsquare Media has listened and so should you. We are ready to lead by example.

Folks are strongly urged to take every step possible to avoid placing themselves at risk of being exposed to the virus and therefore exposing others to it as well. This includes staying at home as much as possible and away from crowds. Employers should look for opportunities for employees to work from home.

This is not the time to be self-centered, callous or rebellious. It is the time to show leadership by doing your part to bring this pandemic to a speedy resolution with as few infections as possible.

Be a leader by setting an example.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.