Air America Radio's Response to Hurricane Katrina

In the aftermath of August 2005's hurricane disaster ("Katrina") that struck southern states along the United States coastline, Air America - a US-based radio broadcaster - took action by expanding beyond the radio medium to use various types of information and communication technology (ICT). This use of technology was meant to enable disconnected people to communicate with each other, and with the wider American and international communities, to express frustration and/or concern at the official response and the welfare of those left homeless or otherwise harmed by the storm.

As detailed on a dedicated portion of the Air America website, the radio broadcaster set up a toll-free public voicemail system as a means for communication, and encouraged widespread participation in making the communication system work. This system was developed in partnership with VoodooVox, an interactive voice response technology provider serving high-call-volume industries. By telephoning 1-866-217-6255, callers are able to enter an everyday phone number and then record a message. Other people who know that everyday phone number (even if it is no longer functional) can call the emergency voicemail system, enter the phone number they associate with the person who is "lost", and hear that person's message. Another function enables callers to search for messages left by people whose phone numbers they know. "You can call it whenever you are trying to locate someone, or if you are trying to be found. Obviously, for this to work, people need to
know about it so please forward the number to as many people as you can." Air America Radio pledged to leave the public voicemail system in service for as long as the crisis continued.

The radio broadcaster is also using the internet to make the crisis concrete through audio and photo galleries, as well as live radio broadcasts. Practical information is being shared through links to various online media reports and sources of information (e.g., official news, evacuation reports, and status updates), as well as other resources (e.g., ways to offer relief, such as online donations) made available on the Air America website. Another use of this medium is an interactive blog to enable people to share experiences, perspectives, and strategies in light of the disaster.