Why local radio matters following Storm Goretti. A note from our MD Richard Woods to say thank you.

When severe weather hits, it doesn’t just bring wind and rain, it brings fear, isolation, uncertainty, and long hours of listening to every creak of a roof or bang of a fence in the dark. In those moments, local radio stops being “just radio” and becomes something far more powerful.

It becomes a voice of calm.
A source of reassurance.
A reminder that you are not alone.

During the Red Weather Warning for Storm Goretti, Cornwall’s Rewind Radio didn’t simply broadcast updates — we stayed with our community. While the storm battered homes, cut power, closed roads, and raised anxiety levels across the county, our microphones stayed on, our presenters stayed steady, and our focus never moved away from Cornwall and its people.

Local radio matters because it understands its audience in a way no national service ever can. We know the villages, the back roads, the coastal communities, the vulnerable residents, and the families lying awake listening for the next gust of wind. We aren’t reporting at our listeners, we are living the same experience with them.

In moments like these, information saves worry. Familiar voices reduce fear. Music distracts children. Conversation eases anxiety. And simply knowing that someone local is awake, watching, listening, and sharing updates can make all the difference. For some listeners, our broadcast turned a frightening night into something manageable. For others, it brought comfort, company, or even joy in the middle of chaos. And for many, it restored a feeling that can be lost in difficult times, community.

Messages From Our Listeners:

“Managed to turn my anxiety and a bad situation into a mini party for my daughter and I… My 6 year old had the best night.”

“There are no words to thank you… thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“You bring everyone together.”

“It was comforting to listen to your updates.”

“Times like this are when local radio comes into its own.”

“You’re helping my anxiety.”

“It’s like you’re in our homes — a real comfort and distraction.”

“To people who are older it’s a great comfort to be informed.”

“Thank goodness for LOCAL radio.”

“You’ve created a sense of community spirit in a time of need.”

Why This Matters

Local radio is often taken for granted, until moments like these remind us why it exists.

It matters because it is trusted.
It matters because it is immediate.
It matters because it is human.

Local radio doesn’t sensationalise. It reassures.
It doesn’t talk down. It talks with.
It doesn’t disappear when things get difficult , it stays.

Thank You

To everyone who tuned in, messaged us, shared updates, or simply kept us playing through the night — thank you. Your trust, your words, and your support mean everything.

Storm Goretti reminded us all that when the power goes out, when the weather turns, and when anxiety rises, local radio still has a vital role to play.

We are proud to serve Cornwall, not just on the easy days, but on the days when it truly matters.

Thank you for choosing us, thank you for believing in us. 

Richard Woods