The coronavirus pandemic has affected all of us, in one way or another. Even those who haven’t directly caught the virus have still had their lives turned upside down due to new rules, lockdowns, and quarantines, and these times have been especially tough on the elderly.
Since older folks are more at risk from the virus, it’s been very important for them to stay indoors at all costs.
Unable to see their friends and families, many elderly people have felt lonely and even depressed, but one group of golden oldies have decided to spread a little joy by making their own pirate radio station!
Radio Recliner is the name of the online pirate station, hosted exclusively by old DJs all over the US.
Atlanta and Birmingham-based marketing brand Luckie came up with the idea back in April as a way for old and lonely people to get some comfort and company during the current crisis, and it’s been working wonders so far!
In the beginning, Radio Recliner was only supposed to run hour-long segments on a daily basis for about a month, but the project has been expanded due to high listener numbers and more DJ volunteers too.
18 DJs have joined up with Radio Recliner so far, hosting and organizing their own little segments, and countless listeners are tuning in from all over the globe!
New shows are aired each day at noon, and the radio station constantly replays old content so that its listeners always have something to enjoy at any time of day.
Each DJ records the various song introductions and transitions on their phones and sends the audio off to the production team, who put the shows together.
Listeners can even make song requests over on the official Radio Recliner website, and many of the DJs’ family and friends often get in touch with messages of love and support for these inspiring old timers.
It’s an amazing idea and it’s proven to be a real life-changing experience for many of the DJs involved. Not only is it giving them a fun and creative way to spend their time in lockdown, but it’s also helping them feel part of something special and connect with other people, each and every day.
One of the DJs, 80-year-old Ed Rosenblatt, said that he received a ton of texts, emails, and calls from friends and family after doing his first Radio Recliner show.
He even taught himself how to play the ukulele and gave listeners a special treat, playing Sloop John B by the Beach Boys on his ukulele to end his segment.
In an interview with The Tennessean, Luckie’s chief creative officer, Mitch Bennett, explained:
For this generation, radio was the original social media. Dedicating a song to someone you love, and having them hear it along with everyone else, is a special way of connecting. It’s a great time to bring that feeling back.
It’s inspiring to see what these old folks have put together with Radio Recliner, and you can learn more about it in the video below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
