Seniors, Isolated by Virus, Become DJs for New Radio Hour

Retirees in assisted-living communities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and elsewhere have become disc jockeys for a new online radio hour to give seniors and others a sense of community while under coronavirus restrictions, reports the Associated Press . The 60-minute "Radio Recliner" show started airing in April, beginning with quarantined retirees in middle Tennessee, and was kickstarted by Birmingham-based marketing firm Luckie. After the DJs were recruited, they recorded their introductions and transitions on their phones, with the recordings then handed to production staffers to oversee the technical details. Listeners can make song requests dedicated to family or friends, which are included in the daily show, while new content airs weekdays at noon and earlier segments playing in rotation. "For this generation, radio was the original social media," said Luckie Chief Creative Officer Mitch Bennett. "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."