Munster is now using Facebook Live to bring news and information to residents and the area under a new broadcast contract with WJOB 1230 AM radio.
Munster’s 25-minute community-focused show airs live on WJOB at 8:30 a.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month. Under a new contract with the Hammond-based station, Munster will pay $200 for each broadcast plus an additional $50 to live stream the show on WJOB’s Facebook page.
The town also has a plan in the works to embed the live stream on its website home page so people can watch it at their convenience, according to Town Councilman Dave Nellans, who has hosted the Munster show since 2011.
Nellans said hosting the show is a lot of fun and looks forward to expanding the show’s reach through social media.
“Our radio show is an opportunity to showcase what we’re doing in Munster,” he said. “We’re now in a better position to reach residents and keep them informed.”
Nellans said the show originated in 2008 with former Town Councilman Mike Mellon going on the air to keep residents informed when the Little Calumet River spilled over its banks and flooded a large section of Munster. Now, Mellon’s wife, Councilwoman Lee Ann Mellon, is a frequent co-host with Nellans.
“I enjoy doing the show, although the questions from listeners who call in can get a little challenging sometimes, Nellans said.
Nellans said the show has continued to build its audience, and features a different guest each time, usually a town department head or employee. On April 4, his guest will be Munster Public Works Director Stephen Gunty, who will discuss spring cleanup activities.
Nellans added that the town simulcasts music from its Fourth of July fireworks show live on WJOB, including local traffic and parking information for the event.
WJOB owner Jim Dedelow said community-based programming is a tradition at WJOB dating back to the 1940s. There are 27 such shows currently, including those offered by Highland, Hammond, Gary, Whiting and Gary.
“It’s a way for local leaders to make a connection with the folks in their community,” he said. “It helps our station be a part of the community, too. We definitely get feedback from people in Munster who want to hear what’s going on their town.”
Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
