When the Power Went Out, He Kept Communities Informed
Gerard Albert III / Blue Ridge Public Radio
Gerard Albert III was just three months into his new role covering western North Carolina rural communities for Blue Ridge Public Radio when Hurricane Helene tore its way through the region in the fall of 2024. Overnight, the first-year Report for America corps member found himself facing the incredible challenge of living through the worst natural disaster in the state’s history while also reporting on its impact.
When thousands of area residents turned to radio stations like BPR for updates during Helene’s immediate aftermath due to downed power, internet and cable, Gerard spent nights sleeping on the studio floor to provide listeners with vital storm updates and aid and recovery information. He went on to publish more than 47 stories covering Helene, including a fact-checking piece that successfully debunked misinformation claiming a large number of bodies hadn’t been included in the hurricane’s death toll.
His coverage earned Gerard the first-ever Public Media New Voices Award from the Public Media Journalists Association and was featured on PBS NewsHour. Blue Ridge Public Radio was also recognized for its Helene coverage, earning two prestigious Edward R. Murrow awards for the newsroom’s audience engagement and overall reporting. Gerard’s work had impacts beyond ensuring that North Carolinians had access to reliable information in the days, weeks and months following Hurricane Helene. His reporting prompted an increase in overall station listenership and charitable contributions. BPR’s social media presence grew fivefold. The station itself doubled — even tripled, in some cases — new audience metrics. Through it all, Report for America provided Gerard and Blue Ridge Public Radio with emergency funds and mental health resources to support the team and their important work.
#RFAImpact2025 is an ongoing series that spotlights profiles from our 2025 Impact Report. Read the 2025 Report for America Impact Report here.