As Hurricane Irma was bearing down on Miami, Univision was sending out constant bulletins via WhatsApp, distributing critical information to locals, some of whom were evacuating with only their phones. Univision’s local media group had created a WhatsApp group in anticipation of Irma, leveraging it as a means of answering consumers’ questions about the storm, providing resources and helping them stay safe. The Spanish-language bulletins gained traction, as membership topped at 256, the maximum number allowed. In using WhatsApp during Irma, Univision was able to reach users of the platform, expanding the distribution of emergency information.
