Fred Echols
Producer and ReporterFred Echols is a long-time member of the WVTF Music/RADIO IQ news department and produces news content as well as public affairs programs. Fred's career in broadcasting began in North Carolina's Triad before switching from commercial radio, where he'd held numerous positions including program director. He was a long-time host of All Things Considered on WVTF and Radio IQ, and listeners still hear him on Radio IQ news programs, including during Cardinal Conversations features. He's also heard during our on-air fund drives.
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After years of explosive growth, Northern Virginia is losing population. The decline can be seen in every age group except for people 65 and older.Dwayne Yancey with Cardinal News says people in all parts of Virginia have cause to be concerned. He talked about that with Fred Echols. -
This year's presidential primaries cost local governments in Virginia about $4 million more than the state provided to fund them. Only 10% of Virginia's counties and cities were fully reimbursed. Ben Swenson wrote about the funding gap for Cardinal News and he talked with Fred Echols.
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Appalachian Power is asking Virginia regulators to approve a rate increase that would be the second for the company this year.The request is drawing opposition from many directions as the State Corporation Commission prepares to hold a public hearing.Matt Busse is covering the issue for Cardinal News and he spoke with Fred Echols.
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Fewer Virginia hospitals, especially in rural areas, are providing maternity care than was the case a decade ago. As a result, many expectant mothers have to travel longer distances for services, if they get them at all.Emily Schabacher covers the issue for Cardinal News and she spoke with Fred Echols.
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The federal Affordable Connectivity Program has helped millions of low-income families pay for internet services and computers. But the ACP is now suspended for lack of funding.Cardinal News reporter Tad Dickens has written about efforts in Congress to restart the program and he spoke with Fred Echols.
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Health care professionals are in short supply across Virginia. A statewide organization working to fill empty positions in health care is partnering with a southwestern Virginia-based group to attract more people to health-related occupations.Emily Schabacher with Cardinal News is covering this issue and talked about it with Fred Echols.
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On June 10th 1963, Black protesters injured by police during Danville's Bloody Monday civil rights march were treated at the city's Winslow Hospital. Winslow was authorized by Danville City Council in 1941 to care for Black citizens because they were barred from the larger Danville Memorial Hospital, which was segregated until the early 1970s.Winslow Hospital has only recently been recognized by the state for its historical importance. Grace Mamon with Cardinal News recently wrote about the hospital, and she spoke with Fred Echols.
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Virginia is ranked Number One on CNBC's latest list of the best states for business. Dwayne Yancey with Cardinal News has taken a close look at that list and talked about it with Fred Echols.
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Lynchburg's BWX Technologies supplies nuclear reactors and fuel for submarines, aircraft carriers and, perhaps soon, spaceships.The company is at the forefront of research that could bring major changes to space exploration.Matt Busse wrote about it for Cardinal News and he spoke with Fred Echols.
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Important, but little known, stories from the histories of people in southwestern Virginia will be getting recognition thanks to a project being funded by the Mellon Foundation.Two Virginia Tech professors used a $3 million grant to create an organization called Monuments Across Appalachian Virginia. Lindsey Hull has written about it for Cardinal News, and she talked with Fred Echols.
