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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Virginia has more data centers than any other state, mostly in the DC suburbs. But data center operators are expanding into other areas, with Southside Virginia among their prime potential locations.Pittsylvania County has one data center already and supervisors will vote next month on a re-zoning proposal that would allow a second one. That project has run into stiff opposition.Grace Mamon has been covering the story for Cardinal News and she spoke with Fred Echols. -
Volunteer fire and EMS services in rural Virginia are struggling. They say shortages of personnel and money are getting worse every year.Cardinal News reporter Elizabeth Beyer wrote about the challenges they're facing and she spoke with Fred Echols.
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Though you may not notice them, surveillance cameras are increasingly common in Virginia. Cardinal News is publishing a series of stories on government surveillance in the Commonwealth. Lisa Rowan is one the reporters working on that series and she talked about it with Fred Echols.
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Virginia's Amish population has been growing steadily over the past decade, mostly as a result of migration from the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area.With more of the horse-drawn buggies favored by the Amish traveling on rural roads in the state, collisions with motor vehicles are increasing. Ralph Berrier Junior wrote about the issue for Cardinal News, and he spoke with Fred Echols.
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With federal workforce reductions underway, thousands of people in Northern Virginia and other places could lose their jobs. But the effects of those potential job losses would be felt far beyond the D.C. suburbs.Dwayne Yancey with Cardinal News has written about this issue and he spoke with Fred Echols.
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Sweet Briar College, a private college for women in Amherst County, will no longer admit transgender and non-binary students.The policy change has drawn criticism from some current and former students but the school says it's a necessary step.Lisa Rowan is covering the story for Cardinal News and she spoke with Fred Echols.
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A bill being considered in the General Assembly is intended to slow the rate of increase in power bills for people in Central and Southwest Virginia. Matt Busse is covering the story for Cardinal News and he spoke with Fred Echols.
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Two companies are waiting to see whether an order by President Trump that suspends some federal grant payments will affect their plans for big projects in Virginia.Matt Busse reports on business issues for Cardinal News and he spoke with Fred Echols.
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Averett University in Danville is in default on 14-million dollars in construction bonds.It’s the latest in a series of financial setbacks for the school and it comes at a time when small colleges and universities across the country are struggling to balance their books.Lisa Rowan reports on education issues for Cardinal News and she spoke with Fred Echols.
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Virginia has more data centers than other state, but lately proposals for new ones have been running into strong opposition from the public. A proposal by a Northern Virginia company to have 2,000 acres in Pittsylvania County rezoned to allow a data center was voted down by the county planning commission.Grace Mamon with Cardinal News was at that meeting and she spoke with Fred Echols.
