Patrick Leahy: “lost in the continuously emerging world of social media is the iconic bedrock of community news: radio. I would like to…”

“lost in the continuously emerging world of social media is the iconic bedrock of community news: radio. I would like to take a moment to celebrate a milestone in Vermont radio: 90 years on the air for WDEV. At 5:50 in the morning of Thursday July 16, 1931, the broadcasters at WDEV turned on their microphones for the very first time. Ninety years later, WDEV remains a Vermont institution, bringing colorful conversation, sports commentary, and great music to thousands of listeners every day. Growing up in Central Vermont, I have always enjoyed tuning in to WDEV. Throughout my time in the Senate, I have spoken to anchors and morning show hosts at WDEV more times than I can recall. WDEV has been independently owned and operated by Radio Vermont since 1935. Radio Vermont was founded by Lloyd Squier, who ran the company for 44 years, until his death in 1979. From then until 2017, Lloyd's son, Ken, has been at the helm. Beginning in 1966, Ken has hosted the Saturday morning classic and a personal favorite: ``Music To Go To The Dump By.'' Ken still cohosts the program--what he calls the ``children's program for adults.'' ``Music To Go To The Dump By'' provides a fun, thoughtful and lighthearted weekly digest of the goings-on throughout the State, with commentary from its panel of hosts and their wide array of guests.…”