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May 12, 2011

KEDM and ULM celebrate partnership

KEDM Public Radio, 90.3 FM, celebrated its 20th year of quality broadcasting on Tuesday, May 10, bringing back to campus several of the people responsible for the station's founding.

ULM Director of University Broadcasting Joel Willer read directly from a memorandum he developed in October 1985, reminding attendees that, before KEDM, Monroe was one of approximately 15 major population centers in the nation at that time without public radio.

He named some of the key contributors from the community and then-Northeast Louisiana University, including former university President Dwight D. Vines, who came to the ceremony.

"Northeast Louisiana is an area which seeks stronger connections to the intellectual and cultural amenities enjoyed by most of the rest of the country," Willer said, reading from a 1987 grant application. "(Our) citizens recognize the value of having the local state university hold the license and provide institutional strength and stability."

The celebration also featured Helen Ledbetter, a founding member of KEDM, and Jackie Yeldell, a long-time supporter.

"I consider it (KEDM) my constant companion," said Ledbetter. "It has done a great deal for community and the people who listen. I salute the founders and celebrate the presence of this wonderful asset."

"Like Helen, I realized the presence of public radio in other parts of the country," said Yeldell. "(For Monroe) this was a glaring omission."

ULM President Nick J. Bruno offered concluding remarks.

"I tell everyone that the mission of ULM is to improve the standard of living of our community. Services like KEDM go a long way in fulfilling that mission," said Bruno. "I can only pledge to do my part to help keep it going."

The reception, held in the Media Room on the University of Louisiana at Monroe Library's sixth floor, ended with a huge birthday cake donated by Thurman's Food Factory that featured a large radio microphone.

About KEDM Public Radio, 90.3 FM

KEDM is located on the campus of the University of Monroe and provides in-depth coverage of news and a variety of entertainment programs and music genres every day, the only locally-originated public radio signal for all or parts of eleven parishes in northeastern Louisiana and four counties in southeastern Arkansas.

KEDM's commitment to providing supporters with quality programming unique to northeastern Louisiana and southeastern Arkansas makes the station an invaluable source for current news and eclectic music.

KEDM airs noted national programs such as Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Car Talk, A Prairie Home Companion, Performance Today and Marketplace.

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