The Burlington Free Press from Burlington, Vermont • Page 45

I IT 4 i if -0, in nun' I fa I'-'-'T -r-" i I riV'-Mv. niMWf it 11 HIM 1 jwiJc. rf i.MiMfcm.-j. jiMfc-a. fftai I By BISH BISHOP Free Press Staff Writer Raymond V.

Phillips of Burlington is quite prolific. He's on the verge of becoming a "father" again. The University of Vermont professor, presently on a one-year leave of absence from the Continuing Education Division, has been called "the father of, public television in Vermont." Now he's embarked on a campaign to bring public radio to the entire state, and he's progressed far enough and well enough to predict that the FM signal of Vermont Public Radio could be beamed throughout the state by next fall. About eight years ago, Phillips was instrumental in generating interest to bring television to Vermont, a project which has support from state funds as well as private donations. Its success has been rated highly, and Phillips believes the future of ETX is strong.

However, as Phillips puts it, "There are many programs now which are better suited for public radio. With it, ETV would be free to devote its time, energy and money to the more visually-suited programs." The public radio idea took root about a year ago. Phillips said the Rev. Howard Stearns, executive minister of the Ecumenical Council in Burlington, expressed concern that the other stations in the state were pretty much turning to "rock," and that perhaps there was a need for a "good music" station statewide. "Also, The Rev.

Bradford Rehm of Bradford, chairman of the Public Witness Committee of the Ecumenical Council, who is also a radio buff, expressed an interest, so we got together to talk about the prospects," Phillips said. "We decided that perhaps it was not just a "good music" station that we needed, but a public radio of music, news, public affairs, drama and the like. So, we formed the Vermont Public Radio and became chartered last June as a non-profit organization." Phillips' right-hand man during the early years of ETV was Raymond Dilley, now director of the Discovery Museum in Essex Junction. So, it comes as no surprise that Dilley became involved in this public radio venture and is the project consultant. While with ETV, he set up the original school program and became its director.

Neither man is now connected with ETV. It also comes as little surprise that with Phillips as president, the other two officers are The Rev. Mr. Rehm as vice president, and the Rev. Mr.

Stearns as secretary-treasurer. The corporation's 19 directors come from all sections of the state. As with any new venture, money is the key word. "I decided not to go to the state for help on either capital or operating funds," Phillips said. "So, unlike ETV, it will be wholly supported by private interests." Phillips was familiar with the procedure for Continued on Page 3 The Burlington Free Press Sunday, January 25, 1 976.