SPOKANE, Wash.–Wey Simpson, whose career in journalism and broadcasting has spanned 50 years, much of that timedevoted to reporting the news of agriculture, today received the Washington State University Alumni Achievement Award.
The presentation by Harry Burcalow, director of Cooperative Extension at WSU, took place at the annual community luncheon of the Pacific Northwest Farm Forum and Ag Expo.
Simpson’s roots are in agriculture. He grew up on the family dairy farm in Deer Park. His career in broadcasting began in 1947 as a student at then Washington State College, where he earned a degree in speech and broadcasting.
He worked at stations in Boise, Eureka, Calif., Yakima and Ephrata before joining KHQ Radio and Television in Spokane in 1961. He was a news editor at KHQ until 1966, when he turned his full attention to agriculture and agribusiness as director of Agri News. For 20 years in that job, he provided the region with the daily developments of agriculture and with special programs exploring a wide range of agricultural issues.
Simpson also worked at KXLY Radio and Television, and in l986 he joined KAQQ Radio, where he continues his agriculture reports.
He’s been an active member of the Spokane Ag Bureau and was a member of the task force which was responsible for the agricultural and environmental pavilion at Spokane’s Expo ’74.
A member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters since 1966, Simpson served three times as regional vice president. He hosted and planned the organization’s summer meeting in Spokane during Expo and has received the National Farm Broadcaster of the Year Award.
Other awards to Simpson have included being named Mr. Holstein by the state Holstein Association; induction into the Washington Dairy Hall of Fame, receiving the Extension Service Medal from WSU and previous honors by the Spokane Ag Bureau.
The citation from WSU to Simpson reads, “For a half century of distinguished service to the broadcasting and agriculture industries, enduring commitment to the principles of journalism, and for his loyal support and assistance to his alma mater.”
– 30 –