Burlington, Vermont - September 22, 2011
His reporting in the Green Mountains is legendary. It's hard to find a reporter in Vermont who has logged as many hours on the air as Andy Potter.
Andy began working here at WCAX 14 years ago.
From reporting on nurses' strikes to special elections, Andy has informed the public with his storytelling since the late 1960s.
A veteran of the Vietnam War who was awarded the bronze star, Andy was there covering homecomings and deployments to the war zones. He also told the stories of veterans and their challenges when they came home.
Andy had a career in news even before he arrived here. With his booming voice and ear to the ground, Andy told stories on the radio at several stations in the Burlington market. He was often the first to get the story because of his numerous sources around the state and city.
It wasn't always serious... Andy had fun over the years. He would even sit on Santa's lap if it meant getting the scoop.
Talking was never a challenge for Andy, he could ad-lib with the best of them, sometimes throwing away the script, like the time he was tasked with covering the controversial opening of a "Hooters" restaurant in Chittenden County.
Whether it was reporting live from the field or in the newsroom, Andy adapted to the times. His standards were high and he met them every day; a fair reporter who wanted to be first to tell the public what was happening.
Andy always adapted to the changes in journalism. There was always some new piece of technology or technique to learn, but his core was always there-- strong storytelling, first and fair.
A fantastic career. A job well done for a journalist who found his calling behind the microphone.
Click here to read the official retirement announcement from WCAX.
