Evans Family Media is celebrating the 100th birthday of an amazing woman who is part of Newstalk KVEL’s rich history. Margaret Hemmert found herself a widow in 1957 with four children when she began work at a radio station in Soda Springs, Idaho where she lived. She worked as a copywriter and traffic manager, quickly taking on other responsibilities. In 1971, the owners asked Margaret to move to Vernal to run their other station, KVEL, which she had been doing the books for since 1962. Margaret took on the challenge and served as the General Manager of KVEL through the 1970s and 1980s. Significant growth occurred during that time, including moving locations from the basement of the Vernal Hotel to the office on North Vernal Avenue. Hemmert was elected to the Board of Directors of the Utah Broadcasters Association in 1975 and in 1977 became the first woman to serve as the President of the Utah Broadcasters Association. She is also credited as being a key player in starting the Utah Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Current KVEL owner Steve Evans wished Margaret Hemmert a very happy 100th birthday during a recent phone interview. When asked what advice she has for those in the industry, Margaret gave a timeless piece of counsel: Be honest with everybody. Happy 100th birthday to a forever member of the KVEL team, Margaret Hemmert!
