WHRO has lost another public radio icon: on December 31st, Betty Luse passed away after an extended illness. Betty came to WHRO in 1987 to assist Vianne Webb, the radio station vice president. Together they worked on several projects, including the acquisition of the second radio frequency, 90.3, which became WHRO’s full-time classical music station.
Betty came to WHRO with diverse and impressive experience: she was an Arabic studies scholar; she enjoyed success in Europe as an opera singer before returning to the United States to establish Rathcamp Studios with her mother, Vera Rathcamp, a fine pianist and voice coach. She was an exceptional writer.
During the course of her tenure at WHRO, she did everything from radio and television production, talk show substitute hosting, on-air fundraising, grant writing and administration, and radio station program manager. Her knowledge of the Hampton Roads community and its politics was legion, and it was often said that she had the most comprehensive Rolodex in town. In 1996, she collaborated with Cathy Lewis to create the radio call-in talk show that captivated Hampton Roads audiences and continues to this day: HearSay with Cathy Lewis.
Betty left WHRO in June of 2006 for medical reasons, but continued to inspire many of her colleagues and co-workers who remain to cherish her memory. Heather Mazzoni, Director of Programming for WHRV 89.5FM, said, “Betty was one of the most creative individuals I’ve ever known. As program manager, she took WHRV to a new level due to her high expectations and sheer love of radio as a medium. Betty was also a humanitarian who dedicated many hours and finances to African aid charities. She will never be forgotten.”
Dwight Davis, who first met Betty in 1973, said, “I was immediately impressed by her love of the arts, especially music and the theater. At the time, she was involved with the Peninsula Community Theater. She was a fine singer and, with her mother Vera – herself an excellent musician – staged a production of Menotti’s “The Medium” many years ago. She had a discriminating ear and a great sense of humor. Betty loved Mozart, Peter Sellers, good food and friends, and following a visit there, South Africa. We will miss her voice, her smile and her wit.”
WHRO has lost another public radio icon: on December 31st, Betty Luse passed away after an extended illness. Betty came to WHRO in 1987 to assist Vianne Webb, the radio station vice president. Together they worked on several projects, including the acquisition of the second radio frequency, 90.3, which became WHRO’s full-time classical music station.