[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 197 (Thursday, November 30, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING DAVID WHISENANT'S RETIREMENT FROM WBTV AFTER 32 YEARS

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                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 30, 2023

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
my friend David Whisenant on his retirement from WBTV after 32 years of 
service.
  David Whisenant started his news career at Salisbury-based radio 
station WSTP while in high school in 1976. He went on to attend 
Appalachian State University, earning degrees in both Political Science 
and English. Throughout his four years, he worked at a radio station in 
Boone, North Carolina. After graduation, David returned to Salisbury 
and started a full-time job at WSTP.
  When WBTV first created their bureau in Salisbury, David sent a 
handwritten letter to the news director expressing his interest in 
working for the station. David started at WBTV as a stringer and within 
a year was promoted to General Assignment Reporter.
  David would go on to provide coverage for Charlotte as well as 
Salisbury, Concord, and Kannapolis. In his words, he would go 
``wherever they send me.'' Some of David's biggest stories include the 
Pillowtex/NC Research Campus developments, the tragic fire at Salisbury 
Millworks, the funeral of President Ronald Reagan, NASCAR-related 
stories, and coverage and updates of Hurricane Katrina. I think I speak 
for the whole of our community here in North Carolina in wishing David 
all the best as he begins this next chapter of life.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing David Whisenant's 
retirement from WBTV and his 32 years of service to the people of North 
Carolina.

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