The radio “dean” of West Virginia broadcasters, Hoppy Kercheval joined West Virginia Radio Corporation in 1976. Through the years Hoppy’s assignments have spanned the gamut to include news, sports, and talk.
A native of Summit Point in Jefferson County, Hoppy began as a news anchor/reporter at WAJR in Morgantown while still attending West Virginia University. After graduating with honors from WVU, Kercheval took over as news director at WAJR and began carving an identity as one of the leading broadcasters in West Virginia.
A founding father of Metronews, Kercheval served as News Director until assuming the role of Vice President of Operations in 1991. In 1993, he created Metronews Talkline, which has become a signature program of the network. Hoppy’s gift of interviewing has made Talkline a must-listen for lawmakers and anyone interested in state politics and the day’s top news events.
Kercheval has a Master of Science in Journalism degree from WVU. He also has an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from West Virginia Wesleyan. Kercheval has received a number of honors over the years, including the Mel Burka Award, which is given annually by the West Virginia Broadcasters Association to the state’s top broadcaster.
An avid traveler, Hoppy’s adventures have taken him to 19 different countries around the world. He and his wife, Karin, live in Morgantown. Kercheval has one son, Ben, who lives in Denton, Texas where writes for the sports website bleacherreport.com.
Recent Articles by Hoppy Kercheval
Dave is in the big chair
I’m off this week and Dave Wilson will be sitting in the Big Chair. The commentary will return Monday, May 27. Hop
May 19, 2024 - 10:06 am
Democratic candidates for statewide office need help... from Republicans
Huntington Mayor Steve Williams and Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott may feel a breeze lifting them up following Tuesday’s Primary Election. Both Democrats won their races: Williams was unopposed in the race for his party’s gubernatorial nomination and Elliott received 45 percent of the vote in a three-person race to win the U.S. Senate nomination. But
May 17, 2024 - 12:30 am
Post election notes
Some Primary Election observations: –Patrick Morrisey stayed steady. Various polling indicated the Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate had the support of around 30 to 35 percent of likely voters and none of the other candidates was able to cut into that base. Morrisey, who lives in Jefferson County, was particularly strong in the Eastern
May 16, 2024 - 12:15 am
Happy Election Day!
I get sentimental on Election Day. Maybe I am naïve, but I still believe the people we choose to represent us, from county surveyor all the way up to President of the United States, matter. To believe in elections, I must resist the temptation to be cynical. It is too easy to dismiss elections with
May 14, 2024 - 12:15 am
A failing grade for a West Virginia middle school
The Martinsburg North Middle School website gives the impression of a successful academic environment where the 750 students can excel. It describes “a safe and positive atmosphere of high expectations, professionalism, and enthusiasm for lifelong learning.” The Mission Statement sets a high bar: “We at North Middle School are committed to doing WHATEVER IT TAKES
May 13, 2024 - 12:55 am
West Virginia's most famous Primary Election
(Editor’s note: Portions of this commentary appeared in a previous commentary from November, 2023.) Today is the 64th anniversary of the most famous Primary Election in West Virginia history. It was on May 10, 1960, when West Virginia Democrats gave John F. Kennedy a decisive victory over Hubert Humphrey in the Primary Election, propelling him
May 10, 2024 - 12:25 am
"I Early Voted"
I am proudly wearing the “I voted early” sticker handed to me by a friendly poll worker. My wife and I always early vote at the same location in Monongalia County, and all went smoothly Wednesday. We were in and out in just a few minutes. West Virginia’s early voting began with the 2002 Primary
May 9, 2024 - 12:35 am
