FORMER NHPTV POLITICAL REPORTER AND PRODUCER RICHARD AGER DIES

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(DURHAM, DECEMBER 31, 2013) - Former New Hampshire Public Television political reporter and producer Richard Ager, 60, died suddenly at his home in Wyoming December 29th. A well-known reporter in Concord who covered New Hampshire politics and stories for NHPTV for 18 years, Ager had been a political affairs reporter and producer at Wyoming PBS for the past two years. Ager loved a good news story, politics and people. As a producer for NHPTV programs such as NH Outlook, NH Roundtable, NH Journal and NH Tonight, Ager reported on countless stories of consequence to New Hampshire. In Wyoming, he produced a weekly public affairs series Wyoming Chronicle, a quarterly live call-in program Wyoming Perspectives, and covered the Wyoming legislative sessions on Capitol Outlook. While in New Hampshire, he produced live gavel-to-gavel coverage of the impeachment trial of State Supreme Court Chief Justice David Brock, dozens of presidential candidate profiles, in-depth reports on statewide issues like gay marriage, medical marijuana and the Northern Pass Project, and a moving documentary on the anniversary of the Challenger Shuttle explosion. He also produced TV specials including "Tuck's Gift," "Autumn's Passage," "Who Has Seen the Wind?" and "The Mysteries of New Hampshire." A documentary he produced about the consequences of drunk driving, "Just One Night," has been nationally distributed. Richard Ager's award-winning work was thoroughly researched and well-written. Many who knew him lauded his fairness, journalistic skill and integrity. He interviewed some of the most influential people of our time. He would often receive hand-written notes from his interview subjects thanking him for the story. PBS NewHour host Jim Lehrer, after being interviewed by Ager, commented on how impressed he was by Ager's preparation and deft interviewing skills. In Wyoming, he had just completed interviews with nationally known historian David McCullough and a former U.S. ambassador. A native of Canada, Ager went to Wyoming PBS after New Hampshire state budget cuts forced NHPTV to reduce production of its local programs like NH Outlook. In Wyoming, he reported on statewide issues, politics and people. Ager is survived by his wife Renee and sons Robert and Reese. Memorial donations in Richard Ager's name may be made to: Lander Valley Special Olympics, Lander Middle School, Attn: Candice Hudson, 755 Jefferson Street, Lander, WY 82520.

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