Al Schares

As Music Director, Al maintains contacts with the recording companies and distributors. He also hosts KUNI's "Night Music" and can occasionally be heard with Iowa news and weather during "All Things Considered."

Email: Al Schares.

Phone: 319-273-6489 or
1-800-772-2440, ext. 36489

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Take 5 Profile with Al Schares:

A little about Al:
I've worked at KUNI twice. I was employed here first as a student in the 80s. I took a few years off to work in a road band, and then came back to work here in 1990.

As music director, I'm in touch with labels, artists and promoters who would like to get their music played on KUNI. I'm constantly bribed with stickers. It's so hard to remain honest in the face of such fantastic wealth. Actually, most of the time, I'm in touch with them to let them know that if they would bother to send their material we would probably play it. The rest of the time I spend sorting through mountains of CDs we didn't ask for trying to determine if our listeners would like to hear them. My primary responsibility, however, is for the overall sound of KUNI's night-time music programming.

As a producer, I've had the chance to work on some very interesting projects. Currently, I'm working in conjunction with Global Health Corps, developing and producing health related programming targeted at immigrant populations in Postville, Iowa. These shows are airing in Hebrew, Spanish, Russian and English on KPVL Radio Postville.

What is your favorite NPR/PRI program?
American Routes - great music, great features and interviews. It's a great way to start the weekend.

Why/how did you get into radio?
I began working here while I was a graduate student. I was looking for work to supplement my graduate assistantship and my bartending gigs. Jennifer Alt suggested I make a demo tape. I started by babysitting tapes on weekends. As opportunities for other on-air work came up I always suggested I was the perfect person for the job. And, to date, with the exception of the classical music show, I've worked on every day part.

What is your most memorable moment with KUNI/KHKE?
The last time I opened my mike. Memory's a funny thing.

What do you do for fun?
I'm still working on my guitar playing.

What, in your opinion, is the best aspect of KUNI/KHKE?
The listeners.