Tony Dehner

Tony worked for KUNI for several years as a student assistant getting experience in a variety of capacities. He now takes control of the station during the overnight hours, from "World Cafe" to "Morning Edition."

Email: Tony Dehner.

Take 5 Profile with Tony Dehner:

A little about Tony:
I grew up in the Quad Cities and graduated from Bettendorf High School, where I played trumpet in the band, ran cross country and track, and appeared in a few plays. I developed my interest in radio while studying at UNI, briefly working in the newsroom at WVIK in Rock Island, Illinois. Eventually, I became general manager of the student radio station while earning some money working weekends at KUNI. I kind of stumbled into the overnight gig after graduating in 1998, and as they say, the rest is history. Readers should also know that I typed this at 2:30 in the morning.

What is your favorite NPR/PRI program?
That would have to be a toss-up between Morning Edition and the World Cafe.  I honestly could not live without either of those shows. I also enjoy American Routes, Mountain Stage and Beale Street Caravan. I like e-town too, but I'm usually asleep when it's on.

Why/how did you get into radio?
My interest in music led me to become a student DJ at KGRK on the UNI campus (now KULT), and through that I was able to get my first job as a student at KUNI - making copies of Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony concert recordings. Eventually, that led to opportunities recording concerts and working on-air on the weekends. At that point, I knew I wasn't going back!

What is your most memorable moment with KUNI/KHKE?
The “Drive to Survive” fundraising campaign in the summer of 2002 was definitely memorable for me. Those were hardly the best of days for KUNI/KHKE, but the positive response to our emergency fundraising in the wake of severe budget cuts really made me realize just how much we're appreciated in the community and just how important what we do here is.

What do you do for fun?
I've been playing guitar since I was in junior high, and I play both at my church and recreationally with friends. Also, my wife and I love to cook and try new recipes. One of the most exciting times of the year for me is getting the grill out for the first time!

What, in your opinion, is the best aspect of KUNI/KHKE?
It's been said before, but it can't be said enough: the variety of programming on our stations is unbeatable. I also appreciate that we have a dedicated staff who believe in what they're doing, and that we have an equally dedicated audience, many of whom are just as giving of their time and energy as any staff member.