DES MOINES – Popular and opinionated talk show host Steve Deace, a fixture in Iowa broadcasting for the past decade, resigned his position with News Radio 1040-WHO in Des Moines. His successful “Deace in the Afternoon” radio program ends its run on Friday, February 11.
Deace resigned Jan. 28, but stayed on the air for two more weeks at the request of WHO. Deace says the decision to leave the award-winning radio station was not an easy one.
“WHO is one of the best stations in the United States, and I feel truly honored and blessed to have been allowed to play at least some small part in that legacy,” Deace said. “Many industry professionals would consider WHO a destination job, and WHO has been very good to my family and invaluable to my growth both as a broadcaster and as a man. I hope my performance and work ethic repaid the investment WHO made in me and my family.”
Deace said it was time for him to move on to pursue other opportunities.
“My wife and I have been sensing for months now that perhaps God had something new in store for us,” Deace said. “Now we’re going to take the necessary steps to see exactly what that looks like and we’re excited about the journey.”
Deace says he is making this decision completely on his own.
“No members of management at WHO pressured me or asked me to resign and no members of management at WHO ever has,” Deace said. “In fact, they urged me to reconsider. It seemed they were just as surprised by my decision as many in my audience will be. I am very grateful General Manager Joel McCrea gave me the opportunity to broadcast at WHO and KXNO the last eight and a half years.”
Deace said he’ll miss the relationships he forged during his years at WHO the most.
“I’m not sure how it’s possible for a broadcaster to have a better relationship with his program director than I was blessed to have with Van Harden,” Deace said. “Van is not just a talented broadcaster and beloved community figure, but over the years he’s become a trusted mentor spiritually and professionally as well as a genuine friend. The same is true of Jan Mickelson as well, who is one of the most gracious people you’ll ever meet. Losing the regular rapport I’ve enjoyed with people like them and several others at WHO is probably the hardest part of this decision.”
Program Director Van Harden said Deace will be missed.
“While this came as a surprise to us, we at WHO want all to know this is a very friendly parting,” Harden said. “I’ve called Steve up to the plate three times, twice for KXNO and once for WHO. All three times he’s scored big for us, and we should all be thankful for that.”
Deace is now looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
“I hope to have a book published later this year and I’ve been approached in the past about pursuing politics which is intriguing,” Deace said. “On the other hand, I certainly love radio and since a first-class and highly successful operation like WHO was willing to employ my talents I think I have a knack for it, so I’m open to more broadcasting in the future. As of today I have had no other contact with any other radio stations regarding this decision nor have I pursued any. I’m stepping out on faith here to see what exactly God has in store for me in the future either way.
“I am very thankful as I look back over the opportunities I’ve had to be associated with a station as historic as WHO, and to perhaps have played a small role in the discussions that have shaped our state. My wife and I have set down roots here in Iowa and hope to raise our children here. We don’t plan on going anywhere. We look forward to seeing how we will have the privilege to fear God, tell the truth and make money in the future.”
Steve Deace, 37, resides in West Des Moines with his wife, Amy, and their three children: Anastasia, 9; Zoe, 5; and Noah-Andrew, 4. Steve can be contacted via Facebook, “@deaceradio” on Twitter, and Steve@stevedeace.com.