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End Of An Era: Diane Maggipinto To Leave KUER

Diane Maggipinto
Austen Diamond Photography
After almost six years, KUER's local Morning Edition host will sign off at the end of the year. She's starting a new journey: graduate school.

For nearly six years, KUER listeners have started each weekday with the familiar voice of Diane Maggipinto guiding them through newscasts, weather forecasts, road conditions and, of course, the host’s signature moon reports.

The end of 2020 will mark the end of an era at NPR Utah, when Maggipinto signs off from Morning Edition on Christmas Eve to embark on a new journey.

Maggipinto announced this week that she will leave KUER on Dec. 24 to pursue a graduate program at the University of Utah.

“I laughed, I cried. And I knew my audience was right there with me, especially through the tumult of the last year,” Maggipinto said. “The best moments were hearing from listeners; it was as if we always knew each other.”

Maggipinto joined KUER in 2013 and accepted the local anchor position on Morning Edition two years later. She previously served as a morning and afternoon anchor at local stations KCPW, KSL, KBZN, and KUMT. Also, she has narrated PBS Utah productions and industrials, and serves as a key volunteer for the Tumbleweeds Film Festival for Kids.

“Every on-air position is special in its own way, but a Morning Edition host has one of the toughest sleep schedules in public radio,” said Joel Meyer, KUER’s station manager. “Throughout her time here, Diane has embodied reliability — while making that personal connection with listeners every day that is so crucial to what we do. How she remains fully awake? No clue.”

Listeners often ask Maggipinto about her sleep schedule. The answer: “I get up before 4 a.m., get ready, and kiss the sleeping family and the pets goodbye. Then I run all the red lights on my way to the station.”

Of course, grad school will bring its own strange schedule. Maggipinto recently enrolled in the Master of Legal Studies program at the University’s S.J. Quinney College of Law. Drawn to an opportunity to study conflict resolution, legal writing and more, the host says she’s fascinated by the complicated legal and legislative systems we abide by as citizens.

“Diane has helped thousands of Utahns greet the day for so long,” said KUER News Director Elaine Clark. “She’ll be hard to replace. Whenever you see the early morning moon, you’ll remember the impact Diane has had on the station.”

Longtime KUER host Bob Nelson will anchor Morning Edition while the station conducts a national search for a permanent replacement. Maggipinto’s final shift on KUER will be in late December.

Listeners' farewell messages for Diane


We've heard from lots of listeners who had a goodbye message for Diane, and we are sharing some here. If you'd like to add to the farewell chorus, post a comment here.

"I will miss you Diane! I can’t begin to describe the power of your calm demeanor and curiosity; you have made a difference! Inspiring. Best of luck in your next chapter!" - Andrea White

"I don't know her personally but it will be like losing a good friend! I've listened daily for many years and knew I was on to a good thing ... sorry to see her go but ENJOY LIFE!" - Sally Stewart

“She’s who I have breakfast with each morning. Good luck, Diane!” - Colin Reid

“Diane, thank you for helping me face each day for many years. You always sound upbeat and I have loved your descriptions of the sky as you see it from the station. Good luck on your new journey and we will miss you.” - Melissa Snyder

"I will miss her so much, but hope she gets to sleep in." - Judy Miller Tukuafu

"Thank you for always being there in the morning and being a calm voice to start the day. Best of luck on your next chapter! You will be missed." - Erik Donaldson

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