This week Kansas City lost a friend and a legendary broadcaster. We lost Dennis Rooney. This man got in early, juggled newscasts and traffic and weather, all the while ready and able to provide a funny quip that knocked it out of the ball park. He fought through pain, chemo and radiation to bring excellence to the audience every day. If you knew him, please send your stories about him to [email protected] as we pay tribute to his memory.
Dennis was previously News Director and Anchor for Union Broadcasting in Kansas City, and prior to that, was with Viacom as News and Public Affairs Director for KBEQ in Kansas City with long time host Randy Miller, after serving as Morning Host, News for WKRQ in Cincinnati. Dennis was a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City. While in college, he worked 40-50 hours a week driving a truck while attending classes.
Donna Baker, Midwest Regional Vice President, Cumulus Media, said: “For nearly twenty years, thousands of KC radio listeners have listened to and loved Dennis Rooney. His brilliant writing and trusted voice as news anchor, combined with his signature quick-wit made him a legendary and on-air personality beloved by listeners and team-members alike. Our deepest condolences to his family. Dennis will be greatly missed but never forgotten”.
Lance Tidwell, Operations Manager for Cumulus Media-Kansas City said: “The amazing thing about Dennis Rooney is that so many people, listeners alike, didn’t realize that Dennis had been battling cancer for years. He came in before the sun came up and did his job flawlessly like the consummate professional he was, day after day after day and never complained– Laughing and carrying on with Rob and Jared through the difficult treatments right up to the day he no longer could. Dennis showed unbelievable courage and strength through a fight for his life and was an inspiration to all of us who worked with him.
Remember and honor Dennis with a donation in his name to the Turner House Children’s Clinic: http://thcckc.org/how-you-can-help/help-by-donating/
