Longtime Kansas City Broadcaster Rooney Dies

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 28, 2016

Dennis Rooney

Sad to report legendary Kansas City broadcaster and KCMO morning news anchor Dennis Rooney has died after a two-year battle with cancer. Rooney 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, after serving as morning host and news at WKRQ in Cincinnati. Dennis was a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Cumulus Media Midwest Regional VP Donna Baker 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 on-air personality beloved by listeners and team members alike. Our deepest condolences to his family. Dennis will be greatly missed but never forgotten."

In a note to staff, Cumulus/Kansas City Operations Manager Lance Tidwell 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."