Times Publications | The Readers are Here

Serving
Scottsdale
Northeast Phoenix
Northwest Valley
Chandler
Gilbert
East Mesa

DIANE BRENNAN
KTAR Radio News Anchor

In the office before most Valley residents have had their morning coffee, a vivacious Diane Brennan announces the news to thousands of listeners each morning on 92.3 KTAR, the Valley’s largest news-radio station.

A native of Canada, Brennan began her broadcasting career in British Columbia and has worked in Valley radio for more than 11 years. In addition to serving as the midday anchor, Brennan also appears with Darrell Ankarlo on “Ankarlo Mornings” and on Sports 620 KTAR for “The Great Debate.”

This month, Brennan invited The Times in to the KTAR studios in Phoenix to give readers a look at her workspace and to put a face with that popular voice.

Though her personal office space is a small, wedge-shaped broadcasting studio, Brennan also works out of a cubicle, in the corner of the newsroom, preparing her broadcasts and researching reports on light features and quirky trends.

“It’s not really like work,” she says. “When you enjoy what you do it makes it pretty great.”

By Shanna Hogan

1. Lime green blanket Brennan wears in the chilly studio during broadcasts. “Everyone makes fun of me and says it’s puke green or that I look like a hobo.”
2. American flags. Brennan, who officially became a U.S. citizen on May 22, was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
3. Cutout of Steve Nash’s head. Brennan is a huge sports fan.
4. Associated Press award from 2007 Brennan won for ‘Best Light Feature.’
5. KTAR Most Valuable Player award. “It was voted on by the staff, so it means a lot to me.”
6. Check written to Brennan from herself for $1.2 million. “That’s my joke about how much money I want to make in my life.”
7. Autographed Hank Aaron baseball. Brennan collects sports memorabilia.

8.New Orleans Saints football signed by former USC star and Saint’s running back Reggie Bush. “I’m a big fan of USC as well as ASU.”
9. Photograph of Brennan’s two nieces.
10. Coffee mug that says ‘Shoe Goddess.’ “I have a penchant for shoes.”
11. Radio editing bay.
12. Photo of Brennan with Alice Cooper. “This was actually taken at a concert he played in Alberta. I was working at a radio station, and the entire morning show got to play golf with him.”
13. Photo of Brennan with two co-workers celebrating her recent U.S. citizenship.
14. Musical fairy princess wand. “On our morning show we all had to go buy each other a present from the dollar store. I got this.”