After more than 3 years of KUNM Radio listeners spending their mornings with host Nash Jones, the anchor is saying goodbye this week as they move on to host the station’s evening news program, All Things Considered. The morning host sat down with Bryce Dix, who will be taking the early morining mic on Thursday, Nov. 4. Dix’s name may ring a bell, as he is returning to KUNM’s newsroom.
BRYCE DIX: I was actually a student reporter here for a while. Back in 2018 I actually got my start hosting Weekend Edition. So yes, this is my big debut back to this stage.
NASH JONES: Well, welcome back, Bryce. And what have you been up to since you graduated from UNM and left KUNM in 2020?
DIX: I had a stint over at New Mexico PBS. I had a fellowship with the New Mexico Local News Fund. They're an organization here in New Mexico to give younger journalists a chance to get a feel for the industry. And I actually worked on a podcast called Growing Forward. We explored basically everything about the cannabis industry. We actually got to cover the recreational legalization of cannabis here in New Mexico. And so after that I went to KSFR and I was News Director for almost six months as Interim News Director.
JONES: And KSFR is a public radio station based out of Santa Fe, yes?
DIX: Yes. It isn't NPR though; it's not an NPR affiliate. When I was there, we would broadcast BBC and we had a local news team there, as well.
JONES: And so you are going to be hosting NPR's Morning Edition for us here at KUNM. And what would you say is kind of your approach?
DIX: I came to KUNM because, you know, I discovered my love for hosting a long time ago. And I actually looked up to you, Nash, and looked up to Megan Kamerick, who hosted All Things Considered. She's now News Director at KUNM, I looked up to you guys and I and I really respected what you did. And I have a passion for newscasting. So, you know, to answer your question, I have no idea how I'm going to do it. And I think that's the awesome part about public radio is I'm going to find my personality. I've never had the opportunity to be a permanent part of a public radio station, and be this personality for folks.
JONES: And of course, for any Morning Edition host, a really key question is how the heck you're feeling about getting up and getting to work by 4:30 a.m.
DIX: You heard that folks – 4:30. that means really waking up at 3 a.m. in the morning. I'm very caffeine dependent. I think I'm gonna say that right now. I think that is going to be key in getting here on time. Please bear with me, folks. I'm going to be a little groggy for a couple of weeks but I'm super excited to be the new host of Morning Edition. Again, it's a dream come true. Also, I have a question for you, Nash, because I'm sure people are wondering – what's after Morning Edition? Where are you going?
JONES: Yeah, so I am just going right up the way here at KUNM to All Things Considered, which is our evening news show. As Bryce mentioned, Megan Kamerick, who was a longtime host of first Morning Edition – I actually took over for Megan on Morning Edition, she moved to All Things Considered and was there for a number of years – has become our News Director here at KUNM. So, I am going to be heading to All Things Considered and replacing Megan.
DIX: So, you've been here for three whole years, waking up early, early, early. Are you looking forward to sleeping in?
JONES: So much. And I hate to say that to you, Bryce, because you're gonna be taking this baton on from me and waking up at 3 a.m. You know, I will say you get used to it. You kind of structure your life around Morning Edition. And yes, those early wake-ups are not the easiest thing. But it is such an honor to help people across central and northern New Mexico wake up each morning. There's something about the morning show that you really build a special relationship with listeners. They're sleepy, they're getting their bearings for the day, they want to know what's going on. And you are well-positioned to help them navigate that and also greet them to their day and really be that person kind of holding their hand through what can be a really intense new cycle as of late. I loved building the relationships that I have with Morning Edition listeners and I'm looking forward to building new relationships with folks who are All Things Considered listeners, as well as being a different part of somebody's day that listens to both shows. And so, I'll be around. You will still hear my reporting on Morning Edition and I look forward to any Morning Edition listeners joining me in the evenings. All Things Considered airs from 5 to 7 p.m. every weekday.
DIX: Awesome. Well, thanks for having me, Nash. I appreciate it.
JONES: Welcome back, Bryce, and welcome to Morning Edition. I couldn't be happier to pass the mic to a new host. You're going to do a great job. So, break a leg.
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NPR’s Morning Edition airs on KUNM 89.9 FM beginning at 5 a.m. every weekday. The station airs All Things Considered every day at 5 p.m.
