While his face may not have been instantly recognizable to the listening audience of Kankakee and Iroquois counties, his voice was unmistakable. For decades, Ken Zyer’s steady, authoritative, and familiar voice brought news, entertainment, and a sense of connection to the community. On Saturday, Zyer passed away after a sudden illness in the Tampa, Florida, area, where he had been residing for the past several years. He was 66.
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Zyer’s radio journey began in 1979 when he first stepped behind the microphone as a DJ for WBYG, affectionately known as “The Bus.” His passion for broadcasting quickly became evident, and in 1988, he transitioned to news reporting, assuming the role of news director at the station. From that moment forward, Zyer’s career would be defined by his unwavering commitment to journalism and the power of radio.
In 1995, Zyer joined the newly launched WVLI radio station, where he formed a dynamic partnership with longtime area radio personality Jim Brandt. Together, they became a staple of local radio, engaging listeners with their chemistry, humor, and shared dedication to delivering the news.
Brandt fondly recalled their decades of collaboration, describing their relationship as more than just a professional partnership—it was a true friendship. “We were kind of a team the whole time I was at the station,” Brandt reflected on their 24 years of working together. “He could take your lead and entertain without taking over. I don’t think I would have been successful without him. We were a 50-50 team.”
Their bond extended beyond the studio. Brandt noted that both men were born in 1959, shared a love for music, and even had eerily similar life experiences. “We were both probably nerds in school. We definitely were not athletes. We both played in a school band, and we both had two daughters,” he reminisced.
One of their favorite inside jokes was a quirky coincidence: they both discovered that the first single they ever purchased was Vanity Fare’s Hitchin’ a Ride. “It was just one of those weird things,” Brandt chuckled. But despite their camaraderie, they had their moments of disagreement, often bickering like an old married couple—only to turn around and laugh about it moments later.
The news of Zyer’s passing has left his colleagues and listeners in shock. “It’s too soon,” Brandt said somberly. “His death is really sad. It’s heartbreaking.”
Tim Milner, now the executive chairman of Milner Media, saw firsthand how Zyer’s career flourished. Zyer’s dedication to getting the story right earned him the trust of an entire region. “He had a great fondness for the people he served,” Milner said. “His audience knew that if they heard it from Ken, it was the truth.”
Zyer’s ability to cultivate a vast network of contacts made him a respected and reliable journalist. “He had a Rolodex that was the envy of many,” Milner remarked. His reputation for accuracy sometimes meant delaying a story, but that commitment to getting it right only deepened his credibility.
Fellow WVLI newsman Mike Ruble, who worked alongside Zyer for 25 years, struggled to put his emotions into words. “He could be opinionated, brash, and even obnoxious,” Ruble admitted with a small laugh. “But you won’t find a man more dedicated to news broadcasting and radio.”
Even after relocating to Florida, Zyer remained an integral part of WVLI, contributing to broadcasts from a distance. His passion for the news never wavered. “He loved being on the air,” Ruble said. “He was a news bloodhound.” Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, he added, “This is sad. It’s the passing of a legend. We’ve lost someone who is irreplaceable. You don’t replace talent like that.”
WVLI news director Rob Rodewald, better known to listeners as Rob West, echoed the sentiment. Having worked with Zyer for the past seven years after transitioning from WKAN, Rodewald deeply respected his colleague’s expertise. “It’s hard to replace that kind of experience,” he said. “The radio newsperson is a disappearing breed.”
Finding someone with Zyer’s knowledge, dedication, and love for the craft will be nearly impossible. “This is simply a big loss,” Rodewald concluded.
Ken Zyer was more than just a voice on the radio—he was a trusted friend to his listeners, a devoted journalist, and a key figure in the community. His passing leaves a void in the world of local news that will not soon be filled. Though his microphone is now silent, the echoes of his voice, his stories, and his impact will live on in the hearts of those who tuned in and those who had the privilege of knowing him.
