Simon Conway

Last updated
Simon Conway
Born1960or1961(age 62–63)[ citation needed ]
London, England
Career
Station(s) WHO-AM
Time slot4–7pm
CountryUnited States
Website Simon Conway

Simon Conway is a London-born radio show host and public speaker who hosts a talk show on WHO-AM in Des Moines, Iowa.

Contents

Early life

Conway was born in London, England and raised in nearby Wellesden. There he got the journalism bug at a young age: [1]

Well, it was a winter's day in London. I was nine and a pupil at Hillel House. It was time for our English lesson with David Sassoon and he decided we should use glue, poster board and our imaginations to make a newspaper. My life would never be the same. On that day I decided I was going to be a journalist and I never let go of that goal.

Moving to Israel as a teenager, Conway began his professional career as a 16-year-old journalist at The Jerusalem Post (in 1976). [2] From the age of 18, back in the U.K., he was "doing shifts" on the Sunday Mirror and News of the World . He went undercover to investigative "the awful Children of God sect" and "stuff for Panorama on the National Front" back. [3]

Career

In the U.K. Conway was "doing almost daily hits" on BBC Radio 4 or Radio 5 Live. He had international media in his studio on a regular basis, while being "constantly interviewed" by U.S. media—with "multiple appearances" on C-Span, CNN, and Fox News. [1] He ran a successful corporate communications company in the U.K.

He moved to Orlando, Florida, in 2001, entering the real estate business, which Conway discovered was highly competitive. “There are thousands of people selling real estate in Orlando, literally,” he said, which led Conway "to distinguish himself by buying time on the radio." When he got himself a one-hour weekend show he "fell in love with the medium." [4] “From the very first moment I was on the air, I did not talk about real estate,” Conway recalls. “It was like an epiphany. I had come home.” [3]

Conway "fell into a career as a fill-in talk show host," travelling across the U.S. working at “major, major stations”.

WHO-AM

In 2011, Conway took a radio show hosting position at WHO-AM in Des Moines, Iowa, [3] replacing Steve Deace who left for a nationally-syndicated show — and adding his name to the station's "storied roster of hosts", including former president Ronald Reagan who "made a name for himself" as a WHO sportscaster in the 1930s. [2] On taking the job, Conway says, “If you're serious about talk radio, this isn't a job you turn down.” [4]

Iowa caucuses

"It's a big country and the parties pick their candidates by asking the people in a series of primary elections or as in the case of Iowa, Caucuses. And Iowa is first in the nation to vote which can give a candidate the kind of momentum it takes to become President," Conway emphasizes. [1]

About 65,000 people across Iowa tune in to WHO-AM during the afternoon drive time, the largest in Iowa for talk radio. And the audience skews toward the politically-attuned, conservative type that Republican candidates want to attract. [2]

Style

Considered "the voice of Midwest conservatism," [3] Conway reminds one journalist of "a bulldog when he interviews politicians." [5] His training in Britain [6] formed his aggressive approach on the air, he said. “I am an equal-opportunity hater. I treat people the same whether I agree with them or [they] don't agree with me. I will always challenge their positions." He adds, “There are [as many] Republicans who don't want to face those questions as there are Democrats. The likes of [Ohio governor] John Kasich haven't been in my studio because he knows it isn't going to end well.” [4]

"Most important of all for me – no script," Conway admits. "I am very much a stream of consciousness person and that's why we deliver what we hope is compelling radio every single day." [1] He arranges regular, unscientific online audience polls meant for entertainment on his show. [7]

Controversy

Stations

Charity

Conway serves as a Trustee on the Board of Directors for the USS Iowa (BB-61). He has led regular tours to southern California to visit the retired ship, now opened as a museum. [5] He annually sponsors a "BBQ sandwich giveaway" for the benefit of the Puppy Jake Foundation, which trains service dogs to be placed with "wounded warriors". [5] Raising $4,000 in its first year, the event raised over $35,500 five years later in 2018. Generally a local supermarket donates the meat, more than 200 pounds of it, and a local barbecue grilling champion donates buns and sauce and does the cooking. [13]

Personal

Conway is Jewish [2] and moved to Israel when he was 16. He has two daughters. He is a "very proud naturalized American citizen." [5] For five years he coached both men's and women's high school tennis in Orlando, Florida.

After suffering two heart attacks during one week in 2017, Conway quit smoking and returned to the broadcast booth. [5] Joel McCrea, general manager at WHO-AM, told the Des Moines Register the heart attacks were mild in nature. [14]

In 2008 Conway received American citizenship. [3] He has said of his homeland, "I miss the curry. Friends. And the ability to go watch Chelsea play." [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Des Moines, Iowa</span> Capital of Iowa, United States

Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city in Iowa, United States. It is also the county seat of Polk County. A small part of the city extends into Warren County. It was incorporated on September 22, 1851, as Fort Des Moines, which was shortened to "Des Moines" in 1857. It is located on, and named after, the Des Moines River, which likely was adapted from the early French name, Rivière des Moines, meaning "River of the Monks". The city's population was 214,133 as of the 2020 census. The six-county metropolitan area is ranked 81st in terms of population in the United States, with 709,466 residents according to the 2020 census by the United States Census Bureau, and is the largest metropolitan area fully located within the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Nussle</span> American businessman and politician (born 1960)

James Allen Nussle is an American businessman and retired politician who has been president and chief executive officer of the Credit Union National Association since 2014. Nussle served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1991 to 2007 and was the Republican nominee for the 2006 Iowa gubernatorial election, losing to Democrat Chet Culver. He was then appointed director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in 2007 by President George W. Bush, an office he retained until 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WHO (AM)</span> Clear-channel news/talk radio station in Des Moines, Iowa

WHO is a commercial AM radio station in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. The station is owned by iHeartMedia and carries a conservative news/talk radio format, with studios on Grand Avenue in Des Moines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KGGO</span> Radio station in Des Moines, Iowa

KGGO is a commercial radio station in Des Moines, Iowa. It is owned by Cumulus Media and airs a classic rock radio format. The station's studios and offices are in Urbandale, Iowa, with Cumulus Media's other Des Moines stations: KJJY, KHKI, KWQW, and KBGG. KGGO carries two nationally syndicated shows on its weekday schedule, The Bob & Tom Show, in morning drive time and Nights with Alice Cooper in the evening. Middays and afternoons feature local DJs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dana Jacobson</span> American journalist

Dana Jacobson is a host and correspondent for CBS News currently serving as a co host for CBS Saturday Morning. She is also an anchor & reporter for CBS Sports and CBS Sports Network. She joined CBS News in 2015, 2 years after she began working for CBS Sports Network. Prior to that Jacobson spent a decade at ESPN, from 2002 until 2012. In March 2005, she was named co-host of Cold Pizza and transitioned with the show as it became First Take. On December 30, 2011, she left First Take and returned to anchoring SportsCenter. On March 27, 2012, USA Today announced that Jacobson would leave ESPN when her contract expires at the end of April. Monday, April 30, 2012, was her final day at ESPN when she anchored the 6–8 p.m. ET SportsCenter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KXNO (AM)</span> Radio station in Des Moines, Iowa

KXNO is a commercial AM radio station in Des Moines, Iowa. KXNO is owned by iHeartMedia, and airs a sports radio format. KXNO's studios are located in Des Moines, while its 3-tower transmitter array is located on Northeast Broadway Avenue near Capitol Heights.

KPSZ is a commercial radio station in Des Moines, Iowa. The station is owned by Saga Communications, and operates as part of its Des Moines Radio Group. KPSZ's studios and offices are located on Locust Street in Des Moines along with Saga's other local stations. KPSZ broadcasts a Christian talk and teaching radio format. National religious leaders heard on KPSZ include Adrian Rogers, David Jeremiah, Joyce Meyer and Jim Daly. Using a brokered programming model, hosts buy blocks of time on KPSZ and may use their shows to seek donations to their ministries.

KIOA is a commercial radio station in Des Moines, Iowa. It is owned by Saga Communications, operating as part of its Des Moines Radio Group, and airs a classic hits radio format. The station's studios are located at 1416 Locust Street along with Saga's other Des Moines stations. The transmitter is located off 24th Street SE, near 6th Avenue SE, in Altoona.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WMT (AM)</span> News/talk radio station in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

WMT is a commercial AM radio station in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It broadcasts a news/talk radio format and is owned by iHeartMedia, Inc. The studios are co-located with former sister station KGAN-TV channel 2, near the intersection of Collins Road and Old Marion Road NE in Cedar Rapids, in a building known as "Broadcast Park."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Zabel</span> American broadcaster

Jim Zabel was an American radio and television broadcaster best known for serving as the play-by-play announcer for Iowa Hawkeyes football and men's basketball games for 48 years on WHO (AM) Radio. A native of Davenport, Iowa, Zabel attended The University of Iowa, where he was an editor of the student newspaper, graduating with a degree in journalism in 1944. Zabel joined WHO as the sports director in 1944, He was employed by the station as a talk-show host after retiring from play-by-play.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 United States presidential election in Iowa</span>

The 2012 United States presidential election in Iowa took place on November 6, 2012, as part of the 2012 United States presidential election in which all 50 states plus the District of Columbia participated. Iowa voters chose six electors to represent them in the Electoral College via a popular vote pitting incumbent Democratic President Barack Obama and his running mate, Vice President Joe Biden, against Republican challenger and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and his running mate, Congressman Paul Ryan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joni Ernst</span> American politician (born 1970)

Joni Kay Ernst is an American politician and former military officer serving as the junior United States senator from Iowa since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served in the Iowa State Senate from 2011 to 2014 and as auditor of Montgomery County from 2004 to 2011. As Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee since 2023, Ernst is the fourth-ranking Republican in the Senate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses</span>

The 2012 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses took place on January 3, 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 United States Senate election in Iowa</span>

The 2016 United States Senate election in Iowa was held November 8, 2016, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the State of Iowa, concurrently with the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as well as other elections to the United States Senate in other states and elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Young (Iowa politician)</span> American politician (born 1968)

David Edmund Young is an American politician who currently serves as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives from the 28th District, and previously served as the U.S. representative for Iowa's 3rd congressional district from 2015 to 2019. A member of the Republican Party, he is a native and resident of Van Meter, a western suburb of Des Moines. He was first elected in 2014 and reelected in 2016; he lost reelection in 2018 to Democrat Cindy Axne. Young unsuccessfully challenged Axne in 2020 in a rematch, losing by 1.3%.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Iowa State Cyclones football team</span> American college football season

The 2015 Iowa State Cyclones football team represented Iowa State University in the 2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Playing as a member of the Big 12 Conference, the team played its home games at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. They were led by seventh-year head coach Paul Rhoads. They finished the season 3–9, 2–7 in Big 12 play to finish in ninth place.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Huckabee 2016 presidential campaign</span>

The 2016 presidential campaign of Mike Huckabee, the 44th Governor of Arkansas, began on May 5, 2015, at an event in his hometown of Hope, Arkansas. Huckabee's candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2016 presidential election was his second, after having previously run in 2008. Following a disappointing showing in the Iowa caucuses, Huckabee ended his run on February 1, 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bobby Kaufmann</span> Iowa State Representative

Bobby Kaufmann is the Iowa State Representative from the 82nd District. A Republican, he has served in the Iowa House of Representatives since 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses</span>

The 2016 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses took place on February 1 in the U.S. state of Iowa, traditionally marking the Republican Party's first nominating contest in their series of presidential primaries ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Murder of Mollie Tibbetts</span> 2018 murder in the US state of Iowa

On July 18, 2018, University of Iowa student Mollie Cecilia Tibbetts disappeared while jogging near her home in Brooklyn, Iowa. A month later, police identified 24-year-old Cristhian Bahena Rivera as a suspect in connection with the disappearance; surveillance footage showed Rivera's car following Tibbetts on her jog. Rivera led police to the body of Tibbetts in a Poweshiek County cornfield on August 21. He was charged with first-degree murder. On May 28, 2021, Rivera was found guilty of first-degree murder. On August 30, 2021, Rivera was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Anonymous (2015-02-12). "I'm Simon Conway, the man who'll make the next president". The JC. Retrieved 2020-07-28.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Peters, Jeremy (2011-12-15). "In Iowa, British-Accented Radio Host Draws G.O.P. Hopefuls". The New York Times. Retrieved 2020-07-28.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Waterson, Jim. "How An NHS-Hating Londoner Became A Favourite Iowa Talkshow Host For Republicans". BuzzFeed. Retrieved 2020-07-28.
  4. 1 2 3 Jacobs, Ben (2016-02-01). "Iowa radio's 'proudest American citizen' is a rightwing kingmaker – and British". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2020-07-28.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Neal Kidney, Joy (2019-05-03). "Simon Conway, Drive-Time Radio Host". Joy Neal Kidney. Retrieved 2020-07-28.
  6. ↑ "An Iowa talk-radio tea party rant with a British accent". Los Angeles Times. 2011-12-27. Retrieved 2020-11-08.
  7. ↑ "Do Gubernatorial debates make a difference in elections? | NEWSRADIO 1040 WHO". Simon Conway. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
  8. ↑ Nelson, Steven (2013-03-28). "Map Showing Iowa Schools Without Security Posted, Then Removed". U.S. News & World Report.
  9. ↑ Block, Kelsey. "Contradicting Studies On Traffic Camera Safety Impact Make Regulation A Judgment Call". Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism. Retrieved 2021-02-25.
  10. ↑ Pfannenstiel, Brianne. "Talk radio host Conway urges people to 'ditch the GOP'". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 2021-02-25.
  11. ↑ Swanson, Janna (2020-04-30). "The economics of industrial wind and solar in Iowa". National Wind Watch. Retrieved 2021-02-25.
  12. ↑ Aronsen, Gavin (2020-11-13). "On Election Fraud Lies, the Iowa GOP Is All Aboard the Trump Train". Iowa Informer. Retrieved 2021-02-25.
  13. ↑ "WHO/Des Moines' Simon Conway Holds 5th Annual BBQ Giveaway For Puppy Jake Foundation". All Access. 2018-10-22. Retrieved 2020-07-28.
  14. ↑ Ufheil, Angela. "WHO personality Simon Conway hospitalized following heart attack". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 2020-07-28.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.