Ian Punnett, part-time host of the syndicated talk program Coast to Coast AM, has passed away after a brief illness. For more than two decades, Punnett led weekends and two weekday broadcasts of Coast to Coast AM per month. Additionally, he hosted a podcast, Vaudeville for the Frightened.
, the Executive Producer of Coast to Coast AM, expressed deep sorrow over Punnett’s passing. She recounted the 24 years of working with him, praising his intellect, humor, and the vibrant energy he brought to every conversation, both on and off the air.
Punnett’s broadcasting career began in rock radio, where he hosted morning shows in Nashville, New Jersey, and the Quad Cities area. His journey in spoken word radio started in 1994 at Chicago’s WGN-AM, followed by a night shift in Atlanta, and eventually a morning show in Minneapolis at KTMY with his wife, Margery.
Punnett held a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta and a Ph.D from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. In 2018, he joined the faculty of the A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Kansas State University. Punnett was also a published author, with works including How to Pray When You’re Pissed at God and Toward A Theory of True Crime.
Coast to Coast AM host George Noory said, “Ian was a beloved member of our Coast to Coast AM family for more than 20 years. He was fun, entertaining, and a very dear friend. I will miss him immensely. Our hearts go out to his loved ones, and the many fans who also suffer this tremendous loss.”
The show’s Executive Producer Lisa Lyon commented, “I’ve had the privilege of producing for Ian these past 24 years, and I will miss our friendship and the professional collaboration. Every conversation behind the scenes was as lively and entertaining and everything we strive for on the air. Ian was great radio personified.”
I have such a hole in my heart with the passing of Ian. God bless his family.
Ian, Jim Bohannon, Roy Tuckman aka Roy of Hollywood it’s been a sad year. These Greatest Great entertained me for 25 years and I know one thing I will never be the same without them. Rock on!
Just heard the news about Ian. He was not only one of my favorite professors at Kansas State, he was such a significant mentor in my life post college. He was such a great supporter, listener, and always gave me the best advice. A wise man who I will dearly miss. May you Rest In Peace, Ian.
I adored Ian and will miss him so much! I have loved hearing about his two sons and his crazy dog through the years! May God Bless you Margery and you two sons itchy and Scratchy. What a wonderful father and husband! Hold tight to your memories and pass his love on to all you know.Much love to you all. He will be missed dearly!
What a warm, comforting voice with so much positivity. We will miss you, Ian.
I first discovered Ian and his wife Margery when they did a show on 107.1 – and I have been a faithful listener since then. When I rediscovered Ian on Coast to Coast I was delighted to be able to hear him again. I met him once at a store after I had a dental procedure and was holding ice to my jaw. As it turned out Ian was standing in the line right next to me so I was
privileged to have the opportunity to chat with him and empathize with his dislike of dental procedures. He was open and so friendly. It is with great sadness that he passed at such a young age when he had yet so much to give. My sincere condolences to Margery and his two sons. He will be greatly missed but forever in so any hearts.
A lovely tribute to Ian.
He had a very calming voice and demeanor
The best and my favorite hőst ön the radio. I will so miss him. RIP, Ian.
I loved listening to Ian. My heart is broken.
Punched my ♥️
Thank you Ian🥹🛐🎭🐾
A very reliable recognized voice on AM. Ian managed tinnitus as he once talked about it, peace now Ian.
What a good human being. What a shock to never hear his voice again in the night. Life is so fleeting and precious.
Linda Mckay Heritage
Tucson
I just heard on radio of the passing of my voice through the night..I will truly miss you Ian may you bless the lord with your heavenly radio show ..miss you already..damn…
Ian had it going on. Very revelent and professional but also cool and together at the same time. Glad I was a listener of his programs. May you rest in peace, brother.
As a Canadian I got w kick out of his opening intro!!!!
I loved listening on my way to work on coast to coast and fun 107 I will miss him and prayers to his family.
So sad to hear this. Ian was a great host. RIP good sir.