Veteran broadcaster Faune Riggin reflects on radio career, announces transition to state position

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Longtime Southeast Missouri broadcaster Faune Riggin said she is leaving her radio career to accept a state position, bringing to a close more than two decades behind the microphone.

Riggin, who has served as program and news director at KZIM-KSIM since 2001, said the decision was driven by personal circumstances and was not one she expected to make before retirement.

“I never dreamed I would leave this job until retirement, but my personal situation changed to where it was necessary,” Riggin said.

Throughout her career, Riggin earned numerous honors recognizing her work in journalism, community service, education, veteran advocacy and support of law enforcement. Among her recognitions were placement in the Congressional Record by former U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, a Missouri House resolution honoring her community service, the Distinguished Patriot Award from the Joint Veterans Council of Cape Girardeau and the Roger Fields Memorial Law Enforcement Support Award from Seniors and Lawmen Together.

Riggin also received multiple awards from the Missouri Broadcasters Association, Missouri State Teachers Association and National Communicator Awards. Her radio series “An Army of One,” which documented her experience attending military boot camp, earned national recognition.

In addition, she was named one of the nation’s top 10 small-market radio programmers by Radio Ink magazine, served as the longtime voice of Special Olympics Southeast Missouri and received the Missouri Public Health Association’s RADIO Award.

Before joining KZIM-KSIM, Riggin worked in music radio, television and talk radio. Originally from North Dakota, she also traveled nationally speaking about eating disorders and remained active in numerous charitable organizations throughout her broadcasting career.

Despite the career change, Riggin said radio will remain an important part of her life.

“Radio will always be in my heart and soul,” she said.