You probably don’t know his face, but you’ll definitely recognize his voice.
Since 2011, Matt Elmore has been your KQED Public Radio morning drive announcer. Now, after those eight years — and 32 years total at KQED — he’s retiring from our airwaves.
Matt’s message for the millions of people in the Bay Area who’ve listened to his voice over the years?
KQED on Twitter You know his voice… …but you might not know his face. This is our wonderful Matt Elmore – your KQED Public Radio morning drive announcer since 2011, and on your airwaves for decades before that.
“I want to thank you for your listenership, your companionship over the years, really — because we do this together, each and every day,” he said.
“I want to thank you for putting up with me, for being generous with your comments (and your criticisms!), and thank you especially for supporting the station, so that you allow us to do the job that we do each and every day, for you.”
Our announcement of Matt’s departure on social media has been met with an outpouring of good wishes, and appreciation for the role Matt’s voice has played in people’s morning routines. In some cases, they’ve been listening to him since childhood.
“I cried this morning on my ride to work when [Joe McConnell] said goodbye and thank you to Matt. You will be missed!!” (marikajean via Instagram)
“The voice of my entire morning life! Been listening since I was a tiny kid.” (iamtrue88, via Instagram)
“Whoa! Good for you (sucks for us). Thank you for helping me start the day with your lovely voice and consistency. Enjoy your new job of doing whatever you want.” (goglix via Instagram)
Matt Elmore’s last broadcast, captured by KQED’s morning anchor Brian Watt (Brian Watt/KQED)
“Happy for him, but also sad af. This guy was a significant part of my childhood growing up in the Bay Area. Nobody will ever top him.” (@ffs_stop_that via Twitter)
“Didn’t own a TV during my MFA and listened to KQED pretty much every morning. Will miss your voice and hope that you’ll be heard again – perhaps as the voice of a wise animated character!” (Sonia Tiwari, via Facebook)
Matt first started at KQED back in 1987, as a part-time weekend Announcer/Operator, at a time when KQED still played classical music records. Even then, his voice was already familiar to many radio listeners around California, after stints at Paso Robles’s KKAL and KCBX in San Luis Obispo.
Scott Shafer on Twitter You know his voice if not his name – and after more than 30 years behind the microphone @KQED the incomparable Matt Elmore is taking his well earned retirement. His class, kindness, humility and unflappability will be missed and long remembered by all of us.
“It was my honor to be one of his broadcast partners for a few years,” said KQED’s Morning Edition anchor Brian Watt. “Even on the craziest mornings, the sight of him on the other side of the glass let me know that everything was going to be alright.”
“When I got my first job at KQED in 1994, Matt was one of the smartest and kindest people as I was getting started as a reporter and producer,” said KQED’s Chief Content Officer Holly Kernan. “He was the one you could approach with any question. He’s been the voice of KQED now for decades and I will miss him dearly.”
Got a message for Matt? Send it to us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!
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