A Legacy of Journalism and Community
Steve Dunn, a long-time anchor at KATU, is set to retire from the news industry at the end of 2025 after an impressive career spanning 39 years. Over the decades, he has become a familiar face in many homes across the metro area, offering a steady presence that has guided viewers through significant historical events and shared countless stories that resonate with the local community.
In recent years, Steve has taken on a pivotal role in covering some of Portland’s most pressing issues. His work on KATU’s “City in Crisis” series highlighted the challenges the city faced during the pandemic and its subsequent recovery. This commitment to storytelling has made him a vital part of the network’s coverage.
As the host of “Your Voice, Your Vote,” a weekly political show, Steve continues to engage with the public and provide insightful commentary on important local and national issues. His ability to connect with audiences and present complex topics in an accessible way has made him a trusted figure in the community.
A Journey Through Broadcasting
Steve’s journey in broadcasting began in 1986 when he moved to Portland from KGUN-TV in Tucson, Arizona. Prior to that, he worked at WILX-TV in Lansing, Michigan, and WPBN-TV in Traverse City, Michigan. He studied broadcasting at Central Michigan University and had an internship at WXYZ-TV in Detroit, Michigan.
Throughout his career, Steve has received numerous accolades for his work. He has won several Associated Press Awards and has been nominated nine times for Television Emmy Awards. In 2016, he was honored with the Emmy Award for the top News Anchor in the Northwest. He also won the same award in 2004, 2012, and 2014. In 2022, he was inducted into the Silver Circle, which recognizes dedication to the TV News industry and the community.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Beyond his professional achievements, Steve enjoys golf and participates in various charity tournaments throughout the summer. He organizes an annual charity golf tournament called “Dunns’ Duffers” to support local charitable organizations. This event showcases his commitment to giving back to the community.
Steve is set to retire in mid-December, and there are plans to celebrate his impact on Portland and the world of television news over the next few months. In a personal message to his viewers, Steve shared his thoughts on this new chapter in his life:
Hi Everybody,
I don’t want to take much of your time, but I have an announcement for you.
I’ve always felt it was important to try to have several chapters in your life, and I’m ready for the next one.
I’ve been so fortunate to work in this incredibly fascinating business for 43 years, 39 of those here at KATU.
I will be leaving in December. I promise this is not a decision I made overnight.
When you work in one place as long as I have, you build up a lot of friendships. I will miss my colleagues greatly.
This is not retirement for me. I am exploring different options in areas that I’m extra passionate about. And no, I will not be a lounge singer.
You have been the most supportive viewers anybody on television could ever ask for. I hope to see you out in the community in the years to come. That’s always been the best part of this job.
And you never know, you might see me on some special projects here at KATU once in a while.
Thank you for watching all of these years. It was a really great ride. I will miss you all.
You are stuck with me until mid-December, so we’ll have lots of time for goodbyes.
Sincerely,
Steve Dunn
Colleagues’ Perspectives
Longtime co-anchor Debora Knapp shared her thoughts on working with Steve for over 20 years. She described how he has made her laugh and roll her eyes at his jokes and puns nearly every day. She highlighted his knowledge and calm approach during breaking news and location coverage, making the experience less stressful.
Senior Special Projects Producer Evon Burnicle praised Steve’s dedication and ability to handle the pressure of daily news. She noted his mentorship and the importance of presenting both sides of an issue. She also mentioned his unique talent for telling dad jokes.
Senior Digital Content Producer Steve Benham reflected on Steve’s passion, humility, and humor. He emphasized how Steve made everyone feel valued and taught him everything he knows about making bad puns.
KATU News Director Danielle Frack expressed her admiration for Steve’s unmatched care and attention to journalists. She highlighted his experience and eagerness to cover big stories effectively.
Steve Dunn’s legacy in journalism and his contributions to the community will be remembered for years to come. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact will continue to inspire future generations of journalists and community members alike.
