Renowned KMOX anchor Carol Daniel bid farewell on Thursday, marking the end of an era. Daniel’s illustrious tenure at KMOX lasted nearly thirty years, and during her farewell, she fondly recalled her most cherished moment working alongside reporter Kevin Killeen.
Daniel shared a memorable anecdote during her send-off about a vice presidential debate at a nearby university, where Killeen provided a live report. She recounted the amusing signs displayed by the crowd, one of which humorously stated, “No if and or baboon butts,” while another chanted, “Hey-hey, ho-ho, baboon butts have got to go.”
Daniel said it was one of the most peculiar shifts back to live analysis ever witnessed on the KMOX airwaves during an election night. However, she said it was an experience she wouldn’t exchange for anything.
“It was an amazing moment in radio for us,” said KMOX anchor Tom Ackerman. “Election night coverage is always pretty tense. To be across the window from you [Daniel] when hearing Kevin say baboon butts realizing where’s this going to go, I think both of our faces just dropped.”
Daniel recounted that while Killeen delivered his report, she glanced at the console. She then turned to her producer, who responded with a shrug, indicating that the unexpected moment was beyond his control.
“It’s one of the funny, endearing things about working with colleagues you trust,” said Daniel. “I trust Kevin [Killeen].”
“Carol, when I think of you, it comes down to two words: love and respect,” said Ackerman. “I have so much love for you. I love your laughter and hearing your voice, laughing down the hallway when I enter work. I love your kindness to everyone here; I love your commitment to your family and church, your job, and the traditions of this station.”
Daniel announced her retirement from KMOX last month.
