EPISODE · Oct 5, 2025 · 45 MIN
(LISTEN): Networks of Mid-Missouri GM Curtis Varns appears on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable"
from CEO Roundtable w. Fred Parry · host Zimmer Communications
Last weekend’s deadly triple shooting in downtown Columbia and UM System President Dr. Mun Choi’s Monday press conference on downtown crime have dominated news headlines in mid-Missouri since the shooting. Networks of Mid-Missouri general manager Curtis Varns joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” on Saturday. One of the main topics was Channel 17’s coverage of the deadly shooting and what has happened since. Mr. Varns notes the murder victim, Stephens College senior nursing student Aiyanna Williams, was well-known in the community. Curtis notes ABC-17 interviewed her three years ago at Battle’s graduation. Mr. Varns also says President Choi’s press conference on crime generated major headlines. President Choi says crime downtown is at a crisis point. CPD is temporarily reassigning a patrol sergeant to focus full-time on overnight downtown operations. Police chief Jill Schlude says that on most Friday and Saturday nights, nearly half of CPD’s on-duty officers are reallocated downtown. Chief Schlude says CPD plans to reestablish a dedicated downtown unit in the summer of 2026. The chief says the deadly triple shooting marks the fourth, fifth and sixth uninvolved bystanders struck by gunfire downtown since March 2024. She also says violent crime is disproportionately higher downtown compared to previous years. Host Parry and Mr. Varns discussed that in-detail. Curtis Varns grew up in rural western Missouri’s Drexel, a town of about 950 residents. He graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and was hired as KMIZ assignment editor in 1995 by then-news director Teresa Snow. KMIZ will celebrate its 54th anniversary in December: it went on-air in 1971. KQFX, MeTV and KZOU are also part of the Networks of Mid-Missouri. Mr. Varns also discussed KMIZ’s coverage of Mizzou Sports and the Kansas City Chiefs, and discussed his relationship with the Columbia Area Career Center:
What this episode covers
Last weekend’s deadly triple shooting in downtown Columbia and UM System President Dr. Mun Choi’s Monday press conference on downtown crime have dominated news headlines in mid-Missouri since the shooting. Networks of Mid-Missouri general manager Curtis Varns joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” on Saturday. One of the main topics was Channel 17’s coverage of the deadly shooting and what has happened since. Mr. Varns notes the murder victim, Stephens College senior nursing student Aiyanna Williams, was well-known in the community. Curtis notes ABC-17 interviewed her three years ago at Battle’s graduation. Mr. Varns also says President Choi’s press conference on crime generated major headlines. President Choi says crime downtown is at a crisis point. CPD is temporarily reassigning a patrol sergeant to focus full-time on overnight downtown operations. Police chief Jill Schlude says that on most Friday and Saturday nights, nearly half of CPD’s on-duty officers are reallocated downtown. Chief Schlude says CPD plans to reestablish a dedicated downtown unit in the summer of 2026. The chief says the deadly triple shooting marks the fourth, fifth and sixth uninvolved bystanders struck by gunfire downtown since March 2024. She also says violent crime is disproportionately higher downtown compared to previous years. Host Parry and Mr. Varns discussed that in-detail. Curtis Varns grew up in rural western Missouri’s Drexel, a town of about 950 residents. He graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and was hired as KMIZ assignment editor in 1995 by then-news director Teresa Snow. KMIZ will celebrate its 54th anniversary in December: it went on-air in 1971. KQFX, MeTV and KZOU are also part of the Networks of Mid-Missouri. Mr. Varns also discussed KMIZ’s coverage of Mizzou Sports and the Kansas City Chiefs, and discussed his relationship with the Columbia Area Career Center:
NOW PLAYING
(LISTEN): Networks of Mid-Missouri GM Curtis Varns appears on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable"
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.