Burnside joins Miller, KXNO

Ken Miller has a new partner, and she'll be a familiar voice to central Iowa listeners.

Heather Burnside will join Miller's afternoon program on KXNO (1460 AM) starting Jan. 5, adding to a resume that includes various radio and television ventures.

"Ken has played the lead position on his show for years," said Joel McCrea, regional market manager for iHeartMedia. "But he's really at his best when he's in that hitting opinions position.

"Heather can be that pitcher, because of all her experience in morning radio."

Burnside began her career in the 1990s, spending time at WOI (Channel 5) and WHO (Channel 13) as well as a stint at ESPN.

She may have gained her greatest following on the classic rock station (94.9 FM).

Miller and Burnside both have strong, well established personalities, which should lead to lively discussions.

"I'll have no problem disagreeing with Ken," Burnside said, "but I am very respectful of his knowledge and I look forward to learning from him.

"And I hope from me he learns a little bit about having more fun."

Miller was most recently partnered with Jim Brinson, who left in September to work for an Arkansas-based sports network. Burnside said it was difficult leaving her current job at KIOA (93.3 FM).

"Heather fits what we were looking for," McCrea said. "And that's two parts sports knowledge and three parts showmanship.

"I have no doubt her opinions are going to be different than Ken's."