Flagstaff Radio: Peter Bruce Retires At KAFF AM/FM

Peter Bruce

Peter Bruce, a beloved radio personality in Flagstaff, Arizona, retired in early March 2025 after more than 40 years on the air with KAFF News Radio 93.5 FM/AM 930. His final broadcasts of Under Western Skies and Blue Mountain Blue Grass aired on March 1 and 2, 2025, marking the end of an era for the station and the community he served.

Bruce began his tenure at KAFF in 1983, becoming a fixture in Flagstaff’s media landscape. 

Over the decades, he hosted several popular programs, most notably Flagstaff Mornings, a daily blend of classic country music, news, and interviews that connected listeners with local figures—politicians, teachers, and small business owners alike. His morning show evolved to include Pete’s Community Cafe, a segment dedicated to highlighting community events and initiatives. 

Beyond mornings, Bruce’s passion for music shone through in Under Western Skies, a western music program featuring classic and contemporary songs alongside cowboy poetry, and Blue Mountain Blue Grass, where he shared his love for progressive bluegrass. His work earned him the nickname “Pinecone Pete” and the 2021 Radio/DJ Program of the Year Award from the International Western Music Association for Under Western Skies.

More than just a broadcaster, Bruce was a cornerstone of Flagstaff’s cultural fabric. He was deeply involved with the Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music and served as an MC at local festivals like Pickin’ in the Pines, a bluegrass event voted “Flagstaff’s Best Festival” for seven straight years, and the Sedona Bluegrass Festival. His warm, engaging presence extended beyond the airwaves, making him a familiar and cherished figure in the community.

KAFF News Director Dave Zorn praised Bruce as “the pure definition of what radio is and should be,” noting his mentorship and knack for making radio fun and meaningful. Bruce’s retirement was met with an outpouring of appreciation from colleagues and listeners, who celebrated his dedication to broadcasting, music, and community engagement. An avid outdoorsman, Bruce plans to spend his retirement skiing, cycling, golfing, swimming, and hiking across the American Southwest.