A Las Vegas broadcasting legend, Chet Buchanan, has bid farewell to his 25-year radio journey at KLUC-FM, 98.5. In his own words, "It's just time." This decision, he explains, wasn't triggered by any single event but rather a gradual realization.
For Buchanan, timekeeping has been an integral part of his professional life, and now, for the first time in decades, he finds himself without a radio affiliation in the city he calls home. The news of his departure was confirmed by the station's social media post on Friday morning, following his last live show on January 29th.
KLUC's tribute to Buchanan reads, "Your voice, leadership, and dedication to our listeners have shaped KLUC's identity and its impact on the Las Vegas community for almost three decades. We are immensely grateful."
The parting, though abrupt, was met with kindness and grace from the station, which had been airing repeats of Buchanan's shows during his hiatus from live broadcasting.
"This was my choice," Buchanan asserts. "I chose to walk away, and they were incredibly understanding."
At 59, Buchanan declines to elaborate on the specifics of his departure, citing a one-year non-compete agreement with Audacy Inc., the entertainment company that owns the station. "It was a gradual process," he adds.
Buchanan's philanthropic spirit has been a hallmark of his career, particularly during the Christmas season with the annual KLUC Toy Drive, which he hosted for the past 25 years. Each December, he would reside on a scaffold in the NV Energy parking lot on West Sahara Avenue, collecting donations and gifts for those in need.
Last year's campaign was a resounding success, collecting over 6,700 bicycles and nearly $800,000 in gift cards. Buchanan spent an impressive 300 hours on that scaffold, never once leaving his post.
"I knew deep down, after this year's Toy Drive, that I probably wouldn't host another one," Buchanan reflects. "I looked at that scaffold and wondered if I'd be able to do this when I'm 70."
Buchanan's journey with KLUC began in 1999, where he hosted "The Morning Zoo" and later, "The Chet Buchanan Show," often teaming up with Vegas entertainer Mikalah Gordon.
His voice has also been a familiar one in sports arenas, serving as the in-arena announcer for the Aces since their move to Las Vegas in 2018, and alternating in a similar role with the Seattle Kraken NHL franchise. This unique arrangement allows him to spend the hoops season in Las Vegas and the hockey season in Seattle, where his family owns an 80-acre farm.
"I'm incredibly fortunate to have the best of both worlds," Buchanan says. "I get to spend time on the farm where I grew up, and that's home. And then I get to live in the most amazing city, Las Vegas, which is also home. I'm probably the only idiot who spends winters in Seattle and summers in Vegas (laughs)."
Buchanan's philanthropic endeavors extend beyond the Toy Drive. He has served as a fundraising emcee for various events, including the Nevada Ballet Theatre Black and White Gala and The Animal Foundation's Best in Show dog adoption effort. He is also actively involved with several charitable organizations, serving as the board president of Project 150, which supports high school student services, and sitting on the boards of HELP of Southern Nevada and Variety The Children's Charity of Southern Nevada.
Now, with his broadcasting duties behind him, Buchanan looks forward to spending more quality time with his wife, Amy. "We want to take a road trip to Mount Rushmore, of all places, and she wants to learn golf," he says. "We just want to do more things together. But I'm not going anywhere. Nothing really changes. I just don't have to wake up at 3 a.m. anymore."
As Buchanan steps away from his iconic radio role, one can't help but wonder what the future holds for this Las Vegas legend. Will we see him embark on new adventures, or perhaps return to the airwaves in a different capacity? Only time will tell.
