Courtesy the Des Moines Register

(March 3, 2011) Former WHO Radio talk-show host Steve Deace said Wednesday he will become a political consultant and will co-host a nationally syndicated sports talk radio program.

He said he is establishing his own company in an effort to create his own brand during an era in which the Internet has dramatically changed the media landscape.

“This way I can make some money doing TV, some money doing an Internet site, and some money doing a radio show,” he said. “I can put it on multiple platforms and not require each one to pay me a princely sum, but enough on each one that I am still making the kind of money that I am worth and that I need to make.”

Deace, 37, who is known for his Christian fundamentalism and conservative political views, resigned from WHO effective Jan. 28 in what was described as friendly parting.

He said Wednesday he is forming a company, Veritas Group LLC, which will serve as the “central hub of his media endeavors,” as well as political consulting.

“I’ve received a total of 11 directed or indirect job inquiries in the past few weeks that would allow me to do either politics or media,” Deace said. “However, I’ve decided to pursue a path that will allow me to be involved in both politics as well as media simultaneously.”

He added he is still working out details of the next phase of his future, which could involve running for office, the publishing of his next book — which focuses on the religious right and its impact on American politics — or a return to news talk radio as a syndicated host.

A possible run for office could include a try for the Iowa Senate seat now held by Sen. Pat Ward, R-West Des Moines, or another Senate seat that opens because of legislative reapportionment, he said.

Deace and Miller previously hosted a morning sports talk show on KXNO-AM (1460) Radio in Des Moines before Deace left in September 2010 because of what he described as family considerations.

“When I first announced I was stepping out on my own, the opportunity to re-team with my good friend Jon Miller hadn’t even presented itself yet,” Deace said.

“That door just totally opened by surprise. Jon and I always loved doing our show, but just couldn’t make it work with in a timeframe that was best for our families. Now we can, and we can do it on a program that could air on over 100 radio stations nationwide, as well as satellite radio.”

He also said the political consulting and website aspect of his company will keep him involved in current events, especially the Iowa caucuses.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say these caucuses are one of the most important events of my lifetime, so I’m going to be as involved as I possibly can,” Deace said.

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