A change for 1040 WHO listeners: Maxwell Schaeffer, Amy Sweet exit Des Moines morning slot

Paris Barraza, Des Moines Register
·2 min read

Two on-air hosts for a Des Moines news radio, 1040 WHO, will no longer host their morning slot.

Maxwell Schaeffer and Amy Sweet have greeted 1040 WHO listeners, which is self-described as Des Moines “news, traffic, and severe weather station,” in the mornings following the retirement of longtime radio morning show host Van Harden in 2021.

From left, Amy Sweet, Van Harden, and Maxwell Schaeffer are pictured in this Register file photo.
From left, Amy Sweet, Van Harden, and Maxwell Schaeffer are pictured in this Register file photo.

But recent social media posts by both Sweet and Schaeffer’s wife, and an interview with Justin Brady of The Iowa Podcast, indicate iHeartMedia, owner of the station, has parted ways with the duo and their "Max & Amy in the Morning" show.

iHeartMedia has not immediately responded to the Des Moines Register’s request for comment.

What happened to Amy Sweet and Maxwell Schaeffer of 1040 WHO?

Shaeffer confirmed he was no longer on the show in an interview with Justin Brady of The Iowa Podcast, published on March 12.

“Let’s suffice it to say sometimes in business, people move in a different direction and we lost our driving privileges,” he told Brady.

Sweet shared her appreciation for WHO listeners in a Facebook post March 9, crediting them for “making it possible for us to build upon the rich tradition of excellent programming that sets us apart from other stations.”

“We have truly enjoyed connecting with each one of you through various initiatives designed to foster deeper connections within our beloved community,” the Facebook post read. “As we move forward into unknown territories, we are filled with anticipation and hope for what lies ahead!”

Wife of Maxwell, Karen Schaeffer, said he loved hearing from listeners and being on air in a Facebook post on March 9 but that “iHeart has decided to part ways.”

“He will miss being on in the morning and the afternoon on the Bus, and working with Iowa businesses to promote their products,” read the Facebook post. “Here’s to new adventures.”

Who are Amy Sweet and Maxwell Schaeffer?

Schaeffer and Sweet’s history as co-hosts go before their time at WHO.

The duo previously co-hosted a KIOA morning show for more than a dozen years. The station parted ways with Schaeffer in 2018, and the radio personality joined WHO later that year.

Both Schaeffer and Sweet have decades of experience in radio.

Sweet, a native of Swea City, began her career at Des Moines at KKDM hosting the morning show for several years. Her career took her to Las Vegas to a CBS affiliate, and she returned to Iowa to work with the Des Moines Radio Group.

It is not immediately clear what is next for both Schaeffer and Sweet or what iHeart plans to do long-term with the morning show.

Paris Barraza is a trending and general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 1040 WHO morning news to no longer have 'Max & Amy in the Morning'