Jon Knowles
HostJon joined WUOT in 2022 as the local host of NPR’s Morning Edition. His broadcasting career began in Knoxville, where he worked as a producer, reporter, and on-air personality for several stations within the former Citadel Broadcasting group. His career later took him into flight medicine, serving as a Critical Care Flight Paramedic with UT LIFESTAR and subsequently with the U.S. State Department’s Air Wing Unit in Baghdad, Iraq.
After four years at the helm of WUOT’s Morning Edition, Jon shifted his professional focus back to flight medicine, joining Covenant Health’s new air medical program providing critical care transport across East Tennessee and surrounding states. He continues to maintain an on-air presence at WUOT, anchoring special live coverage, filling in as host of Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and reporting from the field.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Jon is a private pilot and avid Vols fan who enjoys hiking and biking the many trails East Tennessee has to offer.
You can reach Jon via email.
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WUOT’s Jon Knowles sits down with Bishop Mark Beckman to discuss his first year leading the Diocese of Knoxville, Pope Leo XIV’s emerging papacy, and the Church’s response to immigration and religious liberty challenges. -
Jon Knowles sits down with Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari to discuss upcoming legislative priorities for state Democrats, a recent DOJ report scrutinizing the Memphis Police Department, and her take on the immigration policies of the incoming Trump administration. -
WUOT's Jon Knowles spoke with Dr. Don Bruce, director of the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, to discuss how inflation is affecting Tennesseans, along with highlights on the state’s overall economic health and key factors shaping its future. -
WUOT's Jon Knowles sits down with Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs for his analysis on the 2024 presidential election and a discussion on potential plans for his political future. -
Knox County’s private fire service provider, Rural Metro Fire, will soon have a new owner. Global Medical Response, Inc. (GMR), the parent company of Rural Metro, announced today its agreement to sell the fire service to Brindlee Fire Services, an Alabama-based company known for fire department support services nationwide. -
Governor Lee faces questions over delayed state emergency declaration ahead of Helene -
Knox County Schools Superintendent Jon Rysewyk talks with Morning Edition host Jon Knowles about legislation allowing K-12 teachers to carry guns in class, the impact of private-school vouchers on the public school system, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) tools on teaching and learning. -
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon talks with Morning Edition host Jon Knowles about this fiscal year's budget, public/private affordable housing initiatives, the city's goals for reducing emissions through transport planning, and the outlook for the Knoxville College property. -
WUOT's Jon Knowles talks with Knoxville's three chief television meteorologists about the intricacies of weather patterns and climate change in East Tennessee. The interview explores how these phenomena are reported to the public, highlighting the critical role of media in conveying complex meteorological information. The conversation provides perspective on the intersection of weather forecasting, climate science and media responsibility. -
Local attorney Tyler Caviness defeated incumbent Judge John R. Rosson for the Knoxville municipal judgeship in Tuesday's election.
