Edgar Zúñiga
Program DirectorA two-time Emmy Award-winning bilingual journalist, Edgar was born in New York City to Colombian immigrant parents and raised in Salt Lake City. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Mass Communication—Journalism and International Studies from the University of Utah.
Edgar currently serves as Program Director at Avanza 88.3 KUUB, one of the nation’s first bilingual public radio stations, where he leads not only programming but also production, community engagement, and audience development efforts. He is also the host of Conexión, Avanza's flagship public affairs segment that highlights nonprofits and community initiatives, furthering the station’s mission to uplift and connect Utah’s communities.
Throughout his 15+ year media career, Edgar’s work has spanned the East Coast and beyond, where he worked for NBC News and Telemundo Network as a Senior Producer. Most recently, he served as the American Red Cross Communications Delegate in Europe, where he led crisis response communications during the Ukraine conflict and lived a year and a half in Budapest, Hungary. He has been quoted in major outlets like USA Today and has appeared on air for Latin American networks including C5N.
His journalism career began at the University of Utah as a writer for The Daily Utah Chronicle and more than a decade later, returned as a fill-in host at KUER—NPR Utah during the pandemic years, helping to keep the community informed in unprecedented times. He credits the University of Utah’s Department of Communication—and professors like Craig Wirth—for preparing him with the real-world perspective and practical skills that guided his career in journalism.
A native English and Spanish speaker, Edgar also speaks Italian, Portuguese, French, Catalan, German, and a bit of Hungarian. His passion for cross-cultural storytelling, Latino media representation and community connection drives his leadership at Avanza.
He is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ).
Director de Programación
Edgar Zúñiga es un periodista bilingüe galardonado con dos premios Emmy. Nació en la ciudad de Nueva York, hijo de inmigrantes colombianos, y creció en Salt Lake City. Es egresado de la Universidad de Utah, donde obtuvo títulos en Comunicación Social con énfasis en Periodismo y en Estudios Internacionales.
Actualmente se desempeña como Director de Programación en Avanza 88.3 KUUB, una de las primeras emisoras de radio pública bilingüe en Estados Unidos. Desde este cargo lidera la programación, la producción, el desarrollo de audiencias y participación comunitaria. Además, es presentador de Conexión, el segmento central de asuntos públicos en Avanza 88.3.
Con una trayectoria de más de 15 años en medios de comunicación, Edgar ha trabajado en todo el país y a nivel internacional, en NBC News, y en Telemundo Network como productor sénior. Más recientemente, fue delegado de comunicaciones de la Cruz Roja Americana en Europa, liderando la estrategia de comunicación en contextos de emergencia durante el conflicto en Ucrania. Su trabajo ha sido citado en medios de gran alcance como USA Today, y ha participado en transmisiones para cadenas latinoamericanas como C5N.
Es miembro de la Asociación Nacional de Periodistas Hispanos (NAHJ, por sus siglas en inglés).
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A message from Program Director Edgar Zúñiga. Thank you for listening, sharing, and supporting Utah’s bilingual public radio community at Avanza 88.3. -
NPR White House correspondent Tamara Keith sat down with Avanza 88.3's Edgar Zúñiga in Salt Lake City for a conversation on Washington, 2026 and the power of local news. -
Edgar Zúñiga conversa con Cristian Hernández sobre los riesgos del plomo, cómo identificar tuberías en casa y los servicios gratuitos que ofrece Salt Lake City. -
Edgar Zúñiga speaks with Salt Lake City Public Utilities about lead risks, how residents can test their water, available no-cost replacements, and steps to stay safe.
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Jill McCluskey, mother of University of Utah athlete Lauren McCluskey, joins Avanza 88.3 Program Director Edgar Zúñiga to discuss turning grief into advocacy and saving lives. -
Program Director Edgar Zúñiga shares why music on public radio is essential, connecting people, culture and communities across Utah. -
Edgar Zúñiga conversa con Brian Parrott sobre el primer viaje de Go Learn de la Universidad de Utah a Colombia, una experiencia educativa y cultural sin precedentes. -
Edgar Zúñiga talks with Brian Parrott about the University of Utah’s first-ever Go Learn trip to Colombia in April 2026.
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On Conexión, Edgar Zúñiga speaks with Arturo Canela about how University Neighborhood Partners bridges the University of Utah and West Side communities. -
La vocera Maribel Paulino habló con Edgar Zúñiga de Avanza 88.3 sobre la respuesta ante emergencias y cómo las familias pueden ayudar y prepararse.
