Michael de Yoanna

Producer and Reporter of Colorado Matters

Education:Bachelor’s degree in political science, Metropolitan State University of Denver.Professional background:Michael joined Colorado Public Radio as a producer for “Colorado Matters” in 2014. He brings more than a decade of journalism experience to CPR with a versatile background that includes reporting for newspaper, television and radio. Michael began his career reporting on the state assembly for the formerly employee-owned Colorado Daily Newspaper. He then moved to Colorado Springs to cover environment, government and social issues for the Colorado Springs Independent. As a freelance reporter and online writer, Michael has been featured in many local and national publications, including 5280 Magazine, Rocky Mountain News, KUNC Community Radio, Salon, The New York Times, The Washington Times and CBS’s “48 Hours Mystery,” and also worked as a consultant for “60 Minutes.” He spent more than a year as an investigative producer for KMGH-TV 7News Denver. Most recently, Michael produced a feature documentary about healing the wounds of war through bicycling as director and owner of Become Films.Awards:Throughout his career, Michael has won numerous awards from the Colorado Press Association and the Society for Professional Journalists. A story he worked on as a freelance reporter for KUNC, “The Burden of Proof: One Colorado Soldier’s Fight for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosis,” also won several awards for on-air reporting, including a national Edward R. Murrow award.Q & AWhy did you become a journalist?In college, I was lucky to become the editor of the student paper and was absolutely inspired by the public service calling of journalism. I enjoy hearing from a wide variety of different points of view and telling the stories of people whose lives are directly affected by a pressing issue of the day. I believe good journalists exist to serve their communities, playing responsive and critical roles in searching for the truth. I’m proud to call myself one.How did you get into radio?While freelancing, I lucked into a chance to do a long-form narrative radio investigation. Right away, I knew I wanted to do more. There is a certain intimacy to radio, a chance to engage not only audiences’ minds, but also their hearts.How did you end up at CPR?It’s been a long road from reporting news in print to producing commercial television stories. All along, I’ve listened to public radio and have been drawn to its smart, forward-thinking approach, commitment to community and engagement of listeners. I’m happy to have finally found a home in radio — and lucky to be surrounded by incredibly talented colleagues.

Colo. governor’s mansion looking for ‘sustainable’ funding plan

A former first lady of Colorado helped launch a 10-year plan to preserve the governor’s mansion for future generations. Six years later, the mansion is less than a tenth of the way there.

By Michael de Yoanna

Colorado high school band to march during Rose Bowl parade

As part of Colorado Public Radio’s Kids Music Week, we explore how Legacy High School’s marching band made it to the Rose Bowl parade.

By Michael de Yoanna

Martial arts expert finds metaphors for life and the workplace

A black belt in Aikido turns her eye to the world of work and the idea of staying centered.

By Michael de Yoanna

Loud & Clear: What it was like to look like a Beatle in 1964

As part of “Colorado Matters'” regular feedback segment, Chet Carmen explains that he was mobbed by Beatles fans in Colorado in 1964 because he looked somewhat like John Lennon.

By Michael de Yoanna

Wilderness Act: 50 years ago, Colorado was at the heart of a wild fight

Conservationists faced a tough foe in U.S. Rep. Wayne Aspinall, a Western Slope Democrat. A compromise led to the creation of the Wilderness Act.

By Michael de Yoanna

Crested Butte to decide if it will become ‘WhateverUSA’ in beer commercial

Some say Bud Light’s #UpForWhatever campaign will help Crested Butte’s economy. Others say the music, partying, and large, corporate beer marketing run counter to the town’s character.

By Michael de Yoanna

‘Sweet-voiced prophets:’ cicadas sing a love song across Colorado

Cicadas emerge from the comfort of their earthen abodes and take to the trees, buzzing day and night.

By Michael de Yoanna

Are ‘freak shows’ offensive? The broader issues raised by ‘Little Liz’ at the fair

They’re called “freaks.” And for some, that’s how they make their money.

By Michael de Yoanna

Community to hold benefit to save ‘endangered’ sundial at Denver’s Cranmer Park

The sundial at Denver’s Cranmer Park might be in disrepair, but it is still tells accurate time within 17 seconds.

By Michael de Yoanna

Pets put to death in Colorado declining, but some shelters kill more than they save

Some poor and rural communities struggle to adopt enough cats and dogs.

By Michael de Yoanna

Seeing-eye-dog-school dropout nabs top canine cop job

Riley the “arson dog” has big paws to fill: award-winning Sadie, who flirted with Hollywood fame, is retiring and Riley’s taking over.

By Michael de Yoanna

Longmont man surprised to hear he’s not a US citizen

When he was told he was born outside the U.S., Nick Ortega thought it was a joke. But it wasn’t, and it started a fight for citizenship in the only country he’s ever called home.

By Michael de Yoanna