Ian Punnett Net Worth and His Legacy in Radio and Education

Ian Punnett was a well-known radio broadcaster, author, professor, and Episcopal deacon. Throughout his career, he balanced his passion for storytelling, media, and education, leaving a lasting impact in multiple fields.

Given his extensive contributions to broadcasting, publishing, and academia, many have wondered about Ian Punnett’s net worth and how his work influenced his financial success. His career spanned decades, with earnings from radio, book sales, and teaching, making his financial journey as diverse as his professional life and lasting legacy.

Who Was Ian Punnett?

Image source: Pinterest

Ian Punnett was a radio broadcaster, author, professor, and Episcopal deacon known for his engaging storytelling and diverse career. Born on March 3, 1960, in Wilmette, Illinois, he developed an early passion for media and communication.

His radio career spanned several decades, with his most notable roles including co-hosting The Ian and Margery Show with his wife on KTMY in Minneapolis-St. Paul and serving as a regular host on Coast to Coast AM, a nationally syndicated paranormal and talk radio show. His deep, engaging voice and ability to discuss thought-provoking topics made him a favorite among listeners.

Beyond broadcasting, Punnett was also an accomplished author, penning books such as How to Pray When You’re Pissed at God, which explored faith and spirituality in difficult times. Additionally, he worked as a professor at Kansas State University, where he taught media and communications. His career reflected a lifelong dedication to education, faith, and storytelling, leaving a lasting impact in multiple fields before his passing in 2023.

Estimated Net Worth

As of 2024, his estimated net worth ranged between $3.65 million and $5 million, according to various sources. His earnings came from radio hosting, book sales, university teaching, public speaking, and consulting work.

1. Radio Broadcasting

Ian Punnett was a renowned radio personality, spending decades in the industry. His most notable radio roles included:

Co-hosting The Ian and Margery Show – A popular morning talk show he hosted with his wife, Margery Punnett, on KTMY (107.1 FM) in Minneapolis-St. Paul for nearly a decade. The show had a dedicated audience and was a primary source of his radio income.
Hosting Coast to Coast AM – A nationally syndicated overnight radio show known for discussions on paranormal and unexplained phenomena. As one of its recurring hosts, Punnett was among the well-compensated personalities in the program.

While exact salary details remain undisclosed, estimates suggest that national radio hosts on large syndicated networks can earn anywhere between $100,000 to $500,000 per year. Given his long tenure in broadcasting, it’s likely that Punnett’s radio career contributed significantly to his net worth, especially during the peak of his career.

2. Book Sales and Publishing Revenue

Beyond radio, Punnett was a successful author, writing books on faith, spirituality, and mystery themes. His most well-known work, “How to Pray When You’re Pissed at God: Or Anyone Else for That Matter“, provided insights on managing anger through prayer and was widely read.

Other notable books by Punnett include:

“Toward the Light: Rescuing Spirits, Trapped Souls, and Earthbound Ghosts”
Children’s books and other works on faith and media

With book sales, authors typically earn 10-15% in royalties from traditional publishing deals. If Punnett’s books sold thousands of copies, it’s likely that his publishing earnings provided a steady source of supplemental income over the years.

Additionally, authors often profit from speaking engagements and workshops based on their books. Given his expertise in faith and communication, it’s likely he was invited to speak at religious gatherings, academic institutions, and media events, earning additional fees.

3. Academic Career and Salary

In addition to broadcasting and writing, Punnett pursued higher education and became a university professor. After earning a doctorate in journalism and mass communication from Arizona State University (ASU) in 2017, he went on to teach media studies and communications at Kansas State University.

University professors at public research institutions typically earn salaries ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on their expertise, tenure, and role. As a media expert with extensive real-world experience, Punnett’s position at Kansas State University would have provided him with a stable and competitive salary.

His involvement in academic research, media consulting, and mentorship likely added to his overall income while expanding his influence in the field of communications and journalism.

4. Public Speaking and Media Consulting

As a radio veteran, author, and academic, Punnett was well-positioned for speaking engagements, panel discussions, and consulting work. He was known for his expertise in:

Mass media and communication
Religion and spirituality
Journalism and ethical reporting
Storytelling and broadcasting

Public speakers, especially established media professionals, can earn between $5,000 and $25,000 per event, depending on the organization and audience size. Punnett’s speaking engagements likely provided a lucrative side income, supplementing his earnings from radio, academia, and publishing.

Additionally, media experts often offer consulting services to:

News networks
Radio stations
Corporate media teams

While his exact consulting engagements are not publicly disclosed, it’s likely he earned fees for advising media professionals and communications students, further adding to his overall net worth.