6/15/17 6/15/17

Rick Crandall interview

Jeremy Levy back with you to write about another one of my interviews about Colorado radio.Rick Crandall is the program director of KEZW 1430 radio. The station is now called Cruisin 1430. Rick also hosts the 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. shift on the station. As I have talked about in some of my other blogs Cruisin 1430 plays 60’s and 70’s music during the week and on the weekends they have different talk shows.I first started listening to Crusin 1430 in 1997. Back then the station played 50’s music. Frank Sinatra was one of the singers that they played a lot of. My parents and I were at a friend’s house helping him move to another house and I was listening to a boom box that I had brought to the house with me. I didn’t know that there were other radio stations besides 630 KHOW. I started flicking around the dial and came across 1430. The show that was on was the Warren Byrne restaurant show. I thought that the only restaurant show out there was Mike Boyle and the Mike Boyle Restaurant Show.The first time I heard Rick Crandall was him doing commercials for the Warren Byrne Restaurant Show. I found out later he did the morning show at the station and I found out that he did the Health show called the St. Joseph’s health Show on Thursday evenings from 6-7. This show had guests that were doctors for the St. Joseph’s Hospital to come on and talk about different topics. I learned a lot of things from listening to this show and I am sure the other listeners did as well. In the fall of 1997 I heard the station grow and have more talk shows including The cooking show with Nancy Merrill, The Mr. fix-it show, and Ask the Garden Pros. Another show I remember was the Cherry Creek Travel show. There also was another talk shows about pets plus retirement investing shows. During the week Rick has brought on such talent as Pat Mcnolte, Murphy Huston, the legendary Hal Moore, and Wayne Yafee. These DJ’s have brought great things to the station and I really appreciate Rick bringing these wonderful talented people to the station. Rick has also brought on some great producers to the station such as Rick Keading, and Janine and Mark Archer. Now they have more talk shows on Sundays as well. My favorite show on Sundays is the Real estate new show hosted by Lane Lion. I would describe the station as being around friends and great conversation.Here is my interview from Rick.Jeremy Levy: Rick, how did you get started in Colorado radio and how did you start with Cruisin 1430?Rick Crandall: My first shift in Colorado radio was on Christmas Day in 1987 on Kosi 101 FM. I put up the real to real tapes. Later in 1988 I was hired as program director of KOSI radio. I was doing mid-days back then.JL: When did you start being the program director of Cruisin 1430?RC: That started back in 1991. In June of 1991 I took over mornings on what was then KEZW 1430. This was the adult’s standards station. I have been the program director ever since.JL: Do you have any memorable broadcasts that you have done or any memorable events that you have been a part of?RC: Yes On Memorial day of 2000 I did my show from Normandy Beach in Normandy France. Then a year and a half later I did my show from Pearl Harbor. The point of this was to pay tribute to all of the Colorado’s World War 2 veterans that have served in the war. These 2 broadcasts really had a big impact on the people living in Colorado. A lot of the veterans got to share their story which was a big thing. Those 2 broadcasts were fun and emotional at the same time.JL: I bet they were. The reason why I started listening to Cruisin 1430 is because of the Saturday morning programming. My favorite show is the Mr. fix-it show. How has that show been doing in the ratings?RC: It’s been doing okay. Saturday morning shows like the Mr. fix-it show get all grouped up together. The station gets a ton of phone calls and the Restaurant Show does as well. Both Paul and Warren have been doing it for so long people trust them to give them the answers to their questions. They offer great advice. Since they have been around for so long it really speaks to their ability to connect with the listener.JL: What would be your advice for someone wanting to get into Colorado radio?RC:Radio has changed so much you need to be up to date on facebook and all of the newest technology. All of the new technology is very important in social media. The other would be find out what is unique about you. What can you do that no one else can do What can you offer that no one else can offer and be that person. Just be yourself.JL: What are one or two strengths and what are 1 or 2 weaknesses in Colorado radio today?RC: That there are people here that have been doing radio for a long long time like Peter Boyles and Hal Moore. Denver is one of the big radio markets People can get pretty protective of their space and that would be a weakness.We don’t do as good of a job working on more community events as a radio stations.I really appreciate Rick Crandall doing the interview with me. This interview is coming at a perfect time because this upcoming week is Rick’s anniversary at the station.Happy anniversary to you Rick Crandall! I always enjoy listening to you and Crusin 1430.Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

6/2/17 6/2/17

Colorado Radio/TV changes for the Spring 2017

Jeremy Levy back with you to give you some changes that have occurred in Colorado radio and TV.Guy David is moving to KYGO radio after doing radio on WFOn Radio in Wisconson. He will be teamed with Tracy Dickson. The show with Tracy has been without a co-host since last Spring, When Tracy’s co-host Ryno moved to Texas radio.A new host, Rob Karson, substituted on KHOW for a couple of days this March 28-29. I really think he did a good job. His show was interesting because he used sound effects for some of the topics on his show. He reminded me of Dan Daru’s show. I hope that he might get his own show in Colorado soon.Dan Jackson is no longer with Sunny106.3 radio in Colorado Springs. Sunny 106.3 radio is owned by Iheart media. Dan Jackson was with Sunny radio for a long time. He was paired with Paul Richards for years. When Paul left sunny 106.3 radio Dan was paired with Tammy Oakland and was until Dan’s departure from the station. I will Miss Dan’s show in Colorado Springs. He was a wonderful DJ.Ed McCaffrey is no longer with the Bronco’s broadcasts or with 760 radio. Ed wants to spend more time with his 4 sons who play football. There is no word yet about who will replace Ed on the Andy and Ed show on 760 or who will replace him on Bronco’s broadcasts. Good luck to Ed in whatever his next adventures will be.KS107.5 has not renewed the morning show contracts with Kathy J and Larry Ulaberry. KS107.5 is owned by Entercom communications. The station is searching for their next morning show. Good luck to them in finding a new show. Kathy J is still with Fox 31 in Denver. I haven’t heard what Larry is doing.Mark Johnson who is the Sports director of 850 KOA has been cut from Iheart Media doing sports in the mornings. Mark started at KOA back in 2004. I always enjoyed Mark’s sports anchoring. I have always enjoyed him on the shows he was on as a substitute host as well wheather it was the Dave Logan show, or the Ride Home or the Sports zoo or even Colorado’s morning news with April Zesbaugh when Steffan Tubs was on vacation. . Mike Rice has been doing the morning sports updates. There is no word, yet, on who will be filling the position of Sports Director for KOA.Jessica Lebell is joining Fox 31 in Denver. She was recently with CBS channel 11 in Colorado Springs. Good luck to Jessica.Ed Green is no longer with CBS 4 in Denver in the evenings or afternoons. Lauren Witney has now taken over this responsibility.Ed is somewhat retiring. He might fill in on occasion. I really enjoyed Ed’s style of reporting the weather.Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

5/31/17 5/31/17

Jim Berry Interview

The first memories I have of Jim Berry is listening to him in Colorado Springs at 92.9 KSPZ radio. This station played oldies music from the 60’s 70’s and 80’s music, which is my favorite kind of music. This kind of music has a lot of songs that I enjoy listening to. I used to get up on school mornings at the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and listen to KSPZ radio,Jim Berry and his partner Tammy Oakland. Their morning show was fun to listen to and it had some good sense of humor. I remember one show on a Friday when we had a snow delay and they had Mike Boyle with a restaurant tip. This was good for the listener because if you were looking for a restaurant to go to over the weekend, then that tip might give just help.After KSPZ, Jim Berry moved to Kool 105 radio and he is also the program director of Kool 105.Jim Berry’s show can be heard from 3-7 p.m. on week days.Here is my interview with Jim.Jeremy Levy: I first started listening to you on KSPZ back in 2005 or 2006, but is this how you got your start in Colorado and where did you get your start?Jim Berry: I grew up in Trinidad, Colorado. I started radio there back in 1985. From there I went to Canyon City, Colorado. From there I went to Colorado Springs. From there I went to Fort Collins Colorado. I did sports there for the first time. I moved to Nebraska which was my first programming job. Then I moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. Then I became operations manager in Alcon, Nevada. Then I went back to Colorado Springs and became the program director and the morning guy there. Then I became the general manager. Then I went to Salida, Colorado at a radio station there. Then I went back to the Springs and got sick with cancer so I needed to recover from that. Then that’s how I ended up at Kool 105 as the program director and afternoon host.Jl: What memories do you have of working in Colorado Springs radio or Denver radio?JB: In Colorado Springs radio I took the station to number one in the ratings book. I did some wonderful promotions down there. The Charity things I remember the most.There was one time I ate some jello for charity. I broadcast from a roof one day. I putted a golf ball through town to raise money. Another thing that was fun was giving away prizes, for example, trips for the listener. When 911 happened, the whole group of radio stations pitched in to help to raise money.JL:What would be your advice for someone wanting to get into Colorado radio?JB: A lot of people wanting to get into radio think that they are going to start in an on air position and that’s not going to happen right away. You need to start in a small market and then work your way up. You need to do this so someone can give you a chance. You also need to hone your craft. Denver is where I always wanted to work. Denver is my New York.I really appreciated Jim Berry sharing the time with me. I enjoy listening to Jim Berry on Kool 105 radio. He and I knew some of the same people from Colorado Springs. I always appreciate his quick responses to questions I have at the station. Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

4/9/17 4/9/17

Jeremy’s Mark Crowley interview

Today I am going to share my Mark Crowley interview.I first remember Mark from his radio show called Success Radio. Mark Crowley’s show was on 710 KNUS Sundays from 12-2 p.m. I liked this show because it talked about people that were successful and some of the things that they had found out to make them this way. I remember he had a one person on to talk about real estate, named Armen Feldman. I found this interview fascinating. 710 KNUS had a great Sunday line up at the time. They had Mr. fix-it Paul McGregor from 8-10 AM, followed by Mike Boyle’s Restaurant show from 10-12, and then Success radio from 12-2. This meant that KNUS had local programming for 6 hours on Sundays! I love local programming!I also remember Mark Crowley doing some fill-ins on the Mike Boyle Restaurant show. One time Mike was stuck on a trip in California and he asked Mark to fill in. Mark did an outstanding job- as usual. This was an interesting show because Mark was doing a live remote show from a restaurant called the Atlanta Bread Company. Mike got there right at the end of the broadcast.Unfortunately, Success Radio came to an end in 2008. Mark still wanted to be involved with the radio station. He became the digital programming coordinator for 710 KNUS. This means that he takes care of the podcasts that are on the station. I am very thankful for Mark taking the time doing this interview with me.Jeremy Levy: How did you get your start in radio? How did that help you get your start being the digital program coordinator at 710 KNUS?Mark Crowley: I have been interested in radio ever since I was a young kid. I used to have a transistor radio. I used to listen to the Denver Bears baseball games. I loved it because the announcers painted such great pictures. I could see the games without seeing them. In the 80’s I came across a friend of mine who I was in a play with back in 10 years earlier. This person was Bob Lee who was Peter Boyles mentor and who got Peter Boyles into radio. He was a true legend in Denver radio. 20 years later in 2001, a guy by the name of Mike Lipton who was in New York at the time the station was WGBB radio. No one listened to that station because it was a low powered radio station. He would record it and post it on his website. Which was neat. I contacted with him. Then my wife Lynn was a big fan of Mike Boyle. I got introduced to him through her. Then Mike introduced me to Brian Taylor who is the general manager of KNUS. I started Success Radio back in 2002. I used Mike Lipton’s model. I put it up on my website for people to listen to. Podcasting was very new at the time. That really got me interested in technology. This is where radio is going. I just made it my business to be a steward of that and learn all I could about podcasting. Then I started with face book, then video, and then you tube.Jl: So do you think that’s where radio is going?MC: Yes, I do. Radio is becoming more digital now. A lot of times it is difficult for people to tune into the show they like at the specific time that it is on. That’s where the podcasting comes in. Podcasts you can listen to any time you would like to. I tell people all of the time that radio is becoming more and more like TV. You tube and face book live are allowing people to pull back the curtain on radio shows.JL: Do you have any great memories from doing Success Radio and being in the radio business?MC: Yes, there are some great memories around that. One of the interviews that I remember was interviewing Donald Trump’s attorney. He wrote a book and was on my show. John Maxwell was also on my show. Tony Robbins was another interview. The author that wrote QBQ, John Miller- The question behind the question. He was a regular guest on my show. That was fun. You name it anyone that was involved with personal development I interviewed them.I have now moved behind the scenes of radio and that is even more enjoyable than the on- air things I was doing. I get to do so many things in my current radio role. Attending the republican national convention in Tampa in 2012 and then again in 2016, was just an amazing opportunity and a personal highlight. My daughter traveled with me to Tampa in 2012. She had sort of become my assistant. We get to meet some amazing people. She had her picture taken with John Voight. He was in Midnight Cowboy and in other big time movies. He would sit down with my daughter and I and we just had a great conversation.Jl: What would be your advice for someone wanting to get in to radio?MC: It is a difficult business to get in to. There are not a lot of opportunities. I have discovered a hidden jewel In Denver. It’s 104.7 FM community radio. And they are in the Denver open media foundation. They have community television and radio. What I would recommend is for people to start there and gain some experience there. They have internships where you can intern and learn the skills that you need. You do everything. You can produce shows, you can be a host on the station, you learn how to be a sales person, loading audio, direct programming. That allows you to build a resume. You can take all of the classes for free television and radio. . You can come out of there with the same experiences that you would get at a broadcasting school but for less money.I really appreciate Mark Crowley sharing the time with me today. Next week I will share my Jim Berry interview.Thank you for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

3/31/17 3/31/17

Colorado Broadcasters Awards of Excellence Dinner

Today I am going to share my experience at the Colorado radio broadcasters dinner. This dinner was held on the second Saturday of March. It was wonderful going to this dinner and I am very appreciative and thankful to Mark Crowley from 710 KNUS for inviting me to come and be their guest! This event is where Colorado radio and TV stations get awards for excellence. When Mark Crowley invited me to this dinner I thought I would get to meet and socialize with more radio hosts. Salem Communications had 1 table and there were 5 or 6 people from the Salem stations. I thought there might be other radio personalities there. Most of the people there were nominated for or supporting others who were nominated for awards. I got to meet Tom Moller, who is the morning news personality on 710 KNUs. He and I had a wonderful time together. Tom has been in radio for a long time- about 50 years total. I am looking forward to doing an interview with Tom down the road. Salem Communications, which owns 710 KNUS, also has a Spanish radio station 1650 RadioLuz - Denver. They won an award for best Midday show! I wanted to say a big congratulations to 850 KOA for getting the best morning news program in the mornings award. I was really happy for Steffan Tubs and April Zesbaugh. I also wanted to say congratulations to the Fox KRFX 103.5 fm for getting best radio station of the year. One thing that really surprised me was how many awards went to Spanish stations. I guess that Spanish stations are getting biggerin Colorado.Congratulations to Kyle Clark for getting best news reporter of the year. Also congratulations to KUSa TV for getting best news station of the year.This was a super fun event for me to be apart of! Stay tuned next week when I will be sharing my Mark Crowley interview.Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

3/19/17 3/19/17

Changes happening in Colorado radio and TV

Jeremy Levy back with you to tell you about some interesting changes that are happening in Colorado radio and TV.Ryan Harris has now joined Nate Kreckman on the afternoon show from 3-6 PM weekdays on Altitude Sports Radio 950 AM. Tom Nalen has left the station.TJ Carpenter has now joined Sean Walsh on 1340-Mile-High sports radio. TJ Carpenter comes from WHB radio in Kansas City. Sean and TJ can now be heard from 2-4 p.m. weekdays.Starting on March 31, Brandon Stokley will now have a new radio partner named Zach Bye. Zach comes from 104.5 The Team in New York. Zach and Brandon can now be heard on the 104.3 the fan from 12-3 PM on weekday afternoons. I am looking forward to hearing this show.Be on the lookout for a blog interview with Zach in the next couple of months!Sticking with the sports end of radio; Jack Corrigan and Jerry Schemmel have both signed extensions with the Colorado Rockies broadcasts. I think the article I read from Jason Barrett’s sports media said that their contract was for 5 years. Jack has been with the KOA radio broadcast since 2004 while Jerry started with the broadcasts in 2011. Jack and Jerry can be heard calling Colorado Rockies games on KOA news radio 850 a.m. and 94.1 fm.Congratulations to Slacker and Steve from KALC 105.9. They just got a contract extension for another 5 years. Slacker and Steve have been on the station since the early 2000’s. They always do such a wonderful job with the Children’s hospital radiothon every Valentine’s Day. Slacker and Steve can be heard from 3-7 on Alice 105.9 FM.Keefer can now be heard on 93.3 KTCL FM on week day afternoons from 3-7 PM. Keefer used to be with some other radio stations in Denver, so it is good to see him back on the air.Good luck to Tom Green who will be leaving Denver’s Channel 2 TV in Denver in the month of May. Tom anchors the morning on Channel 2. Tom doesn’t know what his plan will be after he leaves. Ernie Bjorkman is taking Tom Green’s spot after May. Good luck to Ernie. I am hoping that this will be a good move for him.Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

2/23/17 2/23/17

Directly from 104.3 The Fan website

Denver — In the spirit of NFL free agency beginning in less than two weeks, Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan (KKFN-FM) announced today the signing of two talented free-agent personalities to join the team. Former Denver Broncos offensive lineman Tyler Polumbus and current Fan Broncos Insider Cecil Lammey will host, weekdays from 9-10 a.m., beginning immediately.“We’ve made it a challenge internally for almost a year now to get both of these guys more involved with our daily Broncos coverage,” said program director Armen Williams. “Tyler and Cecil have hosted shows together since last spring, discovering instant chemistry since day one. We’re excited to give our listeners even more local Denver sports talk throughout the day.”Polumbus, a Denver native, attended Cherry Creek High School and played football at the University of Colorado from 2003 to 2007. His eight-year NFL career finished with a Super Bowl 50 championship as a member of the Broncos.Lammey is one of the most respected football analysts in not just Denver, but nationwide. He will continue to serve as the Fan Broncos Insider, reporting from UCHealth Training Center daily during football season. Amazingly, Lammey travels to every major college football all-star game, the NFL Scouting Combine, the NFL Draft, and is a valued source for NFL prospects across the country. He is also a senior writer at FootballGuys.com.Lammey and Polumbus have been contributors for The Fan and will continue to host on the weekends and also in a fill-in capacity. In addition, both individuals will provide exclusive digital content, both in written and multimedia form, at 1043TheFan.com.

2/14/17 2/14/17

February"s Blog

Jeremy Levy here with you again for another blog for 2017. The reason why I haven’t been posting more regularly is because my computer hasn’t been working. Anyway here are some notes that I have missed.• Jacqueline Crea to exit KHOU 11 in HoustonThe reason I put this up is because Jacqueline is joining ABC 7 here in Colorado.Jacqueline starts sometime at the end of this month. I got this tip from Mike McGuff who writes a Houston radio and TV blog. I am looking forward to watching her. I think she will be a good edition to ABC 7.Last week the radio station called Alice 105.9 or KALC radio did their annual radiothon raising money for Children’s Hospital. I always look forward to this every year, and I think the stories are very touching and very inspiring. I always enjoy hearing Jamie White on this radiothon because she does a great job encouraging people to call in with their donations.I also went to the Colorado Garden and home show at the Colorado convention center last Friday and got to meet Steve Kelley and Krista Kafer. It was a real pleasure meeting them, and I want to thank Mark Crowley for giving us tickets for me to meet Steve and Krista and Casey Bloyer. Be on the lookout for an interview with Steve down the road, and my interview with Krista as well.At Winter Park a couple of weeks ago I also got to meet Peter Boyles. That's right, Colorado radio legend Peter Boyles. Garry DeFrange, the CEO of Winter Park, introduced me, and I so appreciate him for doing that. It was a real honor meeting Peter and I am looking forward to co-hosting a show with him sometime down the road.Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

1/6/17 1/6/17

2017 New Year's blog

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope that all of my followers have had a wonderful Holiday season and are ready for a great 2017.There are many Colorado radio and TV station moves and/or additions this first week of 2017 I am going to go through them all first and I will give my opinions on the changes afterward.Andy Lindahl and Ed McCaffrey have moved on KDSP radio 760 radio from 3 to 6 PM to 10 AM to 1 PM.Mike Rice is on KDSP from 1 pm-3pm. Susie Wargin is on KRFX radio 103.5 radio from 10 a.m. 3- p.m.Uncle Nasty Greg Stone is on 103.5 KRFX radio from 3-7 PM.Dave Logan is back on 850 KOA during the 4 PM –7 PM slot. Dave Logan has a new partner Rick Lewis. Rick is still doing mornings on The FOX with Kathy Lee.Corey Lopez is on from 7-8 PM hosting Prime Time Sports. Cheryl Preheim has left Channel 9 news. Drew Soicher has also left 9 news.Here are my opinions on these changes.I will really miss Cheryl Preheim. Cheryl was a big part of KUSA 9 news and will join sister-station WXIA in Atlanta as a morning news anchor starting in January. KUSA and WXIA are both owned by TEGNA Media.Susie Wargin has been one of my favorite personalities since 2004. I wasn’t a big fan of hers back when she was doing music radio, but I listened to her on Monday for a little bit, and she seemed happy. Good luck to her in this new adventure.I always enjoy listening to Andy Lindahl and Ed. I liked the 3-6 PM time slot for them, but I understand KDSP wanting to make some changes. I will miss them on their old time slot. I flip back and forth now from Tom Martino's 630 KHOW to Scott Hastings and Tom Helmer on Altitude Sports radio 950, and now I squeeze in Andy and Ed on KDSP.Mike Rice has been hosting the Bronco’s pregame and post-game shows since 2010 or 2011. I think he is a wonderful host and it’s nice to see that he has his own show on KDSP radio. I will certainly be a loyal listener to this show. I will also be flipping back and forth to Mandy Connell 850 KOA, and to Mark Moser and Julie Browman on Altitude Sports 950 during this time slot.Uncle Nasty has been with I heart media for a long time He was let go in 2011 or 2012 due to budget cuts. It’s nice to see that IHeart media has brought him back. He has a very distinctive voice, and I think he will bring in great ratings for The FOX.Rick Lewis has been a staple on The FOX for many years. He was partners with Michael Floorwax, but Floorwax had some health concerns a couple of years ago, and he is no longer on the show. I never really got into their show a whole lot. After Floorwax’s departure, Rick Lewis brought in Kathy Lee to host the show. This morning show has brought in strong ratings. KOA radio wants to bring in strong ratings, and Dave Logan’s shows have done that over the years. Dave Logan and Rick Lewis sound really good together. Kathy Lee is on this show as well, and is part of the banter back and forth. This show is fun and entertaining. Some of the humor might be a little intense if you are a younger listener, but I think that Dave Logan will help Rick Lewis with what is appropriate and what isn’t. I like fun and entertaining shows on the radio. Koa has said that it’s looking for a younger audience, and I think they have hit a home run with putting two popular personalities together.Cory Lopez has been a host for KOA radio, and hosted the Rockies pregame show. He is a good host, but I’m not sure if he would make a great host of a talk radio show. I like his voice, and I like it when he fills in on sports shows. I think that KOA should have fun locally at night. For example, in the good old days at KOA they had a popular show called the Sports Zoo hosted by Dave Logan and Scott Hastings. This was a raucous, fun show. It was followed by a host such as Russ Johnson or Ken Sasso to have more fun at night after Dave and Scott were finished.I haven’t heard a whole lot from Drew Soicher, but I wish him luck in whatever his next goals are.Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

1/6/17 1/6/17

2017 New Year’s radio blog

11/28/16 11/28/16

April Zesbaugh interview

Back in 2003- or 2004, I started tuning into KOA radio in the mornings. The show was called Colorado’s Morning News, and was hosted by Steve Kelley and April Zesbaugh. This show was very informative, and kept me updated on the different news events both around Colorado and around the world. In 2005 Steve Kelley left the show and now the show is hosted by April Zesbaugh and Steffan Tubbs. I like the stories that April reads on the air, and I like the news stories that she covers. The show is on from 5-10 Am on 850 and 94.1 KOA radio.Here is my interview with April.Jeremy Levy: I first started listening to you back in 2003 or 2004, but is KOA radio where you got your start in radio if not, where, and how did you get your start in radio?April Zesbaugh: I got my start in radio in College at UNC in Greeley. I worked for the public radio station on campus, KUNC. I worked there throughout college and then got a job in Laramie, Wyoming at KUWR radio which was on the UW campus. Then I came to Denver for a radio job inside KCNC-TV. They owned a radio station for a couple of years as an experiment. Then I auditioned for the job at KOA on the morning show and got it! I recently had my 20th anniversary. I've been working there since 1996.JL: I know that you have done some remote broadcasts with the Rockies, and the Bronco’s, but are there any special broadcasts, and or interviews that are memorable for you?AZ: We've had so many special broadcasts and interviews it's tough to narrow it down. I remember watching Steve Kelly sit in every seat at the new mile high Stadium when it was built. He showed such grit, it was so inspiring. Yes, most of the remote broadcasts we do are in sports venues like Coors Field or Mile Hi stadium. I had a fun time on St. Patrick's Day at 'kegs and eggs' this year in a Lodo bar. And years ago before Colorado had Powerball, we took a group of listeners to Ogallala, Nebraska to play Powerball. That was a fun road trip. Both Steffan and I felt so honored to broadcast live from the Democratic National Convention when I was in Denver in 2008. And that same year we went to the Republican national convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. We interview a lot of politicians on a regular basis: the governor, our senators, all of our Congress people and local legislators. We also regularly interview nationally renowned comics like Norm MacDonald, Pete Davidson, and Caroline Rhea to name a few. I really liked talking with the creators of South Park, because they're from Colorado and funny. Just last week I got to interview Cyndi Lauper, a favorite of mine from the 1980s. That was pretty exciting. She told a funny story about how she used to wear real paint in her hair and it would flake off like orange dandruff.And of course we always talk to current and former athletes like John Elway, Pat Bowlen, Gary Kubiak, CJ Anderson, Charlie Blackmon, Tim Tebow, etc. It's always refreshing to find many of these rich, famous and powerful people who seem so down to earth.JL: What would be your advice for someone wanting to get into Colorado radio?What are one or two strengths, and what are one or two weaknesses of Colorado radio today?AZ: My advice for anyone getting into any broadcast field would be to get an internship. Typically you won't get paid for it, but the experience you get will be invaluable. I had an internship at a cable television station during college and of course at the radio station I worked at on campus. And then I also did an internship before I got my job at KCNC TV.Any radio station you work at will want to hear a tape of your on air work. So if you can get some studio time to put a tape together, that would be a great idea.I think Colorado radio right now is very diverse, which is great. People have a lot of listening choices. But I think it's very difficult for music radio in particular to compete with satellite radio and the 100+ channels of music and entertainment. Fortunately for us in the news business, people want to hear local news and traffic/weather and they're not going to get that on satellite radio. It is also good to be the big dog on the block. And I Heart Radio is definitely that. For instance, KOA is the only radio station in the Denver metro area that has a helicopter traffic reporter. One challenge for all radio stations is to provide compelling content around more and more commercials.JL: For me, I am very interested and passionate about getting into Colorado radio. I have done an internship at a radio station in Colorado Springs, and I really enjoyed being in the environment of a radio station. Would you have any advice for me, and would you have any connections for me?AZ: I am glad to hear that you're interested in pursuing radio as a career. Because of the advent of satellite radio and the internet, I feel like there are more opportunities for voice talent now then there were when I was coming up in the business. I don't know much about internships at KOA, but I know our news director sometimes has openings for weekend and overnite fill-in people. You are welcome to send me an mp3 of your work and I'd be happy to critique it.Good luck!April Z.

11/24/16 11/24/16

Thanksgiving

Welcome to my Thanksgiving blog for 2016. I hope that every one of my readers has a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that you all have something that you are thankful for. I am certainly thankful that I started this blog, and I am thankful for all of the readers and followers.There are just a couple of quick notes to pass along.Tom Martino isn’t on the radio this week. He has the whole week of Thanksgiving off. Marc Mager has done a great job of filling in for him on the Trouble Shooter on KHOW 630 AM from 10 AM to 1 PM. Marc Mager has been doing radio since the early 2000s, and he is entertaining to listen to. Marc Mager is Tom’s co-host normally, and fills in for Tom when Tom isn’t there.Speaking of KHOW, Ross Kaminsky is not on either because he is on vacation. Jon Caldara has been filling in. Jon Caldara is one of the best I Heart Media fill ins for KHOW and KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM radio in my opinion. I enjoy some of the fun topics that he discusses. One example of this is when he talked about different musical bands. I enjoyed his story of when he went to see The Who this past year. I could relate to his story because whenever I get to meet some radio people that are famous I get as excited as he did when he went to see The Who.Mike Boyle is in Peru the whole month of November visiting his daughter Kaylee. Last Saturday Pete Mackay filled in on the Mike Boyle Restaurant Show (710 KNUS from 3 PM to 5 PM on Saturdays on also 10 AM to Noon on Sunday) for him talking about restaurants in the mountains. It was a very informative show. I learned about Keys on the Green from Executive Chef Kevin O'Brien. It is so good to know that some of the older places are still around. Casey Bloyer will be filling on December 4th. Casey is also one of my favorites. Casey does a variety show Sunday nights on KNUS from 8 to 11 PM.My thoughts are with Steve Kelley and Krista Kafer. Steve and Krista are not on because Steve lost his mom a couple of weeks ago, and Krista had to have more surgery on her feet. Randy Corporon filled in on Kelley and Kafer on 710 KNUS from 1 PM to 4 PM Monday and Tuesday this week. Randy has a different take on the political issues which is very refreshing. I really missed Krista and Steve broadcasting from the Denver rescue mission event this past week, something they have done for many years. I am looking forward to hearing Steve and Krista again next week. You two are certainly in my thoughts.Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

11/17/16 11/17/16

Andy Lindahl interview

The first time I heard Andy Lindahl was on a CD of the 850 KOA radios afternoon show with Dave Logan and Scott Hastings called- Zoo You Hear What I Hear. Back then the afternoon show was called the Sports Zoo. I got this cd from a friend of mine who knew how much I loved listening to 850 KOA. This was my first extended exposure to the Sports Zoo. I had listened a little bit during the summer before I got the CD, but this CD turned me into more of a fan. When I first heard Andy Lindahl, he was playing a character called Angry Andy. I wasn’t sure if that was real or if it was just a character he was playing. Over the years I have heard him doing sports reports on the afternoon show, and I found out that he was just playing the character. Andy could be humorous during the Sports Zoo and the Ride Home. Andy was also the sideline reporter for the CU Buffaloes games. He did that from 2006-2008. After that he became the home sideline announcer for the Bronco games. Now he has his own show on KDSP radio 760 from 3 PM to 6 PM and he has a one hour show on 850 KOA radio from 7 PM-8 PM. He is also now the sideline announcer for the Denver Broncos for all games. He has a very busy job. KOA radio has put out a couple of other CDs, and on them were also a couple of tracks of Andy playing the character of Angry Andy. After wanting to meet Andy for a long time, I finally got the opportunity to meet him the week after my birthday in September. Andy was doing a remote broadcast at the Haufbrau Steak house with Romi Bean. They were both very nice and welcoming as was the rest of the staff. The Haufbrau has a great burger by the way. A couple of weeks later I finally got to interview him. I am going to share that this week. As you read, he suggests I start a podcast. What do you think? I welcome all your opinions.Jeremy Levy: I first started listening to you back in 2003 or 2004. I first heard you on the Zoo You Hear What I Hear CD as Angry Andy, but is that where you got your start Would you please give a history of how you got your start?Andy Lindahl: That was probably my first on air job Jeremy, was playing Angry Andy. Dave Logan and Scott Hastings hosted the Sports Zoo, and I was their producer. Being their producer meant that I got to help them decide what we were going to talk about that day. I also had to call guests when they would have guests on the show. I also answered calls as well. The Angry Andy thing was to get them to laugh. That started as an off air thing and they were having so much fun with it they decided to have me on the air.JL: That is an interesting start. I have heard you say that you went to school where Dave Logan coached. How much insight did that give you into being the side line reporter for the Denver Bronco’s now?AL: I went to high school at Mullen High School. I also called Mullen games when Dave Logan was the coach. I played a little football in college. I also played lacrosse for 25 years. I was on some lacrosse teams. I used to play in these summer tournaments. I got too play against the Gate Brothers who were a pretty famous lacrosse team, and they were a lot better than I was. It gave me some good insight as to how good professional athletes are. I tried out for an indoor football team with a buddy. He was the quarter back, and I was the receiver. He wanted someone familiar to throw the football too. That gave me some good insight on what it was like to go through a football try out. It’s talking with people like Dave Logan and Scott Hastings. I am really good friends with Mark Shlereth. Guys like that have taught me the professional side of football. Mark watches the football tape with me, and shows me the different plays. He has taught me how to call football. My job is the color guy. My job as the color guy is to watch every play, how the blocking lined up did the receivers get open? That kind of thing. Dave being the main play by play guy will tell you where the ball is going or went. You just need to talk to a lot of the guys, and they will tell you how it is. When you have been an athlete you understand more what it is like to compete. You understand how it feels to lose. I lost the state championship in High School my senior year and that was gut wrenching. I have sympathy for these guys when I have to go and talk with them after a loss after a football game. For example, after the 2012 playoff loss to the Ravens, players like Ronnie Hillman were shocked that they had lost that game. When you know how that guy feels you have some sympathy for him. You want to conduct the interview so that they are not mad at you.JL: I know that you have covered a couple of Super Bowls. Would you have a couple of games or interviews that you could share?AL: Jeremy, you probably know this because you have been listening for so long, but for your readers who don’t know, I grew up here in Colorado. When I was a kid I watched the 1970’s Super Bowl, and watched everyone ever since. It was cool to be in New York for the 2013 Super Bowl. During the 2013 Super Bowl, as you might remember, the Bronco’s couldn’t get a drive going. When the ball went over Manning’s head on the first snap, I thought that isn’t how you want to start a game. I also can remember thinking if they can just get that one drive going then they might be able to get back in the game. During that season when they got their first drive going they were unstoppable. During half time that particular year I went up to the broadcast booth. Usually during a game I sit on the bench during half time. When I came down the elevator and came out of the tunnel I saw Percy Harvin taking it to the house for a touchdown. That was hard. I remember being in the locker room that day. No one wanted to talk. Terence Knighton (Pot Roast) was the only one that was willing to talk to me. I appreciated him for that. When you are on radio row you get to meet a lot of cool former football players. We stay in the team hotel when we are on the road. After that Super Bowl, Ed McCaffrey and I went into the room where they were supposed to be having the celebration party. We just talked about the game. We also talked about some of his memories. He had never lost a Super Bowl as a player (he played for the Broncos, 49ers, and Giants. We must have stayed up until 3 in the morning just talking about that game. The other memory that I have is riding down the elevator with Terrell Davis. Terrell told me that if the Broncos didn’t get a running game going that they would never be a championship team. That stuck with me when the Bronco’s got back to the Super Bowl last year. They had CJ Anderson and a real running game. I remember having a really good feeling. That week, I got to meet Boomer Esiason who was nice. One of my favorite interviews was meeting a famous actor from the movie Independence Day- Bill Pullman. Hall of Famer Jerry Rice was sitting at the table. Jerry and Ed had played together when he was a 49er. Bill was waiting for his turn, and I could see that Bill wanted to say something to Jerry. He just started asking fan questions of Jerry Rice. Ed and I just sat back with all of the fans around us. That was a lot of fun. As far as the game that year, I remember Cam Newton warming up in our area of the field. I asked my friend Ryan Harris if that upset him. He said yes it did. Cam had no business warming up on our side of the field. He should have stayed on his side of the field. I started getting nervous later in the game, if the Panthers get one drive, this whole game could change. At the end of the game I looked at Romi Bean, who is a friend of mine. She had this look of excitement on her face. That’s when it all sunk in that the Broncos were going to win the game. My most favorite memory is the selfie that Antonio Smith and I took. Chris Harris and I also took a selfie together.JL: Before you started side line reporting for the Broncos you were the side line reporter for the CU Buffaloes. What insight did that give you?AL: I was at CU when the team wasn’t so good. I covered the last year of Dan Hawkins and the first year of Jon Embree. It is amazing how much faster the regular game is than the college game. When you go and watch the professionals from the side lines, and then you go and watch the college players from the side lines it seems like they are running in mud. Not everyone is big and fast in college as they are in the NFL. One of my favorite memories was when quarterback Tyler Hanson led the Buffaloes to a road victory in Utah. I loved him. I was so proud of him. A lot of people don’t know the mess that happened that year with taking him out of the game and putting Coach Hawkins son in the game. Being able to interview Tyler was a wonderful opportunity. Play by play announcer Mark Johnson was always good to me. Mark and I would go to lunch with the team. We just had a lot of fun. To get to bond with your friends like that was really fun. People don’t know that game days are really crazy. There is a lot going on. I also got to see a lot of cities as well.JL: I bet that Larry Zimmer influenced you.AL: Yes, Larry Zimmer did inspire me. I obviously listened to Larry growing up as a kid. I remember in the early 1990’s when John Elway played and Larry Zimmer was calling the games. The offensive line wasn’t that good and I remember Larry saying here comes the snap, and John Elway was down. I could hear the resignation in his voice because he knew that year wasn’t going to be the year. It was really fun to do broadcasts with Larry. I was an intern at KOA back then, and Larry gave me some really good advice. The best advice I ever got from Larry is to play the football video games so you understand the different plays.JL: When you started sidelining for the Broncos home games, you were working with Allen Roach, and now you have taken over for Allen Roach as the every game sideline reporter. What is it like taking over from Allen Roach?AL: Allen and I were really good friends. Allen was my buddy. We would drive to the home games together. We would also do the pregame show for years. Allen was ready to be done with it during the 2013 season. The transition happened a year earlier than he would have wanted it to. Allen told me just go and take it over. I really appreciated what he taught me along the way.JL: What advice would you have for someone wanting to get into Colorado radio?AL: It’s an interesting time for us right now in radio. We are still trying to figure some things out. The internet has made things more interesting for us because we are doing more podcasts now. Also we are doing more social media. For example, when we have a player on we can put that on Facebook, and tell people to listen at that certain time to hear this player. You need to be patient. You are not going to make a lot of money right away. The job is great. You need to get into it for the right reasons. My best advice is don’t be too big for one job. Podcasting is a great way to get started. Start a podcast and have your friends critique it. That would be my best advice.I appreciated Andy’s insights. I love listening to his show and I hope his show is around for a long time. It was a pleasure meeting and getting to know Andy better.Thank you for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

11/11/16 11/11/16

R.I.P. Paul Macgregor. Mr. Fix-it

I am sorry to inform all of you readers to my blog that Paul Macgregor has passed away. Paul passed away last Thursday evening in his sleep. He was 78 years old. Paul was the original Mr. Fix-it in Colorado. He was one of my favorite hosts since 1996. I also appreciated his energetic and patient attitude when he was doing the show and talking to callers. I liked it when he said, “Welcome along to the Mr. Fix-it show.” Paul will be sorely missed by me and a lot of listeners to KEZW. Rest in piece Mr. Fix-it Paul Macgregor.Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

11/4/16 11/4/16

Altitude sports radio 950 changes line up

Today I am going to be talking about and giving my opinions on the new lineup changes at Altitude sports radio 950. Vic Lombardi moves from early afternoons to early mornings from 7-10 AM. I haven’t given this show a listen because I have been busy with other radio listening. I like Vic, but I think he needs a good co-host to help him. Vic has done a show with Mike Evans on 104.3 The Fan and that show was a good show (Evans is still there).Scott Hastings and Tom Helmer (formerly of Root Sports and CBS 4) are on next from 10 AM-1 PM. When the station first started, they were on from 7-10 AM. This is a really fun show to listen to. I thought that Scott was sillier in the early mornings than he is on the mid-day show. I enjoy the new time though.Mark Moser and Julie Browman host from 1-3 PM. I have heard Mark Moser do shows before with other hosts, and I really like his style of broadcasting. He brings up great points, and he has great guests as well. I also like the way he laughs when there is something funny. I like his serious side as well. Julie is doing a great job as the co-host. It will be very interesting to find out how this new show does.Tom Nalen and Nate Kreckman are on from 3-6 PM instead of 4-7 PM. I haven’t listened a lot to this show, but Nate Kreckman seems like an interesting host. He has been around the radio dial on different sports radio stations.Those are my thoughts on the new line up.Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

10/28/16 10/28/16

Romi Bean interview

This week, I am going to share my Romi Bean interview. Romi co-hosts the afternoon show on AM 760 KDSP radio with Andy Lindahl and Ed McCaffrey. Romi is also a Bronco’s cheerleader. In my opinion she has a wonderful insight into the team and the players. I always enjoy tuning in. Romi also helps produce the show. She does the sports headlines for the show as well. She is a very busy woman with being on the radio, cheerleading for the Bronco’s and being at the Bronco’s games. . I think she is a wonderful addition to the show.Here is my interview with Romi.Jeremy Levy: I know that you were a cheerleader for the Bronco’s from 2005-2010. Then you moved to Los Angeles to get into real estate. What agency were you in and what made radio something that you wanted to pursue?Romi Bean: That is correct. I went to CU in college. Then I was with the Bronco’s from 2005-2010. I was the youngest cheerleader at the time. After that, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. I moved to Los Angeles in 2010I interned with Josh Flag who does a TV show called Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles. I did that for a few months. Then I realized that I don’t like sales. I don’t like sales because I’m not pushy. Then I moved back here. After I moved back here doors started opening up for me.JL: When you moved back here how did you get the job at I heart media and 760 radio?RB: The first job I had when I moved back here was another sales job. After that I auditioned with the Bronco’s. While I was doing that, I was contacted by the radio station with an interview because no one had been a cheerleader, and went back to the Bronco’s years later. While I was talking to them, I started talking with them with how interested I was in getting into sports broadcasting. From there I started doing anything I could do for free with the radio station. I also started doing some podcasts on the Bronco’s website. . At the end of 2015 a position opened up for a producer’s job at the sports station and I applied for it. That’s how I ended up as the producer at the station KDSP radio.JL: What are some memories that you have in working with Ed McCaffrey and Andy?RB: Well I would have to say that working with Ed is fun. Ed is an idol to me. It is really amazing to work with such a wonderful person and such a hard worker in Ed. I feel like I get to learn so much from him. He talks about things from the football side of things. I respect him and look up to him so much.JL: I can relate to that as well. Whenever I listen to people on the radio I consider them my idols. When I get to meet people on the radio I get so excited, and I feel very fortunate that I can share on my blog about my experiences. What have been some of your favorite memories with cheerleading with the Bronco’s?RB: I would say the best one is going to Super Bowl 50. We got to go and dance on the field. It was an awesome experience. The other thing is that the Bronco’s organization is really amazing. They treat us like family. They let me bring someone to the game. I brought my dad, and it was a wonderful experience to share with him as well.JL: Are there any interviews that stand out as being your favorites?RB: Getting to talk to other hosts that are from different cities. One of my favorite interviews is Amy Trask. She has written a book recently. She is the only CEO of a professional football team. I also got to interview Mike Shanahan.JL: What would be your advice for someone wanting to get into Colorado radio?RB: First of all keep pushing. It took me 10 years to get to where I wanted to get my foot in the door. No is just a word. Also listen to the hosts that you like and decide what you like about their style. Develop your own style of what you would like to be.JL: What are one or two strengths of Colorado radio today, and what are 1 or 2 weaknesses of Colorado radio today?RB: One of the strengths is that we live in such a great sports town and, there is such a loyal following. People always want to talk about the Denver Broncos, the Rockies, the Nuggets, and the Avalanche. One weakness is that radio is getting to be an antiquated media.It was wonderful doing this interview with Romi. I so appreciated Romi taking me around KOA's studio after the interview so I could meet a couple of my other idols. I will blog about those in the coming weeks.Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

10/19/16 10/19/16

Kevin Shields Interview

The first time I met Kevin Shields was at a school field trip to a public radio station. The thing I found interesting about Kevin is that Kevin is blind and he is working in radio. I was really excited for this field trip. I was going to school at the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, and I found out later that Kevin went there when he was in school.When Kevin was in Colorado radio he worked at an oldies music station, and he also worked at a public radio station. I met him at the public radio station, and I had a fabulous time listening to him talk about his job, and showing the group how he did his job. I wished that I could have asked more questions of Kevin while I was there.I am now going to share my interview with him.How did you get your start in Colorado radio?Kevin Shields:I got my start in College radio in the 1970’sin KASF in Alamosa Colorado. In 1980, I started on KRCC radio in Colorado Springs. I got in to commercial radio in 1982. I became program director at a Christian radio station in the Springs. In 1983 I moved to a station called KCMN radio. In 1991 I worked for KkLi radio. I worked there for 4 years. In 1998, I went back to KRCC and started working weekends for them.Until I moved to Carolina in 2007. In 2013 I started running a radio show on WCOM radio. Which is a community radio station here in Chapel hills North Carolina.I started that radio station in 2014 and I also do an old time radio show in addition to my other show on the station. That gives a quick history of what I have done.JL: Yes it certainly does, and it sounds like you have done a lot. What have been some of your favorite memories of working in the Springs, or in North Carolina?KS: I think my favorite memories are that I am doing something that I want to do and that I Love. I also like the fact that I get to do things on my own.JL: What advice would you have for someone wanting to get into the radio industry?KS: Don’t take no for an answer. If radio is something that you want to get involved in then don’t let other people tell you no you can’t do that or no they can’t use you.Keep trying you will get to do what you want to do. It’s not easy to get into the radio industry.JL: What are some of the challenges being a person who is blind who is in radio?KS: proving to the staff at the station that I can do it. That I can do it as well as any sighted person can do the job.JL: What would you like to see radio go back to?KS: I would like to see it go to more live and local programming. That’s what I love about radio.JL: I agree with you. That’s what I love about radio as well. Jl note. That’s something that Dan Mandis said as well. It was nice to find another person who was blind working in the radio industry. He had some wonderful advice. I will continue to be persistent, and keep trying.Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

10/14/16 10/14/16

Ross Kaminsky Interview

This is my interview with Ross Kaminsky who does the Morning Show (Ross Kaminsky Show)on KHOW 630 from 6 AM to 10 AM weekdays.Jeremy Levy: I first started listening to you when you were on KNUS radio, but is this where you got your start?Ross Kaminsky: My first fill-in work was on KFKA in Greeley, for Amy Oliver. I’ll always be grateful to Amy and to the Sasso Brothers who own the station for giving me a shot. I also did fill-in work on KNUS for John Andrews’ Backbone Radio, and when John decided to retire he suggested to management there that I be offered that Sunday evening show. I reminded them that their audience is substantially Christian conservative and I’m a libertarian Jew, but they believed that I’d do the best job and I will always be grateful to that group for offering me “my” first show. (By the way, all of that stuff was unpaid.)JL:I know that you have been on KHOW for seven or eight months, but are there any memorable interviews, or broadcasts that come to mind?RK:This is going to sound bad, but when you do radio every day, things tend to blend together. Sometimes when someone asks me what I did the same day, I don’t remember. That said, a few things do come to mind. If I have to pick one, it would be my interview with Delaney Henderson. (Link: http://khow.iheart.com/onair/ross-kaminsky-57121/ross-interviews-delaney-henderson-courageous-rape-14866963/)What struck me so much about it is that this young woman is a rape survivor who had done many interviews before mine, including on national television. When I asked her “How are you doing now?” her response truly shocked me. It was: “Nobody has ever asked me that before.” Later on, I asked her (she’s 21 now) if she has a boyfriend, if she’s looking for a boyfriend, how she feels about relationships, and she said “Nobody has asked me that before either.” I just thought to myself, WTF is wrong with people, not asking her these questions?JL:What are one or two strengths and one or two weaknesses of Colorado radio today?RK:I’m more knowledgeable about Denver radio than Colorado radio so I’ll stick to that. I think that Denver radio is exceptionally strong because of the large number of local hosts with a wide range of opinions. As with many cities, there is a dearth of liberals on the air, at least outside of NPR which is more about their own obvious biases than about proudly broadcasting a left-wing point of view. I wouldn’t mind more liberal stuff on the air even though I’d disagree with almost all of it (at least in the area of economics). But other than that, on my station (TalkRadio 630 KHOW) and our affiliated stations (especially KOA NewsRadio) here at iHeart Media, and at the other smaller broadcasters in town, we have a great range of non-left viewpoints from conservative to libertarian to populist. In many other cities, a much larger percentage of talk radio is syndicated material that I frankly find rather uninspiring and much harder to relate to than a local host such as myself or Mandy Connell or Michael Brown. And I should add that with the addition of Denver Sports 760 with Dave Logan and Susie Wargin in the late mornings and Andy Lindahl and Eddie McCaffrey in the afternoons, there’s now an even better sports radio situation in Denver.JL:What would be your advice for someone wanting to get in to Colorado radio?RK:Be expert on something, even if it’s something as broad as “politics”. Send your name to radio show hosts and producers offering yourself as a guest and explaining your expertise. When you are a guest, give fairly short answers in as plain English as you can. After you have some guest experience, e-mail program directors (you’ll almost certainly have to start at smaller operations than here at iHeart just as most folks won’t start shooting hoops and get drafted by the Nuggets) and offer yourself as a guest host and let them know you’re happy to do it for free. SAY YES to any guest-hosting opportunity you are offered, even at an inconvenient time. Whether as a guest or as a guest host, BE OVER-PREPARED. As you get more experience guest-hosting on smaller stations or in smaller markets, start moving up the food chain to larger stations’ program directors letting them know you’re available. By the way, doing occasional guest-hosting without being paid would make it much easier for a station owned by a different company to give you a chance. If you’re being paid by Media Company A, then Media Company B is less likely to consider you, not out of a negative view of you but out of a certain sort of industry gentleman’s agreement. When you’re on air, don’t forget that radio is a dynamic medium, usually broadcast live, and that things happen that you may need to adapt/react to which weren’t in your plan for the day. When that happens, don’t get flustered or distracted, just keep moving and doing the best with whatever it is you have to talk about. Try to get interesting guests but don’t overload a show with guests. Listeners want to hear the most more than guests most of the time. Finally, never forget that radio is a medium of entertainment. You can be as informative as you want but if you can’t do it in an entertaining way you’ll never get a large enough audience to be successful.All that said, a few caveats: Most people’s career paths in radio involve moving quite a bit, starting in smaller cities, and really climbing the ladder. (Exceptions include primarily people who are already famous before getting into radio.) Getting a decent full-time job in radio is not always, maybe even not often, possible. And while you’re trying you’ll spend a lot of time and make very little money. Furthermore, while radio is doing far better than its naysayers predicted, there’s nevertheless a fractured media market out there with the advent of streaming and satellite and podcasts. And AM radio is a particularly challenging place to be because so many young listeners never tune to the AM dial (which is why you really have to make a great effort on podcast and streaming availability and pushing the younger listeners there.) Also it’s critical to try to build a substantial social media audience, in part for the purpose of driving them to stream/podcast. Overall, when someone asks me about whether they should get into radio, I think it’s a tough call. It’s a rapidly changing and exceptionally competitive industry. It can be an incredible amount of fun but for many people they never quite make it to that point even with years of effort.JL: I appreciate your time Ross. Thank you!I enjoy listening to the topics Ross discusses on his show.Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy

10/14/16 10/14/16

Ross Kaminsky Interview

10/2/16 10/2/16

Sports radio in Colorado

It’s very hard to believe that Fall is here. It seems like the summer went rapidly. As a lot of you know, I like listening to sports on the radio. Today, I would like to give you my thoughts on this year’s baseball season with the Colorado Rockies and the coming season for the Colorado Avalanche. When the Rockies season started I was a little bit hesitant to be a Rockies fan, because in past years the Rockies did very poorly. Last year I was finished with the Rockies after May or June because the players and the pitchers weren’t trying hard to win. I was feeling very disappointed in my team, and with the Rockies in general. This year I think the team has grown as a team, and as an organization. They have won more games this year. They still lost some pretty big games, but the team has gotten better. One of my favorite pitchers is Johnathon Gray. He has set a record for strike outs at Cooers Field. Tyler Chatwood is a good pitcher as well, while Chad Beddis is doing well also. There were about 15 or 20 games that they maybe should have won, but I think this is a better put together team this year. I am hoping that Trevor Story will heal, and better than ever next year. This past weekend the Rockies played the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they did a tribute to Vince Scully. Vince Scully has been doing Dodger games since the 1960’s. Vince Scully will be retiring at the end of this year. One of my favorite parts of the baseball season is listening to Jack Corrigan and Jerry Schemmel calling the games. Since I can’t see, I rely on them to tell me what’s happening in the game. When the Rockies hit a homerun, I can hear the excitement in their voices. Whenever there is a good strike out by one of the pitchers I can hear the excitement in their voices. Jack Corrigan and Jerry Schemmel are what makes the game for me. I am very fortunate to live in Colorado and that Colorado has some wonderful sports announcers.Speaking of sports announcers, and different sports- the preseason for the Colorado Avalanche is starting. The Avalanche have a new coach this year named Jared Bednar. Jared Took over when Patrick Roy resigned a couple of months ago. I enjoy listening to the games on Altitude and he is very quick with telling about the plays that he is describing. Last night he was describing a defensive player, and he seemed really Sports Radio 950 on the A.m. dial. The Avalanche’s announcer is Mark Moser. Mark has been calling the Avalanche’s announcer since 2007 or 2008. He is an energetic announcer, impressed with the way the player stopped the puck from going into the net. I also enjoy it when Mark fills in on Altitude Sports Radio 950. He has good opinions on the sports that he talks about with the other hosts on the station.Colorado has some good sport’s announcers.Thanks for tuning in.Jeremy Levy