Best Radio Talk-Show Host 2005 | Peter BoylesKHOW | Best of Denver® | Best Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Music and Stores in Denver | Westword
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A lot of yakkers rely on stunts, shtick or the sort of speechifying that toes one ideological line or another. Not Peter Boyles, who's survived for decades in the Denver market precisely because regular listeners don't always know what he's going to say about a particular issue before he opens his mouth. For that matter, neither does Boyles, an idiosyncratic contrarian who rejects the one-size-fits-all approach. Folks who tune him in weekday mornings may find themselves agreeing -- or disagreeing -- with him when they least expect it. And that's good radio.


The Fan may be the best-known sports-talk broadcaster in Denver, but it no longer has the best morning show, and Tim Neverett can take much of the credit for that. Working in conjunction with Denver Post columnist Jim Armstrong (a past winner of this prize, and deservedly so), Neverett keeps the program moving no matter the topic or theme, and his smart, no-bull approach to interviewing and breezy, conversational style is a lot more user-friendly than the tedious homerism so prevalent a few clicks down the dial. Real sports fans will be impressed.
The Fan may be the best-known sports-talk broadcaster in Denver, but it no longer has the best morning show, and Tim Neverett can take much of the credit for that. Working in conjunction with Denver Post columnist Jim Armstrong (a past winner of this prize, and deservedly so), Neverett keeps the program moving no matter the topic or theme, and his smart, no-bull approach to interviewing and breezy, conversational style is a lot more user-friendly than the tedious homerism so prevalent a few clicks down the dial. Real sports fans will be impressed.
During the late '90s, Jay Marvin manned the afternoon-drive slot on KHOW, and his show was a highlight of the era -- animated, thought-provoking and consistently unpredictable. Marvin subsequently left for Chicago, but when execs at AM 760 decided to add a local host to the station's primarily syndicated format, they invited him back. Wise move. Marvin is as persnickety as ever, and his presence provides the outlet with some much-needed personality: his.
During the late '90s, Jay Marvin manned the afternoon-drive slot on KHOW, and his show was a highlight of the era -- animated, thought-provoking and consistently unpredictable. Marvin subsequently left for Chicago, but when execs at AM 760 decided to add a local host to the station's primarily syndicated format, they invited him back. Wise move. Marvin is as persnickety as ever, and his presence provides the outlet with some much-needed personality: his.


Best New Denver Radio Station -- Commercial

AM 760

Not so long ago, talk-radio aficionados even slightly to the left of John Wayne were pretty much out of luck in these parts. After all, most attempts to broaden the spectrum -- e.g., KNRC -- have ended badly. It's too early to say if AM 760 will reverse this trend, but the station has a better chance than most of its predecessors thanks to Clear Channel, its deep-pocketed and generally conservative corporate parent. Meanwhile, local libbies can enjoy Jay Marvin and high-profile fare from Air America that would otherwise only be available online.

Best New Denver Radio Station -- Commercial

AM 760

Not so long ago, talk-radio aficionados even slightly to the left of John Wayne were pretty much out of luck in these parts. After all, most attempts to broaden the spectrum -- e.g., KNRC -- have ended badly. It's too early to say if AM 760 will reverse this trend, but the station has a better chance than most of its predecessors thanks to Clear Channel, its deep-pocketed and generally conservative corporate parent. Meanwhile, local libbies can enjoy Jay Marvin and high-profile fare from Air America that would otherwise only be available online.


Best New Denver Radio Station -- Public

KGNU-Denver

Of course, some lefties feel the kind of programming that dominates AM 760 isn't liberal enough, which explains why KGNU has thrived in Boulder for so long -- and without much of a Denver audience, since KGNU's signal had trouble reaching very far into the city. The solution came when KGNU purchased KJME/1390 AM, for $4.1 million. That's a hefty investment for a grassroots organization, but for residents of the Mile High City who've always wanted to experience KGNU's eclectic and adventurous music-and-information lineup, the results have been well worth it.

Best New Denver Radio Station -- Public

KGNU-Denver

Of course, some lefties feel the kind of programming that dominates AM 760 isn't liberal enough, which explains why KGNU has thrived in Boulder for so long -- and without much of a Denver audience, since KGNU's signal had trouble reaching very far into the city. The solution came when KGNU purchased KJME/1390 AM, for $4.1 million. That's a hefty investment for a grassroots organization, but for residents of the Mile High City who've always wanted to experience KGNU's eclectic and adventurous music-and-information lineup, the results have been well worth it.


When it debuted in 1998, Radio 1190 was a godsend for the disgruntled radio listener -- a blast of fresh, inspiring music spun by CU students whose sense of excitement burst through the speakers. Nearly seven years later, the thrill isn't gone. DJs come and DJs go, but the station continues to serve as a valuable resource for any music lover who wants to hear the finest new sounds from nearly every popular genre and some not-so-popular ones, as well. Radio 1190 is a life raft in a sea of homogenized sound.

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