Best Radio-Host Return 2005 | Jay MarvinAM 760 | Best of Denver® | Best Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Music and Stores in Denver | Westword
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Best Radio-Host Return

Jay Marvin
AM 760

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.

Best Radio Station -- Period

Radio 1190

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.

Best Radio Station -- Period

Radio 1190

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.

Best Commitment to Local Music by a Commercial Radio Station

The Mountain

A lot of for-profit radio outlets talk a good game about supporting local bands and musicians, but it's mostly lip service. The Mountain is an exception to this rule. On The Mountain Homegrown Show, a specialty program that airs Mondays at 10 p.m., host Jake Schroeder, of Opie Gone Bad renown, spotlights performances and interviews with prominent local talent. As a bonus, the station also sponsors regular showcases for these folks at venues like Bender's Tavern, and it sprinkles tunes by Coloradans into its regular playlist.

Best Commitment to Local Music by a Commercial Radio Station

The Mountain

A lot of for-profit radio outlets talk a good game about supporting local bands and musicians, but it's mostly lip service. The Mountain is an exception to this rule. On The Mountain Homegrown Show, a specialty program that airs Mondays at 10 p.m., host Jake Schroeder, of Opie Gone Bad renown, spotlights performances and interviews with prominent local talent. As a bonus, the station also sponsors regular showcases for these folks at venues like Bender's Tavern, and it sprinkles tunes by Coloradans into its regular playlist.

Best Radio DJ

Uncle Nasty
KBPI

Once upon a time, on radios very much like those commonly sold today, DJs had unique personas that set them apart from everyone else on the airwaves. But such individuality has been on the wane since corporations discovered that air personalities, like nuts and bolts, cost less when they're interchangeable. So praise be for Gregg Stone, aka Uncle Nasty, whose gruff tone, tough-guy lingo and deep knowledge of hard rock and heavy metal continue to distinguish KBPI on weekday afternoons.

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