Denver's news and talk radio landscape is set for a significant shift as iHeartMedia announced a major programming overhaul for its flagship station, KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM. The new weekday lineup, which takes effect on Monday, November 10, will see prominent personalities Ross Kaminsky and Michael Brown taking on new key time slots in a strategic move to bolster the station's morning and midday programming.
The changes aim to pair trusted local news coverage with established talk radio voices, creating a new daily schedule for the station's listeners. The centerpiece of the announcement is the creation of a new morning drive show co-hosted by longtime Denver favorite Ross Kaminsky, who will move from his current midday position.
Key Takeaways
- KOA Denver is launching a new weekday programming schedule starting November 10.
- Ross Kaminsky will move from middays to co-host a new 6 a.m. morning show with Jeana Gondek.
- Michael Brown, former FEMA Administrator, will join KOA to host the 9 a.m. to noon slot, moving from sister station KHOW.
- The new lineup is designed to strengthen KOA's position in news, talk, and sports broadcasting in the Denver market.
A New Morning Team for Denver Commuters
The most significant adjustment in the new schedule is the introduction of “Ross Kaminsky on the News, with Jeana Gondek” at 6 a.m. Kaminsky, a familiar voice to Denver audiences from his 9 a.m. to noon show, will now anchor the crucial morning drive-time slot. He will join veteran news anchor Jeana Gondek, who will continue to host the 5 a.m. hour of “Colorado’s Morning News” before teaming up with Kaminsky.
This new pairing is designed to blend Gondek's delivery of essential local news, traffic, and weather with Kaminsky’s well-known perspective and conversational style. The station's management anticipates that this combination will provide a dynamic and informative start to the day for listeners across the Front Range.
“I’m thrilled to join Jeana and start the day with Denver delivering top news, lively conversation and plenty of laughter,” Kaminsky said in a statement. “KOA listeners expect credible information and smart talk, and we’re excited to deliver that every morning.”
The morning drive is considered the most competitive and important time slot in radio, and this move signals a clear strategy by iHeartMedia to capture a larger share of that audience by uniting two of its established personalities.
Michael Brown Joins the KOA Weekday Roster
Following the new morning show, another prominent voice will take over the airwaves. Michael Brown, a nationally syndicated host and former Undersecretary of Homeland Security and Director of FEMA, is moving to KOA to host the 9 a.m. to noon slot. His show, “The Situation with Michael Brown,” will transition from its current morning position at sister station TalkRadio 630 KHOW.
Brown brings a national profile and deep experience in politics and current events to the KOA lineup. His move is expected to provide listeners with in-depth analysis of the day's biggest stories, filling the time slot previously held by Kaminsky.
Who is Michael Brown?
Michael Brown gained national prominence as the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during President George W. Bush's administration. Since leaving government, he has become a successful radio talk show host, known for his direct analysis of political and cultural issues from a conservative viewpoint.
The addition of Brown solidifies KOA’s midday programming with a host known for tackling complex national issues. His presence is intended to continue the station's tradition of providing strong, opinion-driven talk radio throughout the workday.
“KOA has long been a trusted voice for Colorado news and talk, and I’m excited to continue that tradition diving deeper into the issues that impact our listeners — with a mix of insight, experience, and a little humor,” Brown stated.
Strategic Vision and the Complete Lineup
The restructuring is part of a broader strategy to solidify KOA's reputation as a leading source for news and conversation in Colorado. JoJo Turnbeaugh, Senior VP of Programming for the iHeartMedia Rockies Region, emphasized the strength of the new roster.
“KOA’s new lineup brings together some of the most trusted and engaging voices in Colorado Radio,” Turnbeaugh explained. “Ross and Jeana make an incredible morning team, and Michael’s move strengthens KOA’s position as the go-to destination for news, talk, and sports.”
KOA's New Weekday Schedule (Effective Nov. 10)
- 5 a.m. — Colorado’s Morning News with Jeana Gondek
- 6 a.m. — Ross Kaminsky on the News, with Jeana Gondek
- 9 a.m. — The Situation with Michael Brown
- Noon — The Mandy Connell Show
- 3 p.m. — KOA Sports with Dave Logan and Ryan Edwards
- 6 p.m. — Broncos Country Tonight with Benjamin Allbright and Nick Ferguson
The rest of the KOA schedule remains intact, with Mandy Connell continuing in the early afternoon, followed by the station's popular sports programming blocks. The afternoon drive is anchored by “KOA Sports with Dave Logan and Ryan Edwards,” leading into the evening with “Broncos Country Tonight.”
This comprehensive lineup demonstrates a clear focus on providing a consistent, personality-driven experience for listeners from the early morning commute through the evening. By placing established hosts in new roles, KOA is making a calculated move to reinforce its market dominance and provide a refreshed listening experience for its audience.