Comments on: KCUV 102.3: Making Denver Radio Suck Less

By: Dean Allen

Dean Allen — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:08:46 +0000

I’m Dean Allen. I was a DJ on 102.3 KCUV- I was on weekends during their last year on the air. Although it still hurts after all this time, it makes me feel a little better to know that I’m not the only one who misses KCUV. Its closing was as much a surprise to me as it was to you. I went down to do a Saturday shift and was told that the next day would be the last. I remember thinking “at least I’ll get to record my last day on the air”, since I hadn’t brought a tape with me that Saturday. But when I got in on Sunday, I was told we weren’t doing live breaks anymore, and to go home. It broke my heart- I felt like a family member had died. I still do.

I want to thank Doug Clifton, Zak Phillips, Benji, G. Brown, Oz, Sabrina, Mike Wolf, Ken Young and all the other people whose names I’m forgetting right now, both on and off the air, for an incredible year at the best job I’ve ever had. Our little experiment in radio might not have lasted, but it made a lasting impression on people. I feel so lucky and proud to say that I was a part of it.

For those of you who are still looking for an Americana outlet, the best suggestion I have is 88.5 FM, KGNU. They don’t have an Americana format, but on Saturday mornings they have vintage country followed by bluegrass. You might hear Americana sprinkled throughout the day- you never know. Even though their format is all over the place, KGNU is the one station that comes closest to the spirit of KCUV. IF anyone else finds something that scratches the Americana/KCUV itch, please let me know. And thanks for caring, even after all this time. You people are great!

By: Dean

Dean — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:46:36 +0000

Don’t know if anyone will pick this thread up, but I still miss KCUV 102.3. Has anyone found anything similar? Even in another market so I can stream it? Sigh.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:04:23 +0000

I’m still missing KCUV. Denver radio just sucks. The only thing that lessens the pain is http://www.radioparadise.com Now if I just had a decent phone so I could stream this station through my car stereo.

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:40:13 +0000

Misery loves company but, no offense, I’d rather have KCUV back than find commaradie here! I used to brag about Denver’s eclectic radio to all my out-of-state friends, how we are made aware of new artists and can still hear the best variety of old blues, funk, and rock. KCUV was the best we’ve ever had and it truly broke my heart when I turned on the radio the first day they’d be swallowed up by the Jack, the tasteless wonder.
Even the Mountain used to have a fairly good variety to switch to but they’ve turned, like someone said previously, into just another classic rock clone.
And KBCO, my oldest standby, used to also have a mind of their own, DJ’s who were allowed to play songs that you would hear nowhere else. I recently painted a friend’s house and listened day after day to the radio and couldn’t believe how many times the same few songs were repeated in one day.
Corporate radio execs, hang your heads in shame! You’ve eliminated what was once a good source of musical culture and joy from Colorado. How do you sleep at night?? Does your money keep you warm at night?

Suzblues

By: ren feddersen

ren feddersen — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 03:30:45 +0000

it’s been a couple of months now and the depression only get’s worse day by day. I’ve lived all over this country and for awhile we n Denver had great radio. but thats gone now kcuv couldn’t pull the ratings to entice investors. so I say go underground. I’ll personally pledge $1,000 over thew next year for operating expenses. and Quit my job to hit the road and promote this format. it struck me again today how sad it is for a city like Denver to have such crappy representation on our local airwaves. just a few examples alice, fox the mountain, kbco [ the co stands for corporation] someone call me I’m looking for a new career Ren Ferddersen 720 304 6123 I may be gettin on in years but I cut my eye teeth on rock and roll.

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:30:45 +0000

There is truth to the saying that you never know what you have til its gone. Since I started listening to kcuv about two years ago, the affect on my music library was incredible to say the least. I will forever miss the last haven for truly talented musicians that Denver had, and can only hope for a return or replacement soon. Until then the radio is off and I listen to my library.

By: Brad

Brad — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:12:52 +0000

I feel the same as most of the other comments on this page but they did have a sister station 102.1 but it’s hard to get unless you’re up north because it’s from one of the mountain towns like Dillon but does have a good selection of music.

By: Geoff

Geoff — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:18:16 +0000

I almost feel violated, well at least my ears. I was out of town for a few days, and turn the radio on to find my center once again…JACK is now on 102.3. I listened for a while to try to find out what happened….NADA. Thanks for the blog, Mr. Harper, and God bless.
Best wishes to all who made KCUV the best station for a lot (apparently not enough) of people.
It’s very sad that to think the kind of music that KCUV played for free is now probably on a station you have to pay, and have special equipment for…….

By: Steve D

Steve D — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:31:07 +0000

Shhh, hear that, that sucking sound? That’s from the vacuum left by the demise of KCUV from the airwaves in Denver! Losing KCUV is a cryin’ shame. I stated listening to them from the first day they came on the AM radio. Kinda saw the writing on the wall when the became FM (f’ing money). Hopefully something will come along to replace it soon. Hurry!

By: Rich W

Rich W — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:18:12 +0000

Yes, Denver radio truly sucks once more. Not sure why we can’t keep at least one decent station that doesn’t rely on the “Top 40″…whatever that is?

***Once upon a time we had a great and inovative station in 96.5 (not sure of the call letters)which later turned into an all Spanish station.

***99.5 The Mountain actually was a great station at it’s inception and sometime later turned into a 103.5 clone which truly blows. One can only handle so much Boston or Foreigner…like NONE.

***Then of course Denver had 102.3 KCUV which was probably the best of the bunch in my opinion, who’s frequency is now obviously occupied by JACK…which is pretty JACKed up. KCUV is where I learned of Little Willy John for crying out loud!…not to mention numerous other great artists who have been around for decades but for some reason most have never heard of them or anything from them.

Maybe I’ll just brush up on my Spanish and settle with 96.5 for now until we get something else worth listening to.