Denver Radio: KOA Shuffles On-Air Chairs

iHeartMedia announced a significant programming shakeup for KOA, effective Monday, November 10, 2025. 

The headline change is Ross Kaminsky shifting from his longstanding 9 a.m.–12 p.m. midday slot to co-host morning drive (6–9 a.m. MT) alongside news anchor Jeana Gondek. This marks the first time in decades—or possibly ever—that KOA has aired a full talk-radio format during morning drive, replacing the traditional all-news block that previously filled the extended morning hours.

Why the change? It follows the abrupt exit of veteran co-anchor Marty Lenz, who departed after seven years amid iHeartMedia's widespread layoffs earlier in October 2025. Lenz had partnered with Gondek on "Colorado's Morning News." The move aims to inject more "lively conversation, credible information, and laughter" into the commute slot, blending news with talk to better engage listeners in a competitive podcast-heavy landscape.

Kaminsky's Background: A Colorado native and libertarian-leaning commentator, Kaminsky joined iHeartMedia in 2011 as a weekend/fill-in host on KOA. He moved to mornings on sister station KHOW in 2016, then to KOA's 9 a.m.–noon slot in September 2021 (replacing Dave Logan). Before radio, he was a financial trader and has guested on national shows like Fox News. His style mixes sharp analysis on politics, economics, and culture with humor—expect similar vibes in mornings, but with more real-time news integration.

Quote from Kaminsky: In a social media post this week, he shared excitement: "This will be the first time in decades (or maybe ever) that KOA has a talk show in morning drive. We'll keep bringing you plenty of news but now we're doing it in a show that also talks about the news (and lots of other things). 

Ross Kaminsky

Replacement in Middays: Michael Brown Takes Over 9 a.m.–12 p.m. To fill Kaminsky's vacancy, Michael Brown—a Denver radio staple since 2006—shifts from mornings on KHOW to KOA's 9 a.m.–noon slot. Brown, known for his no-nonsense conservative takes on "The Situation with Michael Brown," started at KOA as a weekend host, later handling afternoons across KOA and KHOW, and landing KHOW mornings in 2021. 

His experience as former FEMA Director under President George W. Bush adds gravitas to topics like emergency preparedness and policy.This cross-station shuffle strengthens ties between KOA and KHOW, iHeart's Denver talk duo.

The changes come amid iHeart's ongoing cost-cutting (including the Lenz layoff) and a push for more dynamic, personality-driven content to boost ratings and digital streaming via the iHeartRadio app. Afternoon and evening slots remain unchanged: Mandy Connell (12–3 p.m.), The KOA Sports Zoo (3–6 p.m.), and Broncos Country Tonight with Ryan Edwards and Benjamin Allbright (6–9 p.m.), followed by syndicated fare like Coast to Coast AM.