Denver Radio: Mike Rosen Steps Away From Daily Show

Mike Rosen announced Thursday he is stepping down from his daily show on iHeartMedia’s KOA NewsRadio 850 AM & 94.1 FM and will transition to a contributor role, serving as a regular weekend host and political commentator.

In addition, Rosen will be heard as an occasional guest host on both KOA NewsRadio and TalkRadio 630 KHOW. Rosen’s final live weekday show will air on December 24.

 “Doing my brand of radio, with 24/7 research and show prep, takes a work week of more than 60 hours. After 35 years on-air, I’ve decided to give myself a little more well-earned leisure time as I pass my 71st birthday,” said Rosen.

“I’ve been with KOA for almost 30 years and have loved every minute of it. It’s a wonderful station with a glorious history and a great team of people. I couldn’t bring myself to just walk away from it, and a full-fledged retirement wouldn’t suit a Type-A guy like me. So, I’m delighted to still have a presence with KOA as a part-time on-air contributor. While this may disappoint my long-time loyal listeners, to whom I’m eternally grateful, I hope they will find a little of Mike Rosen at least better than none at all. I’m passing the baton to Mandy Connell in the midday time slot, who’s done a great job on KHOW in the morning. You’ll like her.”

Click Here for the On-Air Announcement

Rosen has been KOA’s midday host since 1988. He has been an editorial-page columnist for both The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News for more than 30 years, and his columns have appeared in numerous national publications. Rosen has been featured as a political analyst on several media outlets, and has appeared on The O’Reilly Factor, Good Morning America and CNN Tonight. In addition, Rosen has served as a guest host of The Rush Limbaugh Show.

KOA 850 AM (50 Kw) Red=Local Coverage 

“We owe a debt of gratitude to Mike,” said Tim Hager, Market President of iHeartMedia Denver. "His commitment to our community, his listeners and our advertisers is second-to-none. Although he’s stepping down from his daily show, we’re fortunate that Mike will continue in a contributor role with KOA NewsRadio 850 AM & 94.1 FM."

Mandy Connell has been named the new midday host on KOA NewsRadio, effective January 4.

Connell will bring more than 18 years of experience to KOA NewsRadio. She’s currently the morning host on KOA’s sister-station, TalkRadio 630 KHOW. Connell has also held on-air positions at radio stations in Louisville, Orlando and Fort Myers. In addition, she has been heard nationally, guest-hosting both America Now and The Weekend with Joe Pags for Premiere Networks.

“Joining the team at KOA NewsRadio is the culmination of a dream I've had for a long time,” said Connell. “KOA NewsRadio has a special place in this community and I am truly honored to have the opportunity to take the baton from Mike Rosen.”

“Mandy has a knack for creating solid, entertaining shows,” said Greg Foster, Program Director of KOA NewsRadio. “Nobody can replace Mike Rosen, but we’re confident that Mike’s fans will connect with Mandy and she’ll bring a new perspective to KOA NewsRadio."