
1966 - 1975

"Roger Brandt was extremely involved in the community. He took a lot of heat about the station’s unruly announcers and the music but always had our backs."
ROGER BRANDT
Roger P. Brandt's media career began at the young age of 14 working at his father's radio station WCEN in Mt. Pleasant Michigan. Brandt hosted the evening rock 'n roll program "Grooveyard". He graduated salutatorian from Mt. Pleasant High School (1960) and with honors from Michigan State University (1963). He continued working at WCEN on the air and in program management. Roger met Diana,his wife of 55 years, during a stint as a DJ for a Mt. Pleasant High School.
In 1965, Roger and Diana purchased KDZA-AM in Pueblo, Colorado. Brandt instinctively understood the importance of community involvement joining numerous boards and assisting non-profits. Roger served as president of the Colorado Association of Broadcasters in 1970-71. Other activities included the President of Pueblo Rotary 43 and the Pueblo Y.M.C.A. He served in many other groups such as the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, Pueblo United Way, and Pueblo Beautiful Association. In 1975 he was named Outstanding Young Man by the Pueblo Jaycees. Diana was also recognized for her efforts leading to Diana Brandt Day declared by the Pueblo City Council.
Roger was a regular in the KDZA newsroom, often the interviewer of local celebrities and politicians. KDZA's credibility was enhanced by Brandt's popular editorial comments segments. His belief in the rock format and his young staff kept KDZA gaining in popularity and more importantly, advertisers began to see results.
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