"Michael Galer loved the notoriety of owning Pueblo’s #1 radio station. He brought a lot of glamour to The Rock."

Boston native Michael Galer was in his mid-thirties when he became the new owner of KDZA  in 1975. Galer had experience as a journalist and dabbled in film too. The broadcast industry was next, enabling him to expand his knowledge of additional media channels.  Particularly attractive was that ownership of KDZA brought with it a permit to build a new FM radio station. KDZA FM was assigned to 100.7 airing a year later as Z100 featuring adult contemporary music. At the same time, he invested heavily to relocate KDZA and Z100 into Pueblo's luxurious United Bank building in downtown Pueblo. The 7th-floor studios were recognized as one of the finest in the country. 

 

Michael was extremely proud of his radio stations and enjoyed the local notoriety that came with it. He hosted numerous staff parties even flying in the main course, live main lobsters from his native Boston, Massachusetts. The Galer’s lived in Beulah, Colorado, and true to form installed one of the state's first satellite TV antennas and a mini-cable system. At the time TV reception was extremely limited in the area.

 

It was during this time of rapid growth that Galer sought an investment partner to solidify the business. Entrepreneur Tony Spicola, the station’s longtime sales manager bravely stepped up and became a minority owner. The transaction set the stage for the next chapter of Pueblo’s Rock, KDZA.

 

Galer passed in 2018 after earning his doctorate, teaching at the university level, and working as a marketing consultant for RNet Health Inc.

 

 Enjoy the gallery!