Roger P. Brandt owned and operated KDZA during one of the most important periods in the station’s history.
Brandt began in radio at age 14 at his father’s station, WCEN in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where he hosted an evening rock-and-roll show and later worked in programming. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1963.
Roger and Diana Brandt purchased KDZA in the mid-1960s. Brandt strongly supported the station’s rock format and its young air staff even when the music drew criticism. Vintage KDZA history credits him with expanding the station’s community involvement, strengthening its newsroom and using regular editorial-comment segments to build credibility.
Brandt served as president of the Colorado Association of Broadcasters in 1970–71 and held numerous Pueblo civic leadership roles. He sold KDZA and the associated FM construction permit to Michael Galer in 1975.
Southern Colorado station: KDZA.
Sources: Vintage KDZA, Roger Brandt biography and gallery; Broadcasting, June 30, 1975, KDZA sale report; Colorado Broadcasters Association historical award and member records.
Stations They Worked At
FROM THE TIMELINE
Career Moments
Michael Galer becomes owner of KDZA
Michael Galer became owner of KDZA, succeeding Roger Brandt. Vintage KDZA history dates Galer's ownership to 1975–1979.
KEEP EXPLORING
Go further down the dial
HELP IMPROVE THE ARCHIVE
See something that needs a correction?
Suggest a correction or add information to this person. Nothing changes publicly until it is reviewed.