Richard M. “Mick” Schafbuch (died 2005) was the general manager who took KOA radio from ninth place to first in Denver in the 1970s.
Colorado radio career
A Denver native and Regis College graduate, Schafbuch joined KOA in December 1960 as promotion and merchandising director. He moved into KOA radio sales in 1963 and KOA-TV sales in 1968, then returned as KOA radio sales manager in 1969 after General Electric bought the station.
In April 1971 he was named vice president and general manager of KOA AM and FM, and leaned on news to lift the station to first in the market. He was president of the Colorado Broadcasters Association in 1973–74 and added KOA-TV to his duties in 1974. In February 1978 he left to run KOIN-TV in Portland; Governor Dick Lamm declared March 17, 1978, Mick Schafbuch Day.
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Stations They Worked At
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Career Moments
December 1960: Mick Schafbuch joins KOA
Denver native Mick Schafbuch left the Curt Freiberger advertising agency to join KOA in December 1960 as its promotion and merchandising director. He would go on to run the station.
April 1971: Mick Schafbuch named KOA general manager
Mick Schafbuch was named vice president and general manager of KOA AM and FM in April 1971. Leaning on news, he took KOA from ninth place in the Denver ratings to first.
February 1978: Mick Schafbuch leaves KOA for Portland
After more than 17 years at KOA, general manager Mick Schafbuch resigned in February 1978 to run KOIN-TV in Portland. Governor Dick Lamm proclaimed March 17, 1978, Mick Schafbuch Day in Colorado.
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