Nikki Swarn Appointed General Manager of KUVO JAZZ and THE DROP

Nikki Swarn Appointed General Manager of KUVO JAZZ and THE DROP

A 25-Year Radio Veteran, Nikki Swarn Will Oversee Operations, Build Community Bridges for Rocky Mountain Public Media’s Two Radio Stations

Denver, CO – Rocky Mountain Public Media is pleased to announce THE DROP 104.7 General Manager Nikki Swarn is stepping into the role of General Manager of KUVO JAZZ, supervising management for both stations.

Nikki is a dynamic leader and visionary with over 25 years of radio experience. As Colorado’s first African American woman to serve as general manager of a radio station, Nikki’s career is filled with milestones. She has repeatedly created new pathways in the independent music movement through radio programs that showcase and promote diverse and emerging artists.

Nikki began her radio career in 1998 working with KHIH jazz in Denver. Since that time, her radio journey includes leadership roles at KS 107.5, KYGO, ESPN, and Alice 105.9. She launched THE DROP in 2019 as an extension of KUVO JAZZ with grant support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. At the time, it was one of the first Urban Alternative public radio stations in the country, paving the way for a new format that continues to expand and shape public media as a whole.

Under Swarn’s leadership, 104.7 THE DROP recently won several awards, including Westword Magazine’s Best New Radio Station (2020) and Best Radio Station for Music (2021); and Colorado Broadcasters Association Awards of Excellence (2021) for Best Station Sponsored Community Event, Best Midday Show, Best Evening Show, Best Public Affairs Program (merit), and Best Sales Event or Live Remote Broadcast (merit). Swarn was also the inaugural winner of the Asante Award, Black Pride Colorado (2021); and Urban Spectrum’s Annual People Who Make a Difference Award (2021).

“Nikki has put together an excellent team of committed radio professionals with strong ties to Denver’s R&B and hip hop community while continuing to build a vision for public radio that shapes the industry nationwide as an avenue to engage and serve diverse communities,” says Carlos Lando, KUVO JAZZ’s former General Manager and current host of “The Morning Set with Carlos Lando.”

Nikki is a prominent youth advocate, facilitating high school and university enrichment and community service programs throughout Colorado. She is featured as a guest speaker at music and entertainment conferences, colleges, and universities around the world, building capacity with colleagues and providing experiential learning opportunities for future programmers and broadcasters in the music industry.

“I am humbled and honored to serve our Colorado community in this capacity. The impact that KUVO has stretches beyond our state borders as we share a love for community, culture, and music with the world. Together in concert, both stations remain committed to developing and delivering content that explores and shares community voices and perspectives by providing platforms for access and authenticity,” says Nikki. “I’m excited to continue collaborating with THE DROP and KUVO teams as we strengthen our community relationships and earn trust. It is our hope that, through active engagement and listening, we inspire excellence, nurture emerging artists, and cultivate relevant content and connections with those whom we serve.”

KUVO JAZZ co-founder Flo Hernandez-Ramos returns to the station as a strategy and team-building consultant and joins the Rocky Mountain Public Media Board of Directors as an Emeritus member. In addition to his role as executive producer and host of “The Morning Set with Carlos Lando,” Carlos continues to serve as a senior radio advisor for Rocky Mountain Public Media.

“Nikki, Carlos and Flo all bring with them knowledge of the past, present and future of KUVO,” says Rocky Mountain Public Media President and CEO Amanda Mountain. “Together, we are building bridges between our organization and our communities to create true co-ownership of Rocky Mountain Public Media that supports our continued relevancy and expands positive community impact.”

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