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New staff launches OpenAir 1340 AM in Denver on Oct. 31

CENTENNIAL, Colo. - Oct. 26, 2011 – A staff of five will lead the launch of OpenAir, beginning Oct. 31 on 1340 AM in Denver. They’ll explore new ideas, new bands and new sounds with a Colorado perspective.

“OpenAir is launching with the support of an extremely dedicated and talented team of individuals who have extensive experience working in radio,” said Mike Flanagan, OpenAir’s program director and the person responsible for assembling OpenAir’s staff. “Collectively, this group has a deep-seated passion for new music and established connections to the local music scene. Their knowledge and expertise will provide listeners with an unparalleled listening experience and opportunities to discover new music.”

The OpenAir staff:

Mike Flanagan, program director, has more than 30 years of experience in radio at all levels, including eight years as a classical music host at Colorado Public Radio in the 1990s. Flanagan comes to CPR after spending six years as general manager of the University of Colorado’s nationally-recognized student radio station, Radio 1190. More about Mike Flanagan.

Jessi Whitten, music director, began her radio career as traffic director at Radio 1190 and also hosted the station’s morning show on and off for three years. Before arriving at CPR, Whitten spent two years as music director at Radio 1190 where she planned daytime music programming, produced content for the web and reviewed CDs. More about Jessi Whitten.

Alisha Sweeney, morning show host and assistant music director, is a seasoned on-air personality with 12 years of experience working in radio. She’s worked for stations in Denver, Boulder, Jersey City, N.J. and London, England and won several awards, including a nod from Westword in 2001 for best radio DJ. More about Alisha Sweeney.

Corey H. Jones, announcer and producer, was first involved with radio in college, working as a DJ, news and sports director and host of Radio 1190’s weekly local music program, “The Local Shakedown.” With a background in journalism, Jones brings an investigative spirit to OpenAir and looks to uncover and share stories about Colorado’s local music scene. More about Corey H. Jones.

Brandee Castle, web director and host, began her career in radio as a 17-year-old intern at Radio 1190. She spent six years there as a DJ before launching a career in writing and editing. Castle is a digital media specialist, most recently developing social media strategies as an associate with the Governor’s Energy Office of Colorado. More about Brandee Castle.

OpenAir will provide a comprehensive music experience focusing on new and recent music of the past 15 years with a Colorado perspective. Tune in to 1340 AM for a sample of what's to come or visit www.cpr.org.

Coming Oct. 31: Join OpenAir online at www.OpenAircpr.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/openaircpr and www.twitter.com/openaircpr.

CPR announced plans in June to convert 1340 AM in Denver from all news to a new-music station. CPR will continue to broadcast in-depth news on 90.1 FM in Denver and classical music on 88.1 FM in Denver.

Photos of OpenAir staff are available upon request.

Colorado Public Radio is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides 24-hour, in-depth news and music to about 475,000 listeners each week (Source: Arbitron, Fall 2010/Spring 2011). More than 90 percent of CPR's funds come from the private support of listeners, businesses, and foundations.

In-Depth News: Denver 90.1 FM, Boulder 1490 AM, Pueblo 1230 AM, Vail 89.9 FM, Grand Junction 89.5 FM, Montrose / Craig / Parachute 88.3 FM, Gunnison 88.5 FM, Ouray 91.5 FM, Meeker / Rangely 91.1 FM, and online at www.CPR.org.

Classical Music: Denver 88.1 FM, Boulder 99.9 FM, Pueblo 91.9 FM, Colorado Springs 94.7 FM, Glenwood Springs 90.5 FM, Aspen 101.5 FM, Western Slope 103.3 FM, Dove Creek 88.7 FM, Gunnison 89.1 FM, Cortez 102.5 FM, Crystal River Valley / Old Snowmass 93.9 FM, Thomasville 93.7 FM, and online at www.CPR.org.

OpenAir: Denver 1340 AM.

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