Some stations talk about impact. Others go out and prove it.
In Colorado Springs, Cumulus Media’s CHR powerhouse KKMG-FM Magic 98.9 just delivered a statement loud enough for the entire industry to hear, taking home Major Market Station of the Year honors from the Colorado Broadcasters Association.
The recognition came during the association’s annual Awards of Excellence Gala, held April 17 at The Ritz-Carlton Denver, where more than 400 broadcasters gathered to celebrate the best of radio and television across the state. But when the dust settled, one station stood above the rest—and it wasn’t by accident.
Magic 98.9 didn’t just win. It overwhelmed.
Six Awards of Excellence. Eleven Certificates of Merit. And a station culture that clearly understands something many in the business are still trying to figure out—local connection still wins.
At the center of that success was one of the most creatively named and widely recognized promotions in the market, the Benson Boone Magical Mystical Moonbeam Ice Cream Event. It wasn’t just a promotion—it was a full-scale engagement machine, earning four Awards of Excellence including Best Station Sponsored Community Event, Best Promotion/Marketing Campaign, Best Sales Event or Live Remote Broadcast, and Best Use of Digital and Social Media. That’s not one lane. That’s dominance across programming, sales, and digital execution all at once.
And it didn’t stop there.
Magic 98.9’s Galentine’s Day Dinner promotion secured top honors in the Best On-Air Contest category, proving the station understands how to create moments that resonate on-air and off. Meanwhile, its “Take a Turkey to Work Day” initiative was recognized as Best Community Service Campaign, reinforcing what separates strong stations from great ones—the ability to serve their audience beyond the playlist.
Because at the end of the day, this wasn’t about contests or campaigns.
This was about connection.
On the talent side, the station delivered a full roster of recognition. Every on-air personality earned Certificates of Merit, a rare across-the-board acknowledgment that speaks to consistency, chemistry, and execution. Jeffrey Haber was named Best Afternoon Host while also serving as Program Director, a dual role that continues to define high-level leadership in today’s radio environment. Dallace Jade earned Best Midday Host honors, and Soliyah Sage was recognized as Best Evening Host, rounding out a lineup that clearly delivers throughout the day.
Haber pointed to the team’s focus on community and creativity as the driving force behind the station’s success, emphasizing that the recognition reflects a group effort built on commitment and connection.
And that’s the story here.
In an era where many stations are cutting back, scaling down, or trying to figure out how to do more with less, Magic 98.9 leaned in. They leaned into their audience. They leaned into their community. And they leaned into the idea that radio still works best when it feels personal, present, and powerful.
This isn’t just a win for one station.
It’s a reminder to the entire industry.
When you show up for your market, your market shows up for you.
And right now in Colorado Springs, Magic 98.9 is showing exactly what that looks like.
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.