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(see all)Rocky Mountain Public Media Names Ayana Contreras Vice President of Radio
DENVER, CO – Rocky Mountain Public Media (RMPM) is proud to announce Ayana Contreras as the new Vice President of Radio to lead THE DROP and KUVO JAZZ. Contreras will also continue serving as THE DROP’s program director and host of KUVO’s Soulful Strut, roles she’s held since November 2023. Before joining RMPM, Contreras served as the Content Director of Chicago’s Vocalo Radio, an NPR music station and the nation’s first urban alternative radio station, which she helped launch. Vocalo later inspired the creation of THE DROP and its current music format.
“Ayana is a pioneer in urban alternative public radio, and we are thrilled to welcome her into this new role,”
“Her extensive expertise and vision will be instrumental as we expand our community impact and reach new audiences under her dynamic leadership.”
– President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Public Media, Amanda Mountain.
As THE DROP celebrates its fifth anniversary and KUVO JAZZ enters its 40th year on the air, Contreras is poised to usher both stations into a new era of music discovery. This includes updated music formats, performance series, and live shows that give musicians amplified spaces to share their artistry while connecting with both legacy and new audiences. From THE DROP’s highly anticipated annual Block Party to the brand new KUVO Latina Musica Series, ¡KUVOLE!, RMPM continues its commitment to keeping live music thriving.
“Ayana’s leadership will build on the strong foundations laid at both KUVO and THE DROP, elevating them to even greater heights. We are thrilled about what the future holds under her vision,” Flo Hernández-Ramos, Founder and Former CEO of KUVO JAZZ, Rocky Mountain Public Media, Board Member Emeritus stated. “She is the natural successor to the historic path forged by former VP of Radio, Tina Cartagena.” RMPM remains focused not only on music but also on continuing the long-standing tradition of making profound community impact—values that both radio stations were founded upon.
“Community, culture and music are bedrocks of a thriving society, and I’m elated to help KUVO continue its long history of community-based cultural engagement, and to help grow THE DROP’s burgeoning legacy of providing music discovery and supporting local artistry,” said Contreras.
With community at the heart and with interview segments like Community Corner, we are building opportunities for friends of RMPM to get connected to individuals and organizations that are working to uplift and offer valuable resources to community members that are often been forgotten.
Connect with Ayana Contreras and other RMPM radio staff, including KUVO Program Director Shane German, at KUVO Presents ¡KUVO-LÉ!: Los Alcos happening at Two Moons Music Hall Denver on Thursday, September 19. RSVP for free tickets