Best TV executive 2000 | Cindy Velasquez, Channel 7 | Best of Denver® | Best Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Music and Stores in Denver | Westword
Navigation
Unlike most television execs, Velasquez doesn't hide behind a desk. Instead, she regularly steps in front of the camera to deliver editorials that have become tougher and more credible as time has worn on. Just as important, she's inspired the improvement of the station's once-unwatchable newscast. This return to respectability hasn't paid off in a larger audience: Channel 7's ratings remain anemic. But Velasquez deserves credit for focusing on substance over style.

Unlike most television execs, Velasquez doesn't hide behind a desk. Instead, she regularly steps in front of the camera to deliver editorials that have become tougher and more credible as time has worn on. Just as important, she's inspired the improvement of the station's once-unwatchable newscast. This return to respectability hasn't paid off in a larger audience: Channel 7's ratings remain anemic. But Velasquez deserves credit for focusing on substance over style.

The longtime ratings leader is undergoing a serious brain drain: Ron Zappolo and Phil Keating have already split for Channel 31, and veteran Ed Sardella is retiring from day-to-day duties. So if the station stays aloft, it will be because of Adele Arakawa, who's solid, forthright, and lends a welcome edge to a broadcast that desperately needs one. Bet against her at your peril.

Readers' choice: Ed Sardella, Channel 9

The longtime ratings leader is undergoing a serious brain drain: Ron Zappolo and Phil Keating have already split for Channel 31, and veteran Ed Sardella is retiring from day-to-day duties. So if the station stays aloft, it will be because of Adele Arakawa, who's solid, forthright, and lends a welcome edge to a broadcast that desperately needs one. Bet against her at your peril.

Readers' choice: Ed Sardella, Channel 9

The sportscasters who dominate Denver these days tend to be a bit on the dull side; with rare exceptions, they deliver the scores and highlights with maximum efficiency and minimum flair. But not Vic Lombardi, who's flashy, funny, energetic and a little off-kilter. He shoots -- and he scores!

Readers' choice: Tom Green, Channel 7

The sportscasters who dominate Denver these days tend to be a bit on the dull side; with rare exceptions, they deliver the scores and highlights with maximum efficiency and minimum flair. But not Vic Lombardi, who's flashy, funny, energetic and a little off-kilter. He shoots -- and he scores!

Readers' choice: Tom Green, Channel 7

For years, Marty Coniglio's weather reports have been Denver's most accurate. Now he's finally getting a chance to prove it in prime time -- and he's making the most of it.

Readers' choice: Mike Nelson, Channel 9

For years, Marty Coniglio's weather reports have been Denver's most accurate. Now he's finally getting a chance to prove it in prime time -- and he's making the most of it.

Readers' choice: Mike Nelson, Channel 9

Best impending entry into the Denver TV news scene

Channel 31

It's too soon to tell if the newscast being assembled for our neighborhood Fox affiliate will be worth a damn. But by raiding high-profile talent such as Ron Zappolo, Tom Martino and Phil Keating, Channel 31 has already thrown a much-needed scare into the complacent folks at the network outlets. This just in: Fox is known for shaking things up.

Best impending entry into the Denver TV news scene

Channel 31

It's too soon to tell if the newscast being assembled for our neighborhood Fox affiliate will be worth a damn. But by raiding high-profile talent such as Ron Zappolo, Tom Martino and Phil Keating, Channel 31 has already thrown a much-needed scare into the complacent folks at the network outlets. This just in: Fox is known for shaking things up.

Best Of Denver®

Best Of