Longtime Denver sports radio host Darren McKee — affectionately known as “DMac” — recently joined Altitude Sports Radio after a long run at 104.3 The Fan. In a sitdown interview with Mile High Sports, McKee shared his view that the life of a broadcaster isn’t an easy one.
“I couldn’t be happier where I ended up – could not be happier. I don’t know if “vindication” is the right word. In this business, you’re just so paranoid; it’s almost like relief, not vindication,” Darren McKee said. “The paranoia about being a broadcaster… it’s got to be the most idiotic choice to hang your shingle on and make a life out of. I mean, who would do this? I’m like the guy who’s the bass player who quit his day job, to get in the back of the station wagon with the band. I have not given myself any other choices. Right? This is it.
“I really didn’t want to leave Colorado. With all my years of experience, I suppose I could always get a job somewhere, but I didn’t want to go somewhere else. I love it here. I’ve built up a lot of equity here in the state of Colorado, and literally is my favorite place in the country. I’ve been all over the country, including my hometown of Boston. And I swear to God – this is not just a line – I would never want to live anywhere else.”
When asked about the situation with Altitude Sports Radio — which is owned by Kroenke Sports and Entertainment along with the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Rapids (MLS), and Colorado Mammoth (NLL) — and if there is an edict to steer clear of criticizing the franchises.
“I think it’s about being critical fairly. Right. I’ve been told as long as everything is fair, criticism is fine. I don’t really have a problem with that. I think I can be fairly critical about what’s going on; that pertains to everything. To be fairly critical for me is to be as informed as I can be about the things that matter the most,” McKee said.
“Right now, I’d have to be going out of my way to be overly critical (of the Nuggets or Avalanche); it’s a weird question because (we’re lucky enough to be) talking about an NBA Championship and a team that’s poised to make a Stanley Cup run. I guess I’ll have to cross that bridge when I get to it. I guess that’s a lucky break on my part, that it’s really not much of an issue.”
After joining Altitude Sports Radio, Darren McKee is partnered with Tyler Polumbus and Scott Hastings from 12-3 PM.
