Denise Plante is currently the midday host on 106.7 The Bull, Denver, and has been for about seven years now. She’s also Co-Host of KWGN’s “Great Day Colorado” and Fox 31’s “Weekend Vibe,” in Denver.
She is the perfect example of what anyone in this industry would dream to achieve: moving to a community, raising a family, and building a long-standing brand that has allowed her to entrench herself in the Denver community for almost 30 years. She’s been married to her teenage sweetheart, Michael, for just as long, with whom she shares two sons, Austin and Wyatt.
Plante says the secret to achieving that dream is “giving back to her community.” “I’m a big believer in helping where I can. I enjoy donating time to nonprofits and emceeing events,” she says.
She helped raise $1.2 million for the American Cancer Society in honor of her dad and close to $1 million for Make-A-Wish. She’s a big advocate for the American Heart Association and has been recognized by Volunteers of America for her genuine desire to make a positive impact.
“I know this may sound funny,” says Plante, “But I taught my two boys to take pride in donating time to lift the community and help others. You don’t wait until you’re in an orange jumpsuit getting your hand slapped and are forced to do it. It’s very rewarding to pay our blessings forward in life, and it makes living in that community so much more rewarding.”
Plante also knows how important it is to build and maintain quality and profitable client relationships for her stations, which provide her major platforms. “I endorse companies I truly believe in, so I can talk from experience and the client can hear the faith and excitement I have for their business. Most of my clients have been with me for years and have become close friends.”
Also, Plante isn’t lost on the fact that Denver is such a great place to build a career and family. “I’m so lucky,” she says. “I’ve made incredible connections with others in the media; it’s been fun to watch each other grow and succeed. Being supported and feeling appreciated is important. I’ve been lucky to have the support of some really important decision makers here in Denver.
“They know I have worked hard at times, juggling multiple jobs and taking care of my family, and I appreciate that support. Denver has definitely grown, and the talent here is amazing, some of the absolute best in the industry. It’s always great to pick up the phone and ask questions. I never stop learning from my Denver colleagues.”
“Another reason I am so lucky is because ‘live and local’ is so important in a radio market like Denver, and I get to do that,” says Plante. “I’ve received so many letters from listeners/viewers that say they can relate to what I’m going through and share on air. Many parents have laughed over the years at my crazy stories about raising my boys, and they have sent notes of support during the difficult times.”
Plante has had to balance a successful career, being a wife, mom, and caregiver for her mom before she passed away. Finding balance has got to be a challenge for her overall.
“It does take a village, in my case, an incredible family of four,” she says. “My husband and boys are extremely helpful and supportive. After my dad passed, my mom ended up having three strokes. She lived with us full-time, and at least one of us had to be home at all times.”
“My boys learned that we all need help in life, and family is the most important thing, including faith. I’m lucky enough to have a GM and Senior Vice President of Programming and PD who also share the same beliefs and support the past struggles I’ve had with the changes in life while losing my parents.”
Speaking of her sons, Plante recently celebrated a big win with one of them. The Colorado Association of Broadcasters awarded her “Best Midday Show” during their ceremony on April 5th. She’s won this award several times, but this year was so much more rewarding because she got to share it with her son Wyatt.
Plante posted on Facebook, “Tonight was a special one! This was the first time my son Wyatt was my escort to the awards; it was a special moment when he gave me a giant hug after I won Best Middays.”
“It was so exciting for me to celebrate with Wyatt,” says Plante. “He’s seen all of the hard work I’ve put in over the years, and it was amazing to see the joy on his face when I won. He was so happy for me, and that is everything.”
“Radio is still so fun to me too; I love having a live show each day,” says Plante. “Interacting with live callers, doing local giveaways, and sharing my life with listeners who have listened over the past 30 years. It’s like therapy for me. I feel like it is ‘Denise’s time.”
Follow Denise Plante on Facebook, Instagram & and Twitter @Deniseplantedenver
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Charese Fruge’ is an award-winning Content, Broadcast, and Marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, San Diego, and Las Vegas. As the owner of MC Media, she works with radio brands and individual talent, especially young women, helping them grow their brands and negotiate on their own behalf. She is also a Voice Actor and Voice Over Talent as well as a Freelance Writer for International Broadcast Outlets. Find her at @MCMediaOnline or www.mcmediaonline.com.
