KFXN-FM

For the unrelated radio station in Johnson City, Texas, see KFAN-FM. For the history of "KFAN" and its sports format, see KTLK (AM).
"KJZI" redirects here. For the airport serving Charleston, South Carolina, assigned the ICAO code KJZI, see Charleston Executive Airport.
KFXN-FM
City Minneapolis, Minnesota
Broadcast area Minneapolis-St. Paul
Branding 100.3 FM KFAN: The Fan
Slogan "The Sports Leader"
Frequency 100.3 MHz
(also on HD Radio)
Translator(s) 99.9 K260BA (Coon Rapids, relays HD3)
103.5 K278BP (Cottage Grove, relays HD2)
First air date 1965 (as WCTS)
Format Analog/HD-1: Sports/Talk
HD-2: KTLK simulcast
HD-3: K-LOVE
ERP 100,000 watts
HAAT 281 meters
Class C1
Facility ID 54458
Callsign meaning "The FAN" (the "X" substitutes for the "A"; the KFAN-FM calls were unavailable due to their use on a station in Texas)
Former callsigns 2006-2011: KTLK-FM
2003-2006: KJZI
1999-2003: WLOL
1997-1999: WRQC
1993-1997: WBOB
1965-1993: WCTS
Affiliations Minnesota Vikings (flagship)
Minnesota Wild (flagship)
Minnesota Golden Gophers football (flagship)
Fox Sports Radio
Owner iHeartMedia
(AMFM Broadcasting Licenses, LLC)
Sister stations K244FE, K273BH, KDWB, KEEY, KFXN-FM, KQQL, KTLK, KTCZ, W227BF
Webcast Listen Live
Website kfan.com

KFXN-FM 100.3 (FM)—branded 100.3 FM KFAN: The Fan—is a commercial radio station licensed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, broadcasting a sports talk format. The station is owned by iHeartMedia, and serves the Twin Cities market. KFXN-FM's transmitter is located in the suburb of Shoreview on KMSP-TV's tower. Its effective radiated power is 98,000 watts (including beam tilt). The station's main studios are in St. Louis Park.

KFXN-FM is the flagship station of Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Golden Gophers football and Minnesota Wild hockey. It is also the flagship station of the regional FAN Radio Network.

At midnight on August 15, 2011, iHeartMedia (then known as Clear Channel Communications) swapped the formats of KFAN (1130 AM), and 100.3 FM's former conservative news/talk format KTLK-FM. The new KFXN-FM call sign, shared with former AM sister station KFXN, was adopted the same day.

History

The station started broadcasting in 1965 as WCTS, with a non-commercial Christian format, consisting of mostly Bible teachings, by the Fourth Baptist Church in Minneapolis. WCTS took its call letters from its owner - the Central Theological Seminary. WCTS continues broadcasting to this day on 1030 AM.

"Bob 100"

A startup company called Colfax Communications purchased WCTS-FM for $10 million in early 1993. Part of the deal was that they needed to find an AM station for the Seminary to purchase in order to continue the format, which they did when they struck a deal to buy WMIN. Around the same time, Colfax took advantage of recently relaxed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and became the Twin Cities market's first duopoly when they purchased KQQL to partner with the new station. Once WCTS switched frequencies in January, Colfax took the FM station off the air for a few months, eventually signing back on a few months later, on May 13 with a country music format as WBOB ("Bob 100"), after stunting for two weeks with a comedy format, to create a buzz about the new station. The slogan was "Turn your knob to Bob". WBOB faced stiff competition from the long established K102 and upstart KJJO-FM, which had switched to country only a few months prior. Despite this, WBOB was consistently the second highest-rated country station in the market behind K102. However, when KJJO left the format in 1995, it allowed K102 to aim their guns directly at Bob, a battle 100.3 soon lost swiftly.

Rock 100.3 and Howard Stern

In 1996, both WBOB and KQQL were sold to Chancellor Broadcasting, which also owned KFAN, KDWB, KTCZ and KTCJ. A format change for WBOB was subsequently expected, and finally, on April 15, 1997, at 1:03 PM, after an hour of stunting, WBOB became WRQC, broadcasting an active rock format with Howard Stern in the morning and the slogan "Classic Rock That Really Rocks". WRQC was known on-air initially as Real Rock 100, and then Rock 100.3.

Stern's show was a mild success in the market, but consistently finished second or third in the ratings, while only taking away a smaller than expected number of listeners from KQRS and Tom Barnard. In addition, like many other Stern affiliates, ratings for the station the rest of the day were poor, and certainly not helped by KQRS' owners flipping its sister station, KEGE, to a similar hard rock format in 1997. WRQC did not meet its objective in providing a strong rival to KQRS.

WLOL

WRQC and Stern left the Twin Cities airwaves on August 3, 1999, as the station began stunting by simulcasting co-owned KFAN. When the new format debuted two days later, the format was 1970s-era classic hits, which eventually went to full-blown classic hits, as Classic Hits 100.3 WLOL.[1] Although ratings were decent initially, the station's overall performance was disappointing.

During its period as WLOL, the station owners, Chancellor Broadcasting, merged with Capstar Broadcasting to form AMFM Inc., and the next year was absorbed into Clear Channel Communications (now its current owners, iHeartMedia).

KJZI

WLOL remained on 100.3 for almost four years. On June 19, 2003, at Noon, following a goodbye show by DJ Dan Riggs, 100.3 flipped to Smooth Jazz as Smooth Jazz 100.3 with new matching call letters KJZI. The last song on WLOL was Tomorrow Never Knows by The Beatles, while the first song on KJZI was Smooth Operator by Sade. This was the first smooth jazz station in the Twin Cities since KMJZ flipped to Modern AC in 1998.

When public broadcaster KBEM-FM, another jazz station, found itself in financial straits in early 2005, Clear Channel donated $25,000 to help keep it operating and KJZI along with sister station KTCZ carried announcements requesting support for KBEM-FM.[2] The generous move was lauded by many in the media. [3]

KTLK-FM

Logo used while as KTLK-FM

While satisfied with smooth jazz, Clear Channel was even more interested in launching a news/talk station in the Twin Cities, in order to air programming from company-owned Premiere Radio Networks and FOX News Radio. Having no available AM stations in the market on which they could run a news/talk format — (KFAN was already highly successful with their sports/talk format, and KFXN possessed too weak a signal), Clear Channel decided to put a talk format on one of their FM signals. The company had success with the introduction of news/talk on one of their Pittsburgh FM stations, WPGB, and was launching FM News/Talk in other markets. Since their other Twin Cities FM stations (KDWB-FM, KEEY-FM, KTCZ-FM, and KQQL) were already entrenched, management decided KJZI was the most expendable.

On January 2, 2006, KJZI switched to news/talk with new KTLK call letters, becoming the second FM talk station in the area after female-oriented WFMP. The station obtained the market rights to Rush Limbaugh and later Sean Hannity's radio programs from KSTP. A mix of local and syndicated hosts such as Glenn Beck and Laura Ingraham filled out the rest of KTLK's schedule, including former KSTP host Jason Lewis and paranormal talk show Darkness Radio. The station had also resumed carrying Vikings football.

Clear Channel also owned an AM News/Talk station in Los Angeles, California that used the KTLK call sign. While two stations on different bands and/or in different cities may use the same call sign, they both must be owned by the same company. The LA station became KEIB on January 2, 2014, after which Clear Channel reassigned KTLK to what was known as KTCN.

In the spring of 2008, former KTLK news director, Jeff Monosso, was honored with Congressional recognition for his reporting on the 35W Bridge collapse. He and host, Jason Lewis, were also honored by the Minnesota Associated Press for best spot news coverage.

On August 8, 2011, Clear Channel announced a two-way frequency swap that moved KTLK-FM's talk format to 1130 AM and a translator at 102.5 FM, while KFANs Sports Talk format would move to 100.3 FM. This swap took effect on August 15, 2011. The low-power signal at 103.5 FM and the HD2 subchannel at 100.3 FM both underwent the same format swap as did 1130 AM. There were plans to simulcast the talk station's signal on FM translator 103.5 FM, but this has been delayed while seeking FCC approval.[4]

Programming

According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, KFAN "...has morphed from a sports-talk station to a talk station that sometimes discusses sports." [5]

Daily, Monday–Friday

The Power Trip Morning Show: Consists of sports, some local and world news, and the world of entertainment. The show is produced by Chris Hawkey A.K.A. Dave Despana (a NASCAR enthusiast and former lead singer of country band Rocket Club, now a Solo Artist), and hosted by Cory "Sludge" Cove. Co-hosting the show is local pizza enthusiast and initials Hall of Famer Paul "Meatsauce" Lambert. Lambert also hosts an infrequent program called, "Saturdays with Sauce" with alcoholic former intern AJ Mansour. Also frequently on the show are WCCO-TV sports anchor Mark "I like the Alaskan Pipeline" Rosen, former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ben Leber, former Minnesota Wild player (along with 57 other NHL Teams) Mark Parrish, and Minnesota United player Jamie Watson.

PA: Hosted by Paul Allen, produced by Eric "Mikko Nordo" Nordquist. Formerly was the P.A. and Dubay show. Paul Allen is the voice of the Minnesota Vikings Radio Network and Canterbury Park. Also known as the "Love Covenant". Paul Allen has been accused of using preposterone to boost the number of entries he has in the annual "Preposterous Statement Tournament" hosted by the Common Man.

The Common Man Progrum (KFAN's spelling): Hosted by the "Common Man" Dan Cole and co-host Brandon "Tenna-B" Mileski. The show features a mix of sports and political discussions both on local and national levels. Common Man has an esoteric approach to sports. The show has hundreds of inside jokes that you need to listen to more than once to catch onto. WCCO-TV sports anchor Mark Rosen also makes regular appearances on The Progrum Monday-Thursday at 2 PM.

Bumper to Bumper: Hosted by Dan Barreiro and sidekick/producer and Iowa Hawkeyes fan Justin Gaard. The show consists of Barreiro's insights on both popular culture issues and sports. Bumper to Bumper is also known to feature satirical call-in segments with eccentric Green Bay Packers fan Carl Gerbschmidt, who appears to be a fictional character.[6]

Other programming

Video Games Weekly: Tuesdays, hosted by Paul Charchian, who discusses new video games for many different platforms. The show is routinely sponsored by Activision Blizzard and co-hosted by staff members of Game Informer Magazine, typically Managing Editor Andrew Reiner. Game Informer, owned by Gamestop Corporation, is a monthly magazine based out of Minneapolis.

FAN Outdoors: Thursdays, hosted by Billy Hildebrand and Saturdays 6 am-8 am, hosted Rob Drieslein. Saturdays 5 am-6 am, Outdoors Live with Doug Leier. The hosts share their hunting and fishing experiences and strategies, along with insights on outdoor issues.

In the Zone: Saturdays, hosted by Dave Sinykin and former NBA player Trent Tucker.

Minnesota Viking Broadcast: Pregame coverage of Vikings games starts two hours before the day's Vikings game. Pregame was usually hosted by "Mr. Phunn" Joe Anderson; however, Anderson was let go sometime before 2009 and K102 KEEY-FM's Morning Show co-host Mike "Muss" Mussman took over the duties of pregame coverage. KFAN's Vikings broadcast team consists of Paul Allen on play-by-play, and color commentary done by former Viking Linebacker and Assistant Coach Pete Bercich. Sideline insight is brought to the game by former Viking Punter Greg Coleman. The halftime report is hosted by Mike Mussman with insight from Mike Morris and Corey Cove. The postgame report is also hosted by Mussman and includes interviews with multiple Vikings players and coaching staff which are conducted by Greg Coleman.

Viking Fan Line: Starts right after the Vikings post-game report and lasts about two hours. Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ben Leber and morning show host Cory Cove take fan post-game reaction and provide their commentary on the game and the fans reactions. Another former Vikings linebacker, E.J. Henderson fills Ben Leber's seat when he is unavailable.

Vikings Uncensored: Mondays during Vikings season. Hosted by Paul Allen and "Sludge" Cory Cove from Joe Sensor's bar and grill in Bloomington. They interview a star Viking player from the game on Sunday. The program is not broadcast if the Vikings have a Monday Night Football game.

Packer Preview: Sundays 8am-9am during the Green Bay Packers season, hosted by Dave Sinykin. The Preview examines the day's Packers game. Packer Preview is the only Packers show on KFAN and is controversial among Viking fans. However, the Packers predate the Vikings by 41 years and had a somewhat solid fan base when the Vikings were formed.

Fantasy Football Weekly: Saturdays during the football season. Hosted by Paul Charchian since 1994. Co-hosts include John Tuvey, Christian Peterson, and Mat Harrison. Typical shows will offer advice and predictions for almost 200 players each week. Fantasy football questions are answered on this show, primarily during "Lightning Round" at the end of the show. Other recurring segments include "Take a Chance on Me" and "Five Tough Questions". Callers are known to call a couple of hours before the show is on-air to be put on hold.

Saturdays with Sauce: Saturdays. Hosted by Power Trip Morning Show sidekick Paul "Meatsauce" Lambert for one hour on Saturday afternoons.

Tee to Green: Saturdays. Golf related show hosted by Dan Cole during the summer months, talks all things golf related with co-host and master teaching professional Craig Waryn.

Strike Radio: Saturdays. MMA/UFC related show hosted by Henry Lake, MMA fighter Mark Waters, and Strike Fitness Gym's Dan Blustin.

Fox Sports Radio: On when none of the programs above are on the air. Fox Sports Radio programming on KFAN includes The J. T. the Brick Show and multiple weekend shows.

Vikings Live/ Vikings Country: Thursdays [usually] - almost always begins with Paul Allen (play-by-play voice of the Minnesota Vikings and host of the 9-noon weekday show) interviewing the Minnesota Vikings head coach (currently Mike Zimmer) and other Vikings' coaching staff at Winter Park. Vikings Country live is usually right after; it usually takes place at Sky Deck sports grille & Lanes at the Mall of America. The second segment contains "The Scouting Report" where they discuss the previous football week/Vikings game as well as the upcoming week.Beyond The Pond: Hockey related show during the winter months. Hosted by former Minnesota Golden Gophers Nate Miller and Pat Micheletti, and Common Man Progrum producer Brandon Mileski.

Sunday Sermons: Hosted by Dan Barreiro. Short version of Bumper to Bumper, with Iowa Hawkeyes fan Justin Gaard as producer.

Former programming

Rights to the Minnesota Timberwolves broadcasts were lost in 2006. KFAN had held these rights since the Wolves' inaugural season in 1989. The Wolves returned to KFAN beginning in the 2008-09 season, until the 2010-11 season, when the team moved to WCCO (AM).

Former on-air staff

KFAN: The Restaurant

It opened in 2004 and closed in 2005. The food services were managed by Grand Management, which operates a chain of Sidney's restaurants in the Twin Cities. Clear Channel Communications considered it to be a pilot project and may have tried to create similar restaurants across the country if it succeeded. In September 2005, the KFAN name was dropped and the restaurant became known as the Big City Tavern. In July 2006, Big City Tavern closed. The restaurant was taken over by Major's Sports Cafe in September 2006, then changed owners again in 2008 to the Roseville location of Grumpy's Bar & Grill.

KFXN (690 AM)

See also: KFXN (AM)

KFXN, also known as "Score 690", was KFAN's sister station and aired a complementary sports talk format from 1998 until September 2011. Prior to being donated to the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council, the station aired mostly syndicated shows from Fox Sports and ESPN Radio, in addition to the Dan Patrick Show and the Jim Rome Show. For a time, KFXN also aired repeats of KFAN's local shows.

With the divestiture and format change of KFXN, Clear Channel moved the sports format of "The Score" to the HD2 subchannel of KQQL, with plans to eventually air it on translator K278BP (103.5 FM).

The FAN Radio Network

Location Call sign Frequency (kHz) Owner
Bemidji, Minnesota KBUN-FM 104.5 FM Hubbard Broadcasting
Bismarck-Mandan KXMR 710 AM iHeartMedia
Brainerd, Minnesota KLIZ 1380 AM Hubbard Broadcasting
Duluth-Superior (MN-WI) WWAX-FM 92.1 FM Red Rock Radio
Ely, Minnesota WELY 1450 AM Boundary Waters Broadcasters
Fargo-Moorhead (ND-MN) KVOX 740 AM Midwest Communications
Grand Forks (ND-MN) KKXL 1440 AM iHeartMedia
Mankato, Minnesota KFSP 1230 AM Linder Radio
Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN-WI) KFXN-FM 100.3 FM iHeartMedia
Rochester, Minnesota KFAN 1270 AM iHeartMedia
St. Cloud, Minnesota KXSS 1390 AM Townsquare Media

HD Radio

See also: K260BA and K278BP

By February 2005, the station was one of a handful of stations in Minnesota to use iBiquity's HD Radio system for digital radio broadcasts. On April 25, 2006, Clear Channel announced that KTLK's HD2 subchannel will carry a format focusing on classic country hits from their Format Lab. In August 2009, the format was changed to classic rock.

On August 22, 2010, the HD2 channel began instead carrying the audio of KFAN (1130), mainly in order to allow KFAN's signal to be relayed to K279AZ, an analog translator station at 103.7 FM atop the IDS Center; HD Radio subchannels are allowed to be carried via translator stations. The station later moved to 103.5 as K278BP

KFXN-FM's HD3 sub channel is carrying EMF's K-LOVE contemporary Christian format, rebroacsat on K260BA 99.9 FM.

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1999/RR-1999-08-13.pdf
  2. ↑ Rybak, Deborah Caulfield (January 23, 2005) "Radio rival comes to aid of KBEM" Star Tribune
  3. ↑ Current.org | World's longest deejay shift?
  4. ↑ Make the Switch: News Talk Moves to 102.5 FM!
  5. ↑ http://www.startribune.com/459/story/151768.html Archived January 29, 2006 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ↑ http://www.leadertelegram.com/story.asp?id=77938
  7. ↑ from Minneapolis Star Tribune Archived February 13, 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ↑ I was him

External links

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