iHeartMedia has ended the “Alt 93.3” format in the Twin Cities, replacing it with its new Black Information Network.
“BIN 93.3” is airing on W227BF/93.3 and the HD2 signal of KQQL/107.9.
iHeart says in a news release that BIN will be “the first and only 24/7 national and local all news audio service dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news coverage with a Black voice and perspective.”
BIN follows the traditional model of short-form All News radio formats with news headlines read by dual anchors, sports, business, entertainment reports, and frequent local traffic and weather updates. However, at least as of launch day, BIN is completely pre-produced and airs on a half-hour loop, with newscasts that aired at midday Tuesday still airing Tuesday evening.
Other than Twin Cities traffic and weather every 15 minutes, the only local items airing on BIN 93.3 as of Tuesday were reports related to George Floyd that aired as part of national newscasts. iHeart said in its news release that BIN is actively hiring for various positions, but no jobs were listed in Minneapolis as of Tuesday.
The format is being carried full-time in 15 markets at the launch, with additional stations to be announced in the next 60 days. Its newscasts will air on an additional 91 stations with Hip-Hop, R&B, and Gospel formats.
Tuesday’s launch came after W227BF and other BIN stations ran a loop of speeches by prominent African-American leaders. The broadcast included Rev. Al Sharpton’s comments at George Floyd’s funeral and a 2018 commencement speech by Oprah Winfrey, with announcements saying, “Our side of the story is about to be told.”
RadioInsight reports that the other full-tine BIN stations include two others that had previously carried “Alt” identities, as well as numerous other formats including both Conservative Talk and Liberal Talk.
“Alt 93.3” had launched in June 2014 but never made a significant showing in the ratings, registering a 0.1 share in Nielsen Audio’s 6+ ratings for May 2020. It was part of a crowded field of Alternative formats in the market that includes Minnesota Public Radio’s “The Current” (KCMP/89.3), Go Media’s “Go 96.3” (KQGO), the U of M’s “Radio K” (KUOM/770 and FM translators), and the hybrid Adult Alternative/Adult Contemporary format on iHeart’s “Cities 97.1” (KTCZ).
W227BF transmits from the IDS Center with 99 Watts. It is one of nine FM signals iHeart owns in the Minneapolis market, consisting of five 100kW stations and four translators.