Venerable Classic Rocker KQRS/92.5 (Golden Valley-Minneapolis), owned by Cumulus Media, is running jockless. They’re telling listeners they are “under construction” and that they should come back at 6 a.m. Thursday, April 3. The stunting began a few days after longtime host Lisa Miller announced on the station’s official Facebook page that it was her last day “in this position” and that she would be “doing something different with KQRS.”
More recent cuts at the Milwaukee Radio Alliance have come to light, with Melissa Jordan announcing she is no longer with “B93.3” (WLDB) and John Schroeder saying he is no longer with “FM102/1” (WLUM). Their announcements follow the departure of Jon Adler, reported here last week.
Morgan Murphy Media announced that Elizabeth Murphy Burns has retired as CEO and Brian Burns, formerly executive VP and COO, is now CEO. The Madison-based company owns TV stations in seven markets, including Madison, La Crosse, and Marquette, and radio stations in Platteville, Houghton, and Iron River (MI).
iHeartMedia closed on its purchase of K295BR/106.9 (Dickinson, ND) from Northwestern Media on March 25. The translator is now relaying Classic Country outlet KLTC/1460.
Prairie Public has promoted Danielle Webster to North Dakota news anchor during “All Things Considered,” with current afternoon drive host Todd McDonald moving to a role producing longer feature stories of local and regional interest.
Gray ABC affiliate KCRG-TV/9.1 (Cedar Rapids) has promoted Chelsie Brown to sports director following Scott Saville’s retirement.
Investigative reporter/anchor Elizabeth Wadas announced her departure from Gray NBC affiliate WMTV/15.1 (Madison).
The Rochester Post-Bulletin reports that meteorologist Aaron White is departing Allen Media CBS affiliate KIMT/3.1 (Mason City-Rochester) and that the station will begin sourcing its weekend weathercasts from The Weather Channel.
Having broken up with their previous longtime regional sports network partner, the Minnesota Twins announced how fans can see their games this season. The new Twins.TV channel is being carried by Comcast, DirecTV, Spectrum, and other providers, but a quick search of the channel finder indicates it’s not being carried by DISH Network or Mediacom. Fans can also subscribe for streaming video.
The St. Paul Saints announced that not only will 26 home games air this season on Sinclair CW affiliate WUCW/23.1 (Minneapolis), the team will also be seen outside of the Minneapolis market for the first time. All of 75 home games will be carried Gray Media’s KMNF-LD/7.3 (Mankato). Ten of the games will be carried on Gray’s KBJR/6.3 (Superior-Duluth) and KTTC (Rochester); the exact KTTC channel that will air the games was not immediately announced.
Iowa PBS announced that it is now available to stream for free on Prime Video in Iowa.
Cumulus Media has launched “The Overnight Ride” on 47 of its Country stations, including “Nash FM 97.3” (KHKI Des Moines) and “995 PKR” (WPKR Omro-Oshkosh). The 12-5 a.m. show is hosted by Justin Franiak and originates from Cumulus’ Country station in Nashville.
Civic Media’s “99.7 MAX FM” (WRPQ/740 Baraboo) has moved to a new location in downtown Baraboo and is planning an open house for April 24.
Gracie Award winners include KARE 11 “Breaking the News” anchor Jana Shortal for On-Air Talent, Hubbard Radio’s “My Talk 107” (KTMY) for Interview Feature – Hard News, and Minnesota Public Radio News for Feature/Special.
In case you missed it here:
- Iowa Catholic Radio, “La Ley” to Swap Stations in Des Moines
- Iowa “Lift FM” Signals Sold to Separate Christian Broadcasters
- FCC/CRTC Monitor: KFAB at Reduced Nighttime Power
News tips? Press releases? If you don’t see yours here, I probably didn’t receive it! Please send them to jonellis@northpine.com!
Disclosure: Jon Ellis is an employee of Gray Media Group. The statements and views expressed in this posting are his own and do not reflect those of Gray Media Group.