People
The Star Tribune reports that longtime investigative reporter Tom Lyden has departed FOX owned-and-operated KMSP/9 (Minneapolis) to care for his mother, who lives in California. Minnesota Public Radio’s “Minnesota Now” interviewed Lyden and his friend John Wanamaker, who, as noted here last week, has left MPR for similar reasons. The St. Paul Pioneer Press also has a report. Meanwhile, the Des Moines Register reports on Wanamaker‘s impending arrival at Iowa Public Radio.
Twin Cities PBS has hired Shona Koester as its chief advancement officer.
RadioInsight reports that Adam Sprenger has been promoted to operations manager of Audacy Minneapolis’ “102.9 The Wolf” (KMNB) and “104.1 Jack FM” (KZJK).
Radio Online reports that Jen Driskill has been named assistant program director and midday host at Northwestern Media’s KTIS-FM/98.5 (Minneapolis).
Stations and companies
Iowa Public Radio debuted a new logo (above) to kick off its fall fundraising drive. The network says the new brand “conveys balance, inspires curiosity and promotes connections.” IPR is also making changes to its weekend lineup starting Sept. 30, adding “Reveal” and “Hidden Brain” and expanding news programming on its News and Studio One FM network by one hour Saturdays and Sundays.
Wisconsin Public Radio’s Ideas Network is adding the national program “The Middle” to its schedule, airing Thursdays at 8 p.m.
This Sunday, Sept. 24, marks the season’s first broadcast TV conflict between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. The teams are playing separate noon games but FOX only has the right to air one per market, meaning people in border areas will miss one of the games. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) has sent the NFL a letter asking them to use more care not to schedule the teams to play at the same time. She also reintroduced legislation to change cable and satellite TV rules to allow companies to carry out-of-market in-state affiliates.
“93.7 The Ticket” (KNTK Firth) has completed the move of its studio to a new facility in downtown Lincoln. The plans were first announced last year.
In case you missed it here:
- Western Wisconsin Radio Duo Sold to Station Employees
- Morgan Murphy Media Buys Michigan TV, Radio Stations
- Nexstar Stations Return to DirecTV after 11-Week Outage
- FCC Monitor: Displaced LPTV Could Get Upgrade; MN Translator Returned
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 was an employee of Gray Media Group at the time this item was posted. The statements and views expressed in this posting are his own and do not reflect those of Gray Media Group.