The last time the KTWN call letters were heard on Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota was over 28 years ago on 107.9. Northern Lights has confirmed they will be returning as ‘96.3 NOW’ KHTC becomes Adult CHR ‘K-TWIN’ on January 1, 2012. Here is the official press release:
“Steve Woodbury, the President and CEO of Northern Lights Broadcasting announced today a shift in programming direction for its Twin Cities radio station, 96.3 NOW, KHTC FM, January 1, 2012. “There is a real opportunity for a locally owned and operated radio station that can personally connect with Twin Cities’ listeners. With the exception of a hand full of Twin Cities’ commercial stations, most are currently owned and operated by large, national radio groups that are programmed and supervised from a national platform.”
On Sunday, KHTC FM, (96.3 Now), will be changing its call letters to heritage call letters, KTWN FM (96.3 K-TWIN) and adjusting its music format from Rhythmic CHR to Adult Top 40. In addition, the station will be introducing a new morning show on 1/4/12 which will feature extensive news, weather, sports, traffic and fun conversation and will be hosted by 12 year KARE 11 news and sports anchor, Eric Perkins & Tony Fly, 20 year Twin Cities radio personality. KTWN FM radio personality and former Miss Minnesota International, Danni Starr will also be a part of the new morning show.
According to Operations Vice President, Sam Elliot, “an extensive research study was done in the Twin Cities in September of this year to determine new opportunities for music and personalities. The move to Adult Top 40 music offers the listener today’s guitar based, pop alternative music as well as similar, gold based, hit music from 1985 to the present. Artists include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Adele, Linkin Park, Daughtry, Foo Fighters, Bon Jovi, U2, Nickleback, Soul Asylum, Coldplay, Maroon 5, and Foster the People.” According to Elliot, “70% of the songs heard on the new 96.3 K-TWIN will be music that isn’t currently being played in the market”.
Elliot also stated that “in addition, the September research indicated that listeners want more local news, weather, and sports from local personalities they know and trust…and…from people who have homes, raise families, and work in the Twin Cities. In addition to morning show personalities Eric Perkins, Tony Fly, and Danni Starr, KTWN FM’s other shows will be hosted by Twin Cities’ talent Lisa Wright, Dan Riggs, B Wright, and Dan Jordan. Former KARE 11 news anchors Rick Kupchella, Amy Hockert, and others will deliver the local and national news, weather, and sports hourly throughout the day.”
Northern Lights Broadcasting, KTWN’s parent company is locally owned by the Pohlad Family which is known for having extensive community involvement with their various companies including the Minnesota Twins and the Pohlad Charitable Foundation. As Woodbury stated, “We intend to have KTWN FM mirror the community and be responsive to its entertainment and information needs.” KTWN FM will be: ‘Your Town, Your Friends, Your Hits’.”