After extensive negotiations, the Twins announced today they have agreed to a 2 year extension of the broadcast rights with KSTP-AM 1500. The Hubbards flipped KSTP-AM from a News/Talk station to all-sports “1500 ESPN” last February.
The two other main contenders for Minnesota Twins flagship station status were CBS’ WCCO-AM 830 and one of Clear Channel’s FM stations. Clear Channel’s Sports Talk KFAN-AM 1130 “The Fan” was not one of the bidders. Some had speculated that the Pohlads’ own KHTC-FM 96.3 “96.3 Now” was under consideration. This was not to be, however. KHTC’s Urban Contemporary format would likely be incompatible with the Twins’ broadcasts. Additionally, the 96.3 signal suffers from coverage and penetration issues in parts of the Twin Cities metro area.
Congratulations to the ESPN 1500 folks for submitting the winning bid. Go Twins!