KQRS Teases Format Change, Plays Soul Asylum on Repeat
Key Insights
KQRS (92.5 FM) sidelined its on-air staff and began teasing a relaunch for April 3rd.
The station played Minneapolis band Soul Asylum's "Somebody to Shove" repeatedly leading up to the change.
Morning show host Steve Gorman (formerly of The Black Crowes) and co-host Ryder Rox are confirmed to return. Longtime co-host Brian Zepp was recently laid off.
KQRS owner, Cumulus Media, has not officially commented on the specific changes.
Why this matters: KQRS has been a fixture in the Twin Cities radio market for decades. A format shift could significantly alter the listening landscape for rock fans and impact station ratings and advertising revenue in this major Minnesota market.
In-Depth Analysis
KQRS, which adopted its classic rock format in the 1970s, dominated the Twin Cities airwaves for years, particularly during the long tenure of morning host Tom Barnard. Even Howard Stern couldn't dethrone Barnard's "Morning Show" in the late '90s.
However, ratings have declined since Barnard's departure in December 2022. Steve Gorman, known for his time drumming with The Black Crowes and later hosting sports and rock radio shows, took over the morning slot in 2023.
Speculation among listeners and industry watchers suggests a potential shift away from purely classic rock ('70s/'80s staples like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd) towards incorporating more '90s and alternative rock. Listeners noted an increase in artists like Nirvana, Green Day, and The Replacements even before the "Under Construction" phase. This aligns with Gorman's musical background and could be an attempt to capture a slightly younger demographic (Gen X). Other less likely theories included a flip to sports talk, given Gorman's previous experience, or simply an elaborate April Fools' Day prank, though the timing makes a genuine change more probable.
FAQs
Q: What is happening at KQRS?
A: KQRS (92.5 FM) is undergoing a format change or relaunch, set to be revealed on Thursday, April 3rd at 6 a.m. They took DJs off the air and played Soul Asylum on repeat as a teaser.
Q: Is KQRS changing from classic rock?
A: It's strongly suspected the station will shift its focus, likely incorporating more '90s and alternative rock alongside its classic rock base, but the exact new format hasn't been officially announced by owner Cumulus Media.
Q: Will Steve Gorman still be the morning host?
A: Yes, KQRS has confirmed that Steve Gorman and his co-host Ryder Rox will return for the morning show under the new format.
Key Takeaways
If you're a longtime KQRS listener in the Twin Cities, prepare for a potential change in the music mix starting April 3rd.
The shift might mean hearing more alternative and '90s rock artists alongside the station's traditional classic rock playlist.
This move reflects the challenges traditional radio faces in maintaining ratings and adapting to changing listener tastes.
Discussion
What do you think of KQRS potentially changing its format? Will a shift towards more '90s rock keep you listening? Let us know your thoughts!
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Sources & References
Source 1: KQRS teases format change coming Thursday, plays Soul Asylum on repeat (Pioneer Press)
Source 2: Based on reporting from The Minnesota Star Tribune (Article: "Classic rock station KQRS-FM goes ‘under construction’ without DJs ahead of relaunch")
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